Effective Date Jan 1, 2024
At ClubReady, we are dedicated to ensuring the integrity and compliance of our communication services. As part of our commitment to delivering trusted communications, we employ strict safeguards to maintain compliance with all carrier policies and regulations. Unfortunately, there are times when we must address issues related to forbidden text messages, which may result in significant fines and impact your messaging capabilities.
Mobile carriers and service providers are continuing to take more and aggressive steps to reduce unwanted SMS messages. This includes new policies, enforcement of policies, and more aggressive interpretations of existing policies, especially for traffic carriers consider high risk.
It is the responsibility of each ClubReady customer to comply with all messaging policies. Any fines assessed will be the customer’s responsibility.
If there is a violation of the texting policy:
- We will notify you by email
- We will ask for you to sign a form that you will cease with the behavior immediately.
- You are responsible for fines imposted by carriers
- Your ability to send text messages may be suspended or terminated
ClubReady Texting Restrictions
Due to tightened enforcement by carriers aiming to reduce unwanted SMS and MMS traffic on their networks in the United States and Canada, ClubReady customers must comply with regulations when it comes to our messaging services to remain compliant. In cooperation with our messaging partners, we need to inform you of what are considered forbidden message categories.
The 2 main categories that you should be aware of that can be mistakenly put into a one-to-one text or campaign are:
- Contests or raffles
- CBD products
Additional forbidden text categories include:
- High-risk financial services
- Third-party lead generation services and marketing
- Debt collection or forgiveness
- “Get rich quick” schemes
- Illegal substances/articles (INCLUDING CBD)
- Prescription drugs
- Gambling
"S.H.A.F.T." use cases (Sex, Hate, Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco) - Electronic smoking devices
Please view the complete list of Forbidden Text Categories here Forbidden Message Categories in the US and Canada (Short Code, Toll-Free, and Long Code) – Twilio Support
In addition to the above, T-Mobile has announced the following fines for content and policy violations:
- Phishing, smishing, and social engineering will result in a $2,000 fine per violation
- Promotion of illegal activities (anything not legal in all 50 states and federally) including cannabis, marijuana, CBD, and solicitation will result in a $1,000 fine per violation
- All other violations will result in a $500 fine per violation
These fines go into effect January 1, 2024, are at carriers’ discretion, and do not exclude other penalties including service suspension, termination, or other fines. Carriers may impose or change penalties at any time with little or no notice.
It is our desire to avoid any communication disruption between you and your customers. If you have any questions about these new rules, please reach out to our customer support team.
Twilio offers a platform for global SMS communication, but users must adhere to its Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) and Terms of Service (ToS). Violations may lead to project suspension or closure. The AUP prohibits unsolicited messages, mass marketing on long codes, harassing or abusive messages, use for emergency services, fraud, phishing, identity misrepresentation, and sending explicit images. Users are responsible for compliance, and Twilio actively monitors and may take action against violators. These guidelines complement the General Terms & Conditions and the full ToS.
Learn more: Restricted SMS message types using Twilio