I need compliance help for SMS opt-in and opt-out

Absolutely — I can help with SMS opt-in and opt-out compliance.

A few important notes first:

• I’m not a lawyer, so this isn’t legal advice.
• SMS rules vary by country, and in the U.S. they can involve TCPA, CTIA carrier guidelines, and state laws.
• Compliance depends on how you collect consent, what you say at signup, and how you handle STOP requests.

Core SMS compliance basics

Opt-in requirements

You generally want:

1. Clear affirmative consent
   • The user must take an intentional action, like checking an unchecked box, texting a keyword, or submitting a form.
2. Explicit disclosure
   • Tell them:
     • who is sending the texts,
     • what kind of messages they’ll get,
     • message frequency,
     • “Msg & data rates may apply,”
     • how to opt out,
     • how to get help.
3. No pre-checked boxes
   • Consent should not be bundled into unrelated terms.
4. Proof of consent
   • Save timestamp, source, wording shown, phone number, IP/device info if available, and confirmation method.

Opt-out requirements

You should:

1. Honor STOP immediately
   • Common keywords: STOP, CANCEL, UNSUBSCRIBE, QUIT, END, REVOKE.
2. Send a confirmation
   • Example: “You’ve been unsubscribed and will no longer receive messages.”
3. Keep opt-out logic simple
   • Don’t make people log in or jump through hoops.
4. Respect all channels
   • If someone opts out, they should not receive marketing SMS unless they re-opt in.

Recommended opt-in language

Here’s a common compliant-style example:

By checking this box and signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated promotional and personalized marketing text messages from [Brand Name] at the mobile number provided. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. Reply STOP to cancel, HELP for help.

If you also send non-promotional alerts, separate them clearly:

You agree to receive account and service notifications from [Brand Name]. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help.

Best practices

• Keep marketing and transactional consent separate if possible.
• Make sure your privacy policy and terms mention SMS.
• Use double opt-in if risk is higher or your provider recommends it.
• Don’t text people who only gave you a phone number unless they clearly consented to texts.
• Make sure your signup flow works on mobile and desktop.
• If you use keywords or QR codes, make sure the consent language is still visible or easily accessible at the point of opt-in.

Common mistakes

• Hidden consent in terms and conditions
• Pre-checked opt-in boxes
• Vague wording like “we may contact you”
• No record of consent
• Sending texts after STOP
• Mixing marketing with required account communications
• Letting third parties collect consent without proper disclosures

If you want, I can help with any of these:

1. Draft compliant SMS opt-in language for your website or checkout flow
2. Draft STOP/HELP auto-replies
3. Review your current opt-in copy for risk
4. Create a compliance checklist for your team
5. Help for a specific country or region

If you paste your current SMS signup wording or workflow, I can review it and suggest safer compliance language.