The CTIA requires your Terms of Service must include an SMS disclosure.
This can be included in your current Terms of Service (Terms and Conditions, Terms of Use) or added as a separate SMS Terms of Service.
The information in this article does not constitute legal advice. Every company has different policies, business needs, and compliance risks. We recommend seeking specific legal advice before adopting any of the compliance practices listed below.
Requirements
SMS Program Name
This is often your brand or product name, e.g. [Brand] SMS
Types of Messages
By opting into <program>, you agree that [Brand] may send you SMS or MMS messages containing content including but not limited to [marketing, appointment reminders, alerts]
Texting Cadence
Mention the number of messages and and interval your contacts can expect to receive.
Examples:
- 1 message per week
- Up to 4 messages per month
- Message frequency varies
Opt-out Instructions
Include instructions for how to opt-out of receiving SMS messages
Example:
You can unsubscribe at any time by replying STOP, or texting STOP to [phone number] You may receive a message confirming your opt-out request.
Message and Data rates may apply disclosure
Disclose that costs/fees may be incurred by the end user.
Example:
Message and data rates may apply.
Help Instructions
Include help instructions for how to contact customer support.
Privacy Policy Links
Add a privacy policy link so your contacts know how you collect, store, and use their data
Example
[Brand] SMS Terms & Conditions
Program Overview:
By opting in, you will receive messages from [Brand], including information about [describe message types or purpose, e.g., product updates, promotional offers, etc.].
Message Frequency:
You will receive messages at a rate of {message frequency}.
Opt-Out Instructions:
To stop receiving messages, you may unsubscribe at any time by replying with the keyword STOP. After sending this message, you will receive a confirmation SMS, and no further messages will be sent to you. To rejoin, text START to [number].
Help:
If you need assistance with the SMS program, reply with “HELP” or contact us directly at [support email address or toll-free number].
Carrier Liability:
Please note that carriers are not responsible for delayed or undelivered messages.
Cost:
Standard message and data rates may apply for messages sent to and received from us. For questions about your text or data plan, please contact your wireless provider.
Privacy:
For details on how we handle your information, please review our privacy policy here: [link to privacy policy].