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Forbidden Message Categories in the US and Canada
Forbidden Message Categories in the US and Canada
Héctor F avatar
Written by Héctor F
Updated over a week ago

The messaging use cases described below are strictly prohibited on SMS platforms in the United States and Canada. These guidelines apply to Short Code, Toll-Free, and Long Code messaging under the new A2P 10DLC system. We want to ensure that our messaging services remain compliant with regulations and carrier requirements.

Campaigns Prohibited

  • Loan advertisements except for messages from direct lenders for secured loans

  • Payday loans

  • Credit repair

  • Debt relief

  • Pharmacy/Cannabis/Tobacco/Vape

  • ED

  • Work from home, ‘secret shopper’ and similar advertising campaigns

  • Gambling/sweepstakes

  • Cryptocurrencies

  • Lead generation campaigns that indicate the sharing of collected information with third parties

  • Campaign types are not in compliance with or prohibited recommendations by the CTIA Short Code Monitoring Handbook, Version 1.7 or later.

Messaging Prohibited

  • Message content that deceives or threatens consumers is not permitted.

  • Message streams that result in excessive complaints or STOP commands typically indicate an unwanted message campaign and will not be allowed to continue.

  • Phishing

  • Fraud or scams

  • Deceptive marketing

  • Distribution of malware or app downloads from non-secure locations

  • Loan, debt consolidation, debt relief, and student loan programs from any enterprise cannot grant the loan themself. Affiliate lead generation for these financial programs is prohibited.

  • Affiliate marketing programs that seek to obtain opt-in subscriber lists

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