TCPA compliance

What is TCPA?

TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act) is a federal law requiring express written consent to broadcast SMS messages.‍

No matter where you obtained a phone number, such as from a form,  you must provide express written consent so that your supporters understand they are opting-in to receiving messages from your organization.

How do I make sure my organization’s SMS messages are TCPA compliant?

1. Only message supporters who have opted-in to receive messages from your organization. Supporters can opt-in by texting in a keyword or filling out a form.*You cannot message supporters  that have not opted-in.
2. Always provided supporters with express written consent immediately after they trigger an opt-in flow and include your organization name and STOP to Quit language., Express written consent can be provided in the form of a confirmation text.
3. Only send messages between the hours of 8AM and 9PM in the supporter’s time zone (built into Ascend).
4. Keep a record of  subscriptions for  each supporter (built in to Ascend).

How do I provide express written consent?

For new supporters who opt-in you can provide express written consent in the form of a follow-up confirmation text.

TCPA guidelines require your confirmation message to include:

• Your organization’s name
• Message frequency
• “ Reply STOP to quit, HELP for info"‍
• “ Msg&DataRatesMayApply"

Example: Thanks for joining {{organizationName}}! We'll keep you posted on upcoming actions and updates on this number. Msg frequency varies, Reply STOP 2 quit, HELP 4 info. Msg&DataRatesMayApply

If you import a list of supporters that have already opted-in, such as a list from another SMS platform,  include express written consent in your first broadcast on Ascend.

TCPA guidelines require the initial message of your first broadcast include:

• Your organization’s name
• Message frequency‍
• “ Reply STOP to quit, HELP for info" ‍
• “ Msg&DataRatesMayApply"

Example: Hi {{firstName}}, this is {{organizationName}} new text line! We'll be sending you periodic updates and action alerts here. Msg frequency varies, Reply STOP 2 quit, HELP 4 info. Msg&DataRatesMayApply.

How do I make sure my web forms and petitions are TCPA compliant?

In order to ensure your opt-in forms are TCPA compliant, you must include an opt-in checkbox disclaimer at the end of your form that must be checked by the supporter before they hit submit.

Example: [check box] Receive mobile alerts from {{campaign name}}. Message and data rates may apply. Frequency varies. Text HELP for help. Text STOP to cancel.