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?
- 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 on Strive that have not opted-in.
- Always provided supporters with express written consent immediately after they trigger an opt-in flow. Expressed written consent can be provided in the form of a confirmation text.
- Always include your organization’s name and “Reply STOP to quit” in each new broadcast to your list.
- Only send messages between the hours of 8AM and 9PM in the supporter’s time zone.
- Always keep record documentation of expressed written consent for each supporter
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 express written consent 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, you must include express written consent in your first broadcast on Strive.
TCPA guidelines require your express written consent 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.
Do I need to include TCPA language in my simple broadcasts and automated flows after supporters have opted-in and received expressed written consent?
Yes. When you want to send a new broadcast to your list, always make sure the first message includes:
- Your organization’s name
- “ Reply STOP to quit"
Note: If you create a flow, your subsequent auto replies do not need to include “Reply STOP” language, just the first message of that flow. Likewise, individual follow-ups sent through the inbox don't have to include “Reply STOP" language.
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.
