Skip to content

Instantly share code, notes, and snippets.

@seldo

seldo/can-spam.md

Last active May 2, 2023 19:52
Show Gist options
  • Star 17 You must be signed in to star a gist
  • Fork 0 You must be signed in to fork a gist
  • Save seldo/143bfb57684959da52cf6bc145dd0ee5 to your computer and use it in GitHub Desktop.
Save seldo/143bfb57684959da52cf6bc145dd0ee5 to your computer and use it in GitHub Desktop.
Download ZIP
CAN-SPAM
Raw
can-spam.md

Hi! I notice your email doesn't contain instructions on how to unsubscribe, which is illegal:

https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/business-center/guidance/can-spam-act-compliance-guide-business

Despite its name, the CAN-SPAM Act doesn’t apply just to bulk email. It covers all commercial messages, which the law defines as “any electronic mail message the primary purpose of which is the commercial advertisement or promotion of a commercial product or service,” including email that promotes content on commercial websites. The law makes no exception for business-to-business email. That means all email – for example, a message to former customers announcing a new product line – must comply with the law.

Each separate email in violation of the CAN-SPAM Act is subject to penalties of up to $46,517, so non-compliance can be costly. But following the law isn’t complicated. Here’s a rundown of CAN-SPAM’s main requirements:

  1. Don’t use false or misleading header information.
  2. Don’t use deceptive subject lines.
  3. Identify the message as an ad.
  4. Tell recipients where you’re located.
  5. Tell recipients how to opt out of receiving future email from you.
  6. Honor opt-out requests promptly.
Sign up for free to join this conversation on GitHub. Already have an account? Sign in to comment