CONNECT98 SMS COMPLIANCE GUIDE
CONNECT98 SMS COMPLIANCE GUIDE
Important
This guide explains how Connect98 supports SMS compliance.
It is not legal advice and does not replace your obligations under our Terms & Conditions or applicable laws.
You are solely responsible for ensuring that your use of the platform is compliant.
How Connect98 Supports Compliance
Connect98 includes features designed to support compliant messaging and reduce common operational risks.
These features assist with compliance, but do not guarantee it.
The platform provides:
Automatic inclusion of opt-out instructions in messages
Simple opt-out via reply (e.g. STOP)
Platform-level enforcement of opt-outs
Automatic blocking of opted-out numbers from future messaging
Retention of opt-out records for audit and reporting purposes
Support for regional requirements (UK/EU and US)
Support for US 10DLC registration and campaign management
👉 These features help reduce common mistakes.
👉 You remain responsible for how and when they are used.
Your Responsibilities
Connect98 provides the platform.
You control the data, the messaging, and the legal basis for using both.
1. You Must Have Valid Permission
You may only message individuals who have clearly agreed to receive communications from you.
Acceptable methods include:
QR code sign-up (recommended)
Website opt-in forms
In-store or point-of-sale capture
Booking or checkout consent
Not acceptable:
Purchased lists
Scraped data
Third-party databases without consent
Assumed or unclear consent
👉 If you cannot demonstrate consent, you should not send the message.
2. Be Clear at the Point of Sign-Up
Individuals must understand:
who they are signing up to hear from
what type of messages they will receive
Example:
“Enter your number to receive updates, offers and reminders from [Business Name].”
👉 If this is unclear, consent may not be valid.
3. Send Appropriate Messages
SMS is a direct and immediate channel.
Use it for:
timely offers
reminders
important updates
Avoid:
excessive frequency
irrelevant messaging
👉 Poor messaging practices can lead to complaints, filtering, or account restrictions.
4. Opt-Out Handling
Connect98 provides automated opt-out functionality.
When an End User opts out:
their number is flagged automatically
they are excluded from future messaging within the platform
messaging to that number is blocked
This functionality is enforced at platform level.
However:
👉 You remain responsible for ensuring that opt-out mechanisms are legally compliant and clearly communicated.
You must not:
attempt to re-add opted-out contacts
attempt to bypass opt-out restrictions
👉 Once a user opts out, they must not be contacted again unless they provide new valid consent.
5. US Messaging (TCPA & 10DLC)
If you message individuals in the United States:
you must have prior express consent where required
your messaging must match your registered campaign type
your content must align with your declared use case
👉 Non-compliance may result in message blocking, carrier intervention, or account suspension.
6. Record Keeping
Connect98 automatically maintains records for each contact, including:
date and time of entry
method of data capture (e.g. QR, upload)
message history
opt-in and opt-out status
👉 This provides an audit trail to support your compliance obligations.
However:
👉 You remain responsible for ensuring that the data collected or uploaded was obtained lawfully.
What Connect98 Does Not Do
Connect98 does not:
obtain consent on your behalf
verify the legality of your data
approve or validate message content
guarantee compliance with any laws or regulations
Summary
Connect98 provides tools that support compliant messaging.
You are responsible for:
your data
your consent
your message content
your legal compliance
👉 If in doubt, do not send the message.