This Messaging Policy applies to SMS, MMS, and all messaging channels provided by VoIPNETICS. At VoIPNETICS, we believe that the messages our customers want to receive should be delivered reliably and without interference from filtering or blocking. A key part of achieving this is eliminating unwanted messaging.
We work with our customers to ensure messages are sent with the recipient’s consent and comply with all applicable laws, industry standards, and basic principles of fairness and decency.
This principle is central to VoIPNETICS’s Acceptable Use Policy.
VoIPNETICS treats all messaging transmitted via our platform—regardless of use case or phone number type (e.g., long code, short code, or toll-free)—as Application-to-Person (A2P) messaging. All A2P messages originating from VoIPNETICS are subject to this Messaging Policy, which addresses:
Consent (opt-in)
Revocation of Consent (opt-out)
Sender Identification
Messaging Usage
Filtering Evasion
Enforcement
This policy applies to all customers who use VoIPNETICS’s messaging services. If you offer your own end users or clients the ability to send messages through VoIPNETICS (e.g., as an ISV), you are fully responsible for their compliance with this policy.
Consent must be obtained directly from the message recipient. Consent cannot be bought, sold, or transferred. For example, you may not send messages to phone numbers acquired from a purchased list.
If you are a software provider or platform operator using VoIPNETICS’s messaging services, you must ensure that your end users also follow these consent requirements.
Before sending the first message, you must obtain the recipient’s agreement to receive the type of messages you intend to send. This is referred to as “consent.” You must maintain proof of consent (e.g., signed forms, timestamps from digital opt-in flows).
If you do not send the first message shortly after obtaining consent, you must re-confirm the recipient’s permission in your first communication.
Consent applies only to you and the specific campaign or service agreed to by the recipient. Consent does not extend to other brands, campaigns, or services you offer.
Consent records should be retained as required by local regulations or best practices, even after the recipient opts out.
There are two exceptions where standard opt-in consent can be handled differently:
If someone contacts you first (e.g., via text asking for business hours), you may reply within the scope of that inquiry. Their message serves as both consent and proof of consent. However, this does not permit sending unrelated messages afterward unless new consent is obtained.
You may send non-promotional messages to individuals if:
They provided their number to you,
They initiated some action (e.g., scheduled an appointment, placed an order),
They have not opted out of messaging.
Examples include receipts, appointment reminders, OTPs, confirmations, and logistical coordination. Messages in this category must not include promotional content or advocacy.
If messages will be sent on a recurring basis:
Remind recipients how to opt out (e.g., “Reply STOP to unsubscribe”),
Honor preferences for frequency,
Reconfirm consent regularly, as required by law or best practices.
All messages must clearly identify you as the sender, except in ongoing, two-way conversations.
Your initial message must include opt-out instructions such as:
“Reply STOP to unsubscribe” (or use accepted keywords like STOPALL, UNSUBSCRIBE, CANCEL, END, QUIT).
Recipients must be able to revoke consent at any time using these keywords. You may send a final confirmation message after receiving an opt-out request, but no further messages are allowed unless new consent is obtained.
Even with recipient consent, the following types of content are strictly prohibited on the VoIPNETICS platform:
Any content illegal in the recipient’s jurisdiction
Cannabis-related content (including CBD)
Prescription medication not legally sold over-the-counter
Hate speech, harassment, or abuse
Fraud or misinformation
Malicious content (e.g., malware, phishing)
Content designed to evade filters
You must follow all local regulations and carrier requirements applicable to the recipient’s country.
If your messaging relates to restricted content (e.g., alcohol, tobacco, firearms, gambling, adult content), you must:
Confirm the recipient is of legal age in their location
Adhere to geographic restrictions and local laws
Be able to prove compliance with these restrictions
VoIPNETICS prohibits the use of its platform to bypass filtering or detection systems. VoIPNETICS monitors message content and behavior patterns to detect spam and violations of its Acceptable Use Policy.
Prohibited evasion techniques include:
Obfuscating content (e.g., replacing letters to bypass filters)
Non-standard opt-out phrases
Snowshoeing (spreading similar content across multiple numbers to evade detection)
Where possible, VoIPNETICS will work in good faith with customers to resolve violations. However, to protect the integrity of our platform, we reserve the right to suspend or revoke messaging access with limited notice in cases of serious or repeat violations.
Effective Date: 5/1/2024
Last Updated: 9/1/2024
