One of the most frequent questions I receive as a 10DLC expert is:
“Why do I need a privacy policy just to text customers?”
Often followed closely by:
“What if I don’t have a website?”
These questions highlight a common frustration many businesses face when navigating carrier compliance, specifically regarding privacy policies. Let’s clear up the confusion.
Understanding Why Carriers Require a Privacy Policy
Wireless carriers base their messaging compliance frameworks—in large part, though not exclusively—around the CTIA’s Messaging Principles and Best Practices. These guidelines are designed to protect consumers from unwanted messages and ensure transparency in communication. Specifically, Section 5.2.1 of these guidelines states:
“Maintain and Conspicuously Display a Clear, Easy-to-Understand Privacy Policy.”
In plain English, carriers require your business to clearly tell customers how their mobile information will—and will not—be used. Specifically, they look closely for language assuring consumers their mobile opt-ins won’t be shared with third parties for marketing purposes.
Why is this so critical?
- Transparency Builds Trust: Customers want reassurance about their privacy. A clear policy reduces the risk of consumer complaints and potential legal issues.
- Compliance Avoids Delays: Clearly displaying your privacy policy helps ensure your texting campaigns are approved promptly, avoiding unnecessary delays or rejections.
What Exactly Do Carriers Look For?
When reviewing your 10DLC registration, carriers specifically verify:
- Clear language stating that no mobile opt-ins will be shared with third parties for marketing purposes.
- Easy accessibility of your privacy policy for the consumer.
This means the privacy policy should ideally be a clickable link during digital opt-ins or provided physically during paper-based opt-ins, along with clear instructions on how consumers can access it again if needed.
What if Your Business Doesn’t Have a Website?
Not having a traditional website doesn’t disqualify you from texting customers. You can still meet the carrier’s privacy policy requirement through other channels:
- Social Media Pages: Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram profiles often include sections for privacy and legal disclosures. For instance, we recently assisted a small business client who leveraged their Facebook page’s “Privacy and Legal Info” section, stating clearly: “We do not share your mobile information with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes.”
- Digital Documents: Host a publicly accessible document through platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, or similar services. Just make sure the link is clearly provided to the consumer. It’s best practice to check directly with your messaging service provider first to make sure this meets their compliance requirements.
- Physical Documentation: If you’re collecting opt-ins on paper, always provide a printed copy of your privacy policy at the time of opt-in. Include instructions detailing how consumers can access another copy if they lose the original.
Facebook privacy policy example for business texting
Practical Tips to Ensure Compliance
- Use Clear Language: Clearly state in straightforward terms that consumer mobile numbers and data won’t be shared externally.
- Accessibility is Key: Always make your privacy policy accessible with minimal effort. Clickable links during digital opt-ins and printed copies with clear instructions during in-person interactions are best practices.
- Consistency Across Channels: Ensure your privacy policy messaging is uniform across your website, social media, digital documents, and printed materials.
Simplifying the Process With TextBetter
At TextBetter, we’ve guided countless businesses through the intricacies of 10DLC registration, including the crucial step of crafting compliant privacy policies. We handle more than just filling out forms—we ensure that every detail aligns with carrier requirements, from privacy disclosures to consumer accessibility.
When your privacy policy is clear, accessible, and compliant, you avoid:
- Rejections from carriers
- Unnecessary delays in campaign approval
- Customer confusion or dissatisfaction
Our approach simplifies carrier requirements into clear steps, ensuring your text campaigns get approved quickly and perform effectively.
Final Thoughts
Privacy policies aren’t just compliance obligations; they’re vital tools for building customer trust and ensuring smooth messaging operations. Whether you have a traditional website or use alternative methods like social media pages or digital documents, the key is clear disclosure and easy accessibility.
Let TextBetter take the guesswork out of the equation. Our expertise ensures your business texting campaigns not only meet compliance standards but exceed customer expectations.
Free 10DLC Consultation
Disclaimer: Please note that this is not legal advice and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to substitute for advice from qualified legal counsel, nor is it to assist you or help you be compliant as you assume 100% responsibility in all legal matters.
