Summary: This guide explains the crucial importance of obtaining prior consent before sending SMS notifications and details the various compliant methods available, including Verbal/Written Consent and Electronic Forms, along with recommended compliant language for your consent forms.
Why is SMS Consent Important?
Sending SMS messages without prior consent is a bad practice that can lead to legal issues. Following these guidelines ensures you communicate responsibly, respectfully, and within legal guidelines.
Methods for Obtaining Consent
| Method | Description & Compliance |
| Verbal or Written Consent | Consent can be given verbally or through a physical form (e.g., connect card). You must clearly document how and when you obtained the verbal consent. |
| Electronic Forms | Consent gathered through online forms (e.g., People forms). You must include clear language stating the individual agrees to receive SMS messages. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Collecting Enrollment Consent from a Form
1. Create a Form in the Forms product.
2. Add a Multiple Choice field labeled something like "Text Message Consent."
3. Enter options for Yes and No. [A "Yes" response is considered "Written (paper or electronic)" consent.]
4. Include the recommended language below to ensure compliance. * Note: This form field will not automatically enroll them; you must utilize the Form Results to then enroll the consented profiles.
Recommended Language for Consent Forms
Use this model language for clarity and compliance on your forms:
By selecting "Yes" above, I am consenting to receive SMS messages from {{your_org_name_here}} regarding information and announcements. I understand that message and data rates may apply and message frequency varies. I can opt out by responding STOP at any time. For support I can text HELP to 87447. Please review the Tithe.ly Privacy Policy and Terms of Service available at get.tithe.ly/legal/terms-of-service for more details.
Important Considerations
- Respecting Opt-Outs: If someone replies STOP, you must respect their decision and ensure they are no longer sent SMS notifications. People provides tools to manage these opt-outs.
- Record Keeping: Maintain clear records of how and when you obtained consent (date and method). This documentation is essential for compliance.
- Enrolling Users: Once consent is obtained, you must follow the steps in the related article to manually enroll the user in People to begin sending SMS messages.