Global compliance overview
When sending messages globally with Sinch Engage, adhering to telecom compliance regulations is essential. Compliance protects your brand reputation, prevents carrier blocking, and ensures your messages reach your audience. While laws vary significantly by country, there are universal core principles every sender must follow.
Universal core principles (the "Golden Rules")
Regardless of where you are sending messages, you must adhere to these foundational rules:
| Principle | What You Need to Know | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Explicit Consent (Opt-In) | You cannot send messages to users who have not explicitly agreed to receive them. Buying lists is strictly prohibited. | Maintain clear records of how and when a user opted in. |
| 2. Clear Opt-Out Mechanisms | Recipients must always have a simple, free way to stop receiving messages (e.g., replying "STOP"). | Include opt-out instructions in your campaigns. [Link to: Opt-out management guide] |
| 3. Prohibited Content | Most global carriers block messages containing "SHAFT" content (Sex, Hate, Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco) or predatory financial schemes. | Review your message content against our Acceptable Use Policy. |
| 4. Sender Identification | You must clearly identify your business within the message or via an approved Sender ID. | Ensure your business name is evident to the recipient. |
Regional compliance hubs
Beyond the golden rules, specific countries have unique legal frameworks (such as the TCPA in the US, GDPR in Europe, and the Spam Act in Australia).
Choose the region you are sending messages to for specific compliance guidelines, quiet hours, and opt-out formatting rules:
| Region | Regulatory Focus | Regional Guidelines |
|---|---|---|
| North America (US & Canada) | TCPA compliance, mandatory opt-out language (STOP), strict SHAFT content filtering. | |
| APAC (East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania) | Spam Act compliance, mandatory opt-out links or reply paths, time-of-day sending restrictions. | APAC sending guidelines |
| EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) | GDPR data privacy, country-specific opt-out phrasing, sender ID registration laws. | EMEA sending guidelines |