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Data Protection

News, tips & advice from FastSMS

One of the key reasons that SMS messaging is such a popular and effective communication method is its personal nature. When you send a text message you are using the same route as a person’s friends and family would use to contact them. You are directly messaging their phone which, unlike their laptop or landline, is almost always in their bag or pocket.

Not surprisingly this raises privacy and data protection issues when SMS is used for commercial purposes. The regulations imposed by the ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office) are strict but fortunately easy to understand and implement and make perfect sense. In essence the regulations say “If you want to send a text message to someone you don’t know you must get their permission first”. And as you would expect, if they change their minds and no longer wish to receive your messages then they must have an easy way to inform you and you must respect their request.

Data protection legislation applies equally to email correspondence but the battle has been lost! The amount of spam hitting our inboxes is passed a joke and most marketing emails don’t get opened.

SMS marketing is still relatively spam-free which is why it still works incredibly well. So really the regulations are our friend!

This blog category puts in one place any posts we create on the topic of data protection and SMS. Equally, if you want to discuss any issue or seek specific advice grab us on the live chat button or contact us by phone or email.


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