What is CAN-SPAM Act? | Meaning & Definition | Akrivia HCM

The CAN-SPAM Act is a law that states rules for communicative messages, which regulate these messages and lays down clearly defined ways for opting out. This does not include information about billing, warranties, product updates, or newsletter service. With the help of this Act, a recipient can easily tell to stop emailing or unsubscribe, and if the company violates the guidelines, they will pay the penalty. This Act helps identify fraudulent marketers and requires clear identification of advertisements and offers.

The CAN-SPAM Act focuses on marketing emails, but the FTC provides guidance on transactional messages (e.g., shipping notifications) and when CAN-SPAM requirements apply to those messages. When the U.S. has CAN-SPAM Act to avoid such violations, Europe has General Data Protection Regulation, and Canada has Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation.

Things to remember to avoid CAN-SPAM when you are planning an email marketing strategy:

• Write a clear and concise header.
• Include the address of the company.
• Companies should include the unsubscribe option.
• Match subject line and content.
• If your mail is an ad, state that.
• Know where your company stands in the outside world.