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CAN-SPAM Act information

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The CAN-SPAM Act requires commercial emails to show the sender's physical address and offer a way to unsubscribe. ShortStack adds both to every email automatically, in a footer built from your Company Profile. On the Enterprise plan, you can turn the footer off for transactional emails, such as order or entry confirmations.

What the law requires

The CAN-SPAM Act is the United States law for commercial email. Among other things, it requires each commercial email to:

  • use honest From names, addresses and subject lines;
  • make clear that the email is an advertisement, where it is one;
  • include the sender's valid physical postal address;
  • offer a clear way to opt out of future emails, and honor opt-outs promptly.

The FTC's CAN-SPAM compliance guide covers the details. ShortStack's help isn't legal advice, so check with your own counsel if you're unsure.

What ShortStack adds for you

Every email includes a footer with:

  • your business name and address, from the email's Company Profile;
  • an unsubscribe link.

Your subject lines, From name and content are up to you. Keep them accurate.

Email Login verification emails

The verification code emails that Email Login sends to your visitors are sent without the footer automatically. You don't need to change any setting on the email.

Transactional emails confirm something a person did, such as an entry, purchase or registration, rather than promote something. CAN-SPAM's requirements are lighter for them.

On the Enterprise plan, tick Disable the CAN-SPAM footer on an email's Company Profile step to send it without the footer. The option is on autoresponders, follow-up emails and scheduled emails. Use it only when the email is primarily transactional. Keep the footer on any email that promotes products, offers or other campaigns.

FAQs

Can I remove the unsubscribe footer?

On the Enterprise plan, you can turn it off for transactional emails, such as order or entry confirmations. Tick Disable the CAN-SPAM footer on the email's Company Profile step. It's available on autoresponders, follow-up emails and scheduled emails. Marketing emails keep the footer.

Do verification code emails from Email Login include the CAN-SPAM footer?

Verification code emails sent by Email Login are sent without the footer automatically, so there is nothing for you to switch off.

What happens when someone clicks unsubscribe?

They stop receiving emails sent with that Company Profile, and see the unsubscribe message set in the profile. If you use more than one profile, they can still receive emails sent with your other profiles.

Does the CAN-SPAM Act apply outside the United States?

It applies to commercial email sent to people in the United States. Other countries have their own rules, such as GDPR in the EU and CASL in Canada, which can be stricter. Check the rules where your entrants live.

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