10DLC Text Messaging Compliance and T-Mobile violation Fees
T-Mobile has notified that they are implementing Non-Compliance Fees for mobile messaging violations on all Mobile Channels that transverse the T-Mobile Network. (SMS/MMS Short Code, Toll-Free, and 10DLC)
The non-compliance fine(s) will be assessed for every Sev-0 violation issued to Company as follows:
Tier 1: $2000 USD, for phishing, smishing, social engineering.
Tier 2: $1000 USD, for illegal content (must be legal in all 50 states and federally).
Tier 3: $500 USD, for all other violations including but not limited to SHAFT.
“Social Engineering” means all techniques aimed at getting a target to revealing specific information or performing a specific action for illegitimate reasons. Examples include but not limited to phishing, smishing, and pretexting purporting to be from reputable companies in order to induce individuals to reveal personal information, such as passwords or credit card numbers.
“Illegal Content” Refers to any content that is not legal in all 50 states and federally. This list is outlined in the T-Mobile Code of Conduct section 5.1 “Unlawful, Unapproved or Illicit Content” (however not limited to) includes Cannabis, Marijuana, Adult Solicitation.
5.1 Unlawful, Unapproved, or Illicit Content
No messaging programs can run on the T-Mobile network that may promote unlawful, unapproved, or illicit content, including but not limited to:
SPAM
Fraudulent or misleading messages
Depictions or endorsements of violence
Inappropriate content
Profanity or hate speech
Endorsement of illegal drugs
Programs must operate according to all applicable federal and state laws and regulations. In addition, the content must be legal across all 50 states. All content must be appropriate for the intended audience. Additional legal and ethical obligations apply when marketing to children under age 13, and such programs might be subject to additional review by T-Mobile.
“All Other Violations” refers to Subsection 5.7 of the T-Mobile Code of Conduct, which outlines, but is not limited to “Age Gating”
5.7 Age Gating
T-Mobile may, at its discretion and at any time, suspend, terminate, or not Approve any Messaging Program it feels does not promote a legal, age-appropriate, or positive customer experience. All content must adhere to all applicable laws and support a functioning age gate when associated with but not limited to Sex, Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco, and/or any other age-restricted content that must comply with legal regulations. Nonacceptable age gating function includes but is not limited to Yes or No responses. The age-gate mechanism should include the date of birth verification during the consent opt-in of the consumer.
If T-Mobile determines that a Violation continues and is excessive during the Term of the Agreement, T-Mobile reserves the right to permanently suspend brand, campaigns, and or Company’s access to the T-Mobile Network or the Company Connection, Pass through fines to the Business (EIN as per 10DLC brand information).
Furthermore, if you are a business owner and sending text messages to your recipients, you must be aware of T-Mobile Code of Conduct and CTIA Messaging Best Practices before sending text messages.
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