EFC Compliance Tips for the Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL)
On July 1, 2014, new anti-spam legislation takes effect. The intent is to deter such damaging effects of spam as identity theft, phishing, and the spread of spyware and malware. Individuals and companies that violate the act could face stiff penalties of up to $10 million per violation.
The act applies to emails, instant and text messages, and any other type of commercial electronic message (CEM), and requires the express opt-in consent of the intended recipient, regardless of the type of personal information involved if that information is needed to send a CEM, alter transmission data, or install a computer program in the course of a commercial activity.
Electro Federation Canada (EFC) advises that, for express consent to be CASL-compliant, it must include:
•the name of the person/company seeking consent
•the name of the person/company on whose behalf consent is sought and a statement indicating who is seeking consent and on whose behalf consent is sought, if applicable
•the mailing address and either a phone number, email or web address of the person/company seeking consent
•a statement that individuals can withdraw consent
Find out more about CASL, courtesy of EFC: www.electrofed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Member-Issue-Note_CASL_March-2014.pdf.
