CAN-SPAM Act of 2003

What is CAN-SPAM Act of 2003

The CAN-SPAM Act of 2003 is a US law that sets out rules for commercial email messages and gives recipients the right to opt-out of receiving them. The acronym "CAN-SPAM" stands for "Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing."

The main purpose of the CAN-SPAM Act is to protect consumers from unwanted and deceptive email marketing practices. It requires that commercial emails be clearly identified as such and that they include a valid physical postal address for the sender. The Act also prohibits the use of false or misleading header information and subject lines, and it requires that emails contain an opt-out mechanism that allows recipients to unsubscribe from future emails.

The CAN-SPAM Act applies to all commercial emails, including those that promote products or services, as well as emails that promote events or organizations. It does not apply to transactional or relationship messages, such as those related to an existing business or personal relationship, or to messages that are sent by non-profit organizations.

Violators of the CAN-SPAM Act can be subject to fines and other penalties. The Act is enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which can take action against individuals and businesses that violate its provisions.