Are You Spam Compliant in Canada? New Law Goes into Effect
Email marketers are very familiar with U.S. Anti-Spam laws that protect consumers from unwanted email. However, Canada recently passed a law that deserves attention. The Fighting Internet and Wireless Spam Act of 2010 was passed in December 2010 in an attempt to avoid “damaging and deceptive” forms of spam from reaching Canadian email users. It is attempting to secure a more online environment for users in that country.
Similar to the United States anti-spam laws, the Canadian FISA will has strict penalties for email users who choose to send out spam or use email in order to mislead others. The laws only apply to commercial messages - those that are sent out by businesses - and is an attempt to limit phishing and other online email marketing scam.
The new Canadian law is great news for email marketers as it will decrease the amount of spam email messages that are clouding email inboxes. As an email marketer, it’s important to become familiar with the guidelines so your emails will get through to Canadian recipients. According to the law:
Emails will have to include an option to unsubscribe from the email list, and that option should be clearly visible in the email. When you send your email messages out with Boomerang email marketing, your messages will always include this unsubscribe link. This way email recipients always have control over which emails they are receiving.
Another provision of the law is that businesses have to ensure that email messages are only sent out to people who have requested it. Through opt in confirmation, new list members will confirm that they want to receive emails from you, which will keep you safe with both U.S. and Canadian spam laws.
FISA also includes a special rule for computer software businesses. These types of business will need to ensure that any electronic distribution of software (including software updates and upgrades) meet with the disclosure and consent requirements set out by the law.
You’ll also need to clearly identify your company in the body of the email. The emails should include your company name, your contact email and any other important identifying information. This will help ensure that your recipients know where the email is coming from.
Although FISA has not yet come into effect, when you use Boomerang email marketing you’ll automatically be compliant. Our email marketing system will include your contact information, your company name and a clear unsubscribe link.
FISA includes a three year transition period where marketers can get on board with the new laws. If you sign up for Boomerang today, you’ll have spam compliance across the board.