Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)

Last Updated: [Date]

This Acceptable Use Policy ("AUP") is an integral part of the Terms of Service between NeedTexting ("we," "us," or "our") and you ("you" or "user"). This AUP governs your use of our messaging services (the "Service").

1. Prohibited Content and Activities

You may not use the Service to send messages that are, or to engage in activities that are, illegal, harmful, unwanted, or otherwise objectionable. Prohibited activities include, but are not limited to:

  • Illegal Activities: Sending any communication that violates any applicable federal, state, or local laws. This includes, but is not limited to, fraud, phishing, and scams.
  • Harmful Content: Transmitting any material that is threatening, abusive, harassing, defamatory, or that contains hate speech, violence, or pornography.
  • Unsolicited Messages (Spam): Sending messages to recipients who have not given you clear, prior consent to receive them. You must have proof of opt-in consent for every recipient.
  • Misrepresentation: Impersonating any person or entity, or otherwise misrepresenting your affiliation with a person or entity, without their express permission.
  • Infringement of Rights: Violating the intellectual property rights or other proprietary rights of others.
  • Malicious Code: Distributing viruses, malware, or any other content that is designed to interfere with, damage, or limit the functioning of any software, hardware, or telecommunications equipment.

2. Compliance with Messaging Best Practices

You are required to adhere to all applicable industry standards and best practices, including those published by the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) and the Mobile Marketing Association (MMA).

  • Consent (Opt-In): You must obtain clear, express, and verifiable consent from every recipient before sending them any messages.
  • Identify Yourself: Your messages must clearly identify who you are as the sender.
  • Opt-Out Mechanism: Every message must include a clear and easy way for recipients to opt out of future messages (e.g., "Reply STOP to end"). All opt-out requests must be honored immediately.
  • Message Frequency: You should be transparent about the frequency of your messages and not send an excessive number of messages to your recipients.

3. Enforcement

We reserve the right, but do not assume the obligation, to investigate any violation of this AUP or misuse of the Service. We may, in our sole discretion:

  • Suspend or terminate your access to the Service without notice for any violation of this AUP.
  • Report any activity that we suspect violates any law or regulation to appropriate law enforcement officials, regulators, or other appropriate third parties.
  • Block the delivery of any message that, in our sole discretion, violates this AUP.

We may modify this AUP at any time by posting a revised version on our website. By continuing to use the Service, you agree to be bound by the most current version of this AUP.