{"id":80218,"date":"2024-05-28T20:46:57","date_gmt":"2024-05-28T20:46:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mailrelay.com\/glossary\/can-spam-act\/"},"modified":"2026-08-18T17:37:10","modified_gmt":"2026-08-18T17:37:10","slug":"can-spam-act","status":"publish","type":"glossary","link":"https:\/\/mailrelay.com\/en\/glossary\/can-spam-act\/","title":{"rendered":"CAN-SPAM Act"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The CAN-SPAM Act, an acronym for \u201cControlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography And Marketing Act of 2003\u201d.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>It is a US federal law that defines the rules for commercial emails: <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It sets requirements for commercial messages<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It gives recipients the right to block the receipt of emails<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>And defines strict penalties for violations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This legislation was enacted in response to growing <a href=\"https:\/\/mailrelay.com\/en\/glossary\/spam\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">concern about spam<\/a>, i.e. <strong>unsolicited emails, especially those for commercial purposes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Relevant historical data<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The CAN-SPAM Act was signed into law by President George W. Bush on December 16, 2003. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This law was the result of growing frustration among consumers and companies due to the exponential increase in spam. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Spam is not only annoying, it also costs companies billions of dollars in lost productivity and filtering costs. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Prior to this law, some states had tried to solve this issue with their own legislation, but the need for a uniform approach at the national level became evident, given the global nature of the Internet.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key considerations<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The CAN-SPAM Act covers several important considerations that marketers must understand and apply when sending commercial emails. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First, <strong>the law requires that messages be clearly and transparently identified <\/strong> as <strong>advertisements. <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In addition, senders must provide an easy way for recipients to opt out of receiving future emails. <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Usually, this is done through an \u201c<strong>unsubscribe\u201d link <\/strong> that must work for at least 30 days after the campaign is sent. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In addition, it is imperative that senders include their valid postal address in their mailings <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is important to note that the law prohibits deceptive techniques such as the use of false subject lines and impersonation.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the context of <strong>sending mass mailing campaigns<\/strong>, a common practice in email marketing campaigns, the CAN-SPAM Act insists that all messages must meet these requirements.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Regardless of the number of emails sent. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This means that email marketing strategies must be designed with a thorough understanding of these rules to avoid legal consequences.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why it is important, advantages<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The importance of the CAN-SPAM Act for marketers can&#8217;t be underestimated. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Firstly, following the guidelines laid down by the law not only helps to avoid costly fines of up to US$43,280 per violation. <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But it also builds trust among customers. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By adhering to transparent and ethical email practices, companies can improve their reputation and create stronger, longer-lasting relationships with their audience.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In addition, compliance with the CAN-SPAM Act improves email <a href=\"https:\/\/mailrelay.com\/en\/glossary\/email-deliverability\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">deliverability<\/a>.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Emails that follow the rules are less likely to be considered as spam, ensuring that messages actually reach recipients&#8217; inboxes. <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is fundamental to the success of any email marketing campaign, as even the most engaging and innovative content will lose its potential if it is never seen.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Global impact of the CAN-SPAM Act<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For international companies that use <strong>email as a marketing tool<\/strong>, understanding and complying with the CAN-SPAM Act becomes a practical necessity.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Regardless of their geographical location. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are several reasons for this:<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u2192 Access to US consumers: <\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In order to reach consumers in the United States, foreign companies must ensure that their email practices comply with the CAN-SPAM Act. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Failure to comply could result in restrictions or penalties that would limit your ability to communicate with one of the world&#8217;s most lucrative markets.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u2192 Compliance with email service providers: <\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The largest <a href=\"https:\/\/mailrelay.com\/en\/glossary\/email-service-provider-esp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">email service providers <\/a> implement <strong>filtering systems and anti-spam policies <\/strong> that are largely aligned with the requirements of the CAN-SPAM Act. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This means that in order to maximize the delivery rate of their emails, companies around the world must adhere to these practices. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ensuring that their emails are not flagged as spam or blocked by these providers.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In summary, the CAN-SPAM Act is a key piece of legislation that has shaped the email marketing landscape. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It provides a legal framework that protects consumers from unwanted spam.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And, at the same time, it provides companies with clear guidelines for communicating effectively and ethically with their audience. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For marketers, understanding and adhering to this law is not only a legal obligation, but an opportunity to stand out in a saturated market. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Promoting responsible marketing practices and building a loyal and engaged customer base.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For digital marketers, especially when it comes to <a href=\"https:\/\/mailrelay.com\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">sending mass mailing campaigns<\/a>, it is essential to create campaigns that are not only creative and engaging, but also respect the limits established by the CAN-SPAM Act. <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related entries<\/h2>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/mailrelay.com\/en\/glossary\/junk-mail\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Junk Mail<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/mailrelay.com\/en\/glossary\/spam\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Spam<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/mailrelay.com\/en\/glossary\/spamtraps\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Spamtraps<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/mailrelay.com\/en\/glossary\/phishing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Phishing<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/mailrelay.com\/en\/glossary\/blacklist\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Blacklist<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/mailrelay.com\/en\/glossary\/spoofing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Spoofing<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"template":"","class_list":["post-80218","glossary","type-glossary","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>CAN-SPAM Act - Mailrelay<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The CAN-SPAM Act, an acronym for \u201cControlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography And Marketing Act of 2003\u201d.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/mailrelay.com\/en\/glossary\/can-spam-act\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta 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Ruben Quintero","author_link":"https:\/\/mailrelay.com\/en\/blog\/author\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"The CAN-SPAM Act, an acronym for \u201cControlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography And Marketing Act of 2003\u201d. 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