CTIA
CTIA writes the playbook carriers enforce. Its disclosure, opt-out, and SHAFT content rules decide whether your traffic flows, independent of the TCPA.
CTIA is not a regulator, but its Messaging Principles and Best Practices function as the de facto rulebook of US texting: carriers adopt them as policy, CSPs enforce them in campaign review, and violations get traffic blocked without any court involved.
The guidelines specify the consent architecture senders recognize today: clear and conspicuous disclosure at opt-in (brand name, frequency, rates language), single confirmation messages, immediate STOP processing, and HELP support.
Content rules follow the SHAFT framework — sex, hate, alcohol, firearms, tobacco — with alcohol permitted only under age-gated programs and the others largely prohibited on standard A2P routes. CTIA's Short Code Monitoring Handbook adds audit teeth for short code programs, with documented violation tiers and fines.
Frequently asked questions
Related glossary terms
10DLC (10-Digit Long Code) is the US carrier-mandated framework for sending Application-to-Person SMS from local 10-digit numbers, requiring brand and campaign registration with The Campaign Registry.
SMS disclosure is the set of statements that must appear at the point of opt-in: program/brand name, message frequency, 'Msg & data rates may apply,' STOP/HELP instructions, consent-not-a-condition language, and policy links.
Industry-standard SMS keywords that consumers reply with to opt out (STOP) or request information (HELP). All A2P senders must process them automatically.