Beginning May 1, 2015, companies will no longer be able to send
commercial messages via email, text message (sms), fax or autodial
machines (robocalls) to consumers without their prior approval.
Companies that send commercial messages regularly can still obtain
consumers' approval by the May 1 deadline, when the new
E-Commerce Law comes into effect, and avoid any disruption to their
messaging activities.
In addition to the prior approval obligation, companies must
observe new rules for commercial messages:
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The content of commercial messages must be in line with the
approval given. The message must also include: (i) the sender's
identity; (ii) the sender's telephone number/fax number/sms
number/email, depending on the electronic method of communication
used; (iii) the subject and purpose of the message; and (iv)
information on the actual sender, if the message is sent on behalf
of another entity.