Forbidden Messaging Content
Some types of messaging are not allowed on our platform due to carrier restrictions and industry regulations. Below are the major categories that are prohibited:
| Category | Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| High-Risk Financial Services | Payday loans, short-term/high-interest loans, third-party or student loans, cryptocurrency, stocks | Only 2FA/transactional messages allowed for crypto and stock companies. First-party loan messaging must be non-promotional and on Short Code. |
| Third-Party Lead Gen & Marketing | Affiliate marketing/lending, data resale, deceptive marketing | Must have direct opt-in from users. Voter databases and shared data sources are not compliant. |
| Debt Collection or Forgiveness | Third-party debt collection, debt relief, consolidation, credit repair | First-party collections may be allowed with direct consent. All debt reduction/repair services are prohibited. |
| Illegal Substances/Articles | Cannabis, CBD, Kratom, paraphernalia, vapes, fireworks | Fully banned regardless of state legality or message type — includes 2FA and transactional messages. |
| Prescription Drugs | Any medication requiring a prescription | Offers for drugs that cannot be sold over-the-counter in the US/Canada are forbidden regardless if the business is a licensed professional. |
| Gambling | Casino apps, sports betting, sweepstakes, raffles, 50/50 | All gambling traffic is prohibited. Bingo may be allowed on Short Code or for community purposes. |
| S.H.A.F.T. + Vapes/E-cigs | Sex, hate, alcohol, firearms, tobacco, vapes/e-cigs | - Alcohol: Allowed with age gating (DOB entry required) - Tobacco: Only allowed on Short Code with age gating - Firearms, Vapes, E-cigs: Not allowed at all - Canada: All age-gated content is blocked without a carrier exemption |