United States:
- CAN-SPAM Act: The CAN-SPAM Act is a federal law that sets the rules for commercial email messages in the United States. It requires that all commercial emails include a clear and conspicuous way for recipients to unsubscribe and the sender’s physical address.
- FTC regulations: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has additional regulations related to email marketing, including rules around deceptive subject lines and false or misleading content.
- State laws: Some states have additional laws related to email marketing, such as California’s “Shine the Light” law, which requires businesses to disclose certain information to California residents upon request.
Europe:
- General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): The GDPR is a European Union regulation that governs the use of personal data, including email addresses, of EU citizens. It requires businesses to obtain explicit consent from individuals before sending them marketing emails and to provide a clear and easy way for individuals to unsubscribe.
- ePrivacy Directive: The ePrivacy Directive is another EU regulation that applies specifically to electronic communications, including email marketing. It requires businesses to obtain consent for the use of cookies and other tracking technologies and to provide certain information in email footers, such as the identity of the sender and an opt-out mechanism.
- Member state laws: Each EU member state has its own laws and regulations related to email marketing, so it’s important to be aware of the specific requirements in each country where you are sending emails.
In both the United States and Europe, businesses that violate email marketing regulations can face significant penalties and damage to their reputation. It’s important to follow these legal requirements to ensure that your email marketing campaigns are compliant and effective.