Twilio provides you with a platform to send and receive SMS messages to phone numbers around the world. However, Twilio may suspend or close your project if you violate our Acceptable Use Policy or Terms of Service.
Twilio’s Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) describes actions that are not permitted using Twilio. Twilio’s Terms of Service (ToS) describes the agreement between you and Twilio regarding the use of Twilio’s website and/or services.
Below is a list of highlights from the AUP of what practices are not allowed when sending and receiving SMS messages using Twilio. Please note that the following restrictions apply to the owner of the Twilio project and to all users of your application.
Please note: these guidelines do not replace nor cover all prohibited activities as covered by the Twilio General Terms & Conditions, Twilio Acceptable Use Policy or full Twilio Terms of Service.
The following behaviors are not permitted on Twilio:
Sending unsolicited messages
No one likes SPAM. You should only send SMS messages to recipients who have opted in to your service and are expecting communication from you. Twilio actively monitors for this kind of activity and we may block the phone number or suspend your project if we receive complaints from your subscribers.
Sending mass marketing using Twilio long code phone numbers
Marketing SMS messages within the US must first register for the A2P 10DLC Plan before sending toward recipients. Marketing SMS messages may only be sent from a Twilio long code number with an approved A2P 10DLC campaign.
Alternatively, you can also send marketing SMS messages using shortcodes(special 5 or 6-digit numbers). If you’re interested in a dedicated US short code please contact our sales team or visit our What is an SMS Short Code page for further information on obtaining a short code.
Mass marketing restrictions vary from country to country. For US marketing SMS messages, explicit consent from the recipient is still required.
Sending harassing or abusive messages
Sending threats, unwanted messages and “SMS-bombing” – sending many messages to a single number without the recipient’s permission – are not allowed on Twilio. You are responsible for ensuring that the users of your application do not send harassing or abusive messages.
Using Twilio numbers to provide emergency services, such as 911-types of communication
Inbound and outbound communications between emergency service providers and end users are explicitly not permitted on Twilio numbers. SMS notifications can be used to provide information during an emergency, but should not be used as a replacement for or a means to contacting actual emergency services.
It is acceptable to use Twilio to send notifications that do not directly impact life safety. For example, early warning alerts, safety advisories, event cancellations, etc. are allowed. We recommend building in redundancy for important applications and using Twilio’s notifications in conjunction with other public warning systems like sirens, radio and TV broadcasts if applicable.
Engaging in fraud, phishing or sending of sensitive data
Twilio takes fraud and abuse very seriously. Report it here.
Sending messages with fraudulent information or phishing to request confidential information from subscribers is not allowed. It’s also never a good idea to provide financial information or any other sensitive personal information to your customers over SMS.
Misrepresenting your identity (no spoofing)
Spoofing the SenderID or otherwise attempting to mislead message recipients as to who is sending the SMS message is not allowed. It’s good business sense to identify your brand or name in each message you send. But it’s not ok to identify yourself as another individual or business.
Sending messages with pornographic or objectionable images
Do not send pictures that promote or potentially further any illegal activity or violate any legal or federal legislations or are likely to cause offense to recipients. These include but are not limited to pornographic or objectionable images.