The following messaging use cases are not allowed on SMS or MMS in the United States or Canada. The below information applies to long code messaging with the rollout of the new A2P 10DLC system, in addition to short code and Toll-Free messaging.
| Category | Examples | Notes |
| High-risk financial services |
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“Third-party” means originating from any party other than the one which will service the loan. |
| Lead Generation Services |
|
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| Debt collection or forgiveness |
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“Third-party” means originating from any party other than the one who is owed the debt. For example, a hospital could send messages regarding bills for its own patients, assuming they provided opt-in to receive that messaging. |
| “Get rich quick” schemes |
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This is different from outreach about employment as a result of compliant opt-in practices, messages from brokerages to their members, investment news alerts, or other investment-related messages. |
| Illegal substances |
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Cannabis is federally illegal in the United States. Cannabis businesses will not be permitted to use SMS/MMS messaging in the US, regardless of message content. CBD is federally legal, but is not legal in some US states, so US carriers do not permit messaging related to CBD. Offers for drugs that cannot be sold over-the-counter in the US/Canada are forbidden. |
| Gambling |
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While gambling traffic is prohibited on Toll Free, it is allowed on Short Code, or Long Code, as long as proper age gating procedures are in place. |
| "S.H.A.F.T." use cases |
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While Firearms, Alcohol and Tobacco traffic is prohibited on Toll Free, it is allowed on Short Code, or Long Code, as long as proper age gating procedures are in place. Vaping-related traffic is prohibited. |
Please note, any use cases that violate Twilio's Acceptable Use Policy or Messaging Policy are also not allowed on Twilio's platform, regardless of number/sender type or destination country.