The CAN-SPAM Act is a law that was passed in 2003 to regulate commercial email messages. The law sets the rules for commercial email, establishes requirements for commercial messages, and gives recipients the right to have emails stopped from being sent to them. The CAN-SPAM Act applies to all commercial messages, which the law defines as “any electronic mail message the primary purpose of which is the commercial advertisement or promotion of a commercial product or service.”
The CAN-SPAM Act requires that commercial emails include accurate header information, a valid physical address, and a clear and conspicuous opt-out mechanism. It also prohibits the use of deceptive subject lines and false or misleading content. Violations of the CAN-SPAM Act can result in civil penalties of up to $16,000 per email. Companies that send commercial emails must also comply with the Federal Trade Commission’s rules regarding email marketing.
