SMS Compliance Policy

Effective Date: August 5, 2025
Last Updated: August 5, 2025

This SMS Compliance Policy outlines how The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers (“The Council,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) manages text message communications, including the collection of consent, data usage, opt-out procedures, and compliance with applicable regulations.

1. Purpose and Scope

The Council uses SMS (Short Message Service) communications solely for informational purposes related to our events, initiatives, or member engagement. We do not use SMS for promotional or marketing campaigns.

This policy applies to all SMS communications sent via our long-code messaging system powered by Twilio and governs interactions with both U.S. and international recipients where permitted.

2. Consent and Opt-In

We obtain prior express consent before sending any SMS messages through the following methods:

  • Web Forms on ciab.com, meetings.ciab.com, or related Council-managed properties
  • Text-to-Subscribe campaigns promoted at events or online

By subscribing, recipients agree to receive informational texts from The Council. Message frequency may vary depending on program activity or event timing.

3. Message Content

Messages sent by The Council via SMS will only contain:

  • Event reminders or updates
  • Agenda modifications
  • Emergency alerts or urgent logistics information
  • Confirmations of opt-in or opt-out requests

We do not send marketing, promotional, or sales-related content through SMS.

4. Opt-Out Instructions

Recipients can opt out of receiving future messages at any time by replying with:

  • STOP to unsubscribe
  • HELP for assistance or additional information

Upon opting out, you will receive a final confirmation message. No further SMS messages will be sent unless you opt in again.

5. Data Privacy and Security

We process all SMS-related personal data in accordance with our Data Privacy Policy, which includes:

  • Secure storage of opt-in/opt-out records
  • Limited access to message logs and subscriber information
  • Retention only for as long as necessary for operational or legal purposes

6. Compliance Standards

The Council adheres to all applicable U.S. and international regulations governing SMS communications, including:

  • Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA)
  • CTIA Guidelines
  • CAN-SPAM Act
  • General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
  • California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)

We continuously monitor regulatory changes to ensure continued compliance across jurisdictions.

7. Roles and Responsibilities

The Council’s Digital Marketing and Information Technology (IT) teams are jointly responsible for:

  • Ensuring proper use of SMS tools
  • Managing opt-in/opt-out systems
  • Conducting compliance reviews
  • Coordinating with legal counsel as necessary

8. Policy Updates

We may revise this policy as our messaging practices or applicable laws evolve. Updates will be reflected at this page: https://meetings.ciab.com/sms-terms

We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

Questions?

For questions about this policy or your SMS preferences, please contact us at
[email protected].