Apten Messaging Policy

This Messaging Policy applies to SMS, MMS, Chat, and other messaging channels used by Apten. Our goal is to ensure that messages sent via our platform reach recipients with their consent and comply with applicable laws and industry guidelines.

1. Consent (Opt-in)
Proper Consent: Consent must be obtained before sending any message. This consent cannot be bought, sold, or exchanged. The recipient must clearly understand that they are agreeing to receive messages of the specified type from you.
Documentation: Keep records of consent, such as signed forms or timestamps of digital sign-ups.
Timeliness: If a message is not sent within a reasonable period after obtaining consent, reconfirm consent in the initial message.
Specific Use: Consent applies only to the specific use or campaign. Blanket consent for other messages or brands is not permitted.

2. Revocation of Consent (Opt-out)
Opt-out Instructions: The initial message must include opt-out instructions, such as "Reply STOP to unsubscribe."
Immediate Action: Recipients must be able to revoke consent at any time by replying with a standard opt-out keyword (e.g., STOP, UNSUBSCRIBE, CANCEL).
Final Message: After an opt-out request, you may send one final confirmation message. No further messages are allowed unless the recipient provides new consent.

3. Sender Identification
Clear Identification: Each message must clearly identify yourself as the sender, except in ongoing conversations.

4. Messaging Usage
Prohibited Content: Messages must not include illegal, harmful, unwanted, or objectionable content. This includes but is not limited to:
Illegal products (e.g., cannabis, prescription medications not sold over-the-counter).
Hate speech, harassment, or any content from hate groups.
Fraudulent or malicious content (e.g., malware, viruses).
Attempts to evade messaging filters.

5. Filtering Evasion
Prohibited Practices: Apten prohibits practices designed to evade messaging detection mechanisms, including:
Intentionally misspelled words or non-standard opt-out phrases.
Snowshoeing (spreading similar messages across many phone numbers).
Simulated social engineering attacks.

6. Enforcement
Compliance: Apten reserves the right to suspend or remove access to its platform for any customer or user not complying with this policy or applicable laws.
Good Faith Effort: We strive to work with customers to correct violations. However, serious or repeated violations may result in immediate action with limited notice.