Email Subscription Legal Issues

[SusanGallagher]

Is it legal to opt people into an email list when they sign up for a service,
as long as you allow them to unsubscribe once they receive the first email?

Thanks
Susan

 

[php.allstar]

Hi Susan,

I'm not sure about the legalities but from an operations point of view, here's my two cents...

You should give people the choice to opt in themselves and even double opt in at that.

They agree to opt in, you send them an email, asking them to confirm their subscription by clicking a link in the email. This kind of setup is rock-solid.

If you just add them without their permission you will find many of the people are marking your emails as SPAM and left with a sour taste about your company as a result.

 

[link8r]

I'm pretty sure people have to opt in. Depends on your source - whoever got their e-mail address and gave it to you - did THEY have permission to transfer it to you?

 

[markostanley]

In my world, I never assume optin. It's just too dangerous. Always, always, always have users explicitly opt in on any form you collect their details on. Then ensure they have the ability to easily opt out on every email you send them. If you follow those rules, you can't go wrong.

 

[figment]

Technically it is legal in Ireland. However there are all kinds of deliverability / reputation problems you can be subject to if a user decides it is spam and clicks the "This is spam" button.

Not worth the hassle. Get a clear opt in

 

[rockfieldllc]

At the end of the day opt in is the best for credibility

 

[jhegarty]

Legal or not I would mark you mail as spam.

Very soon you will be on a blacklist somewhere.