CASL
CASL stands for Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation, a regulation that governs electronic communications to protect consumers from spam and other electronic threats.
Description
In the realm of digital marketing, CASL is a crucial regulation that businesses must adhere to when communicating electronically with consumers in Canada. Passed in 2010 and enforced from July 1, 2014, CASL aims to reduce the incidence of harmful and unsolicited electronic messages. This includes requirements for obtaining consent before sending commercial emails, providing clear sender identification, and offering a straightforward way for recipients to unsubscribe from future communications. CASL also targets activities like the installation of software without consent, misleading online promotions, and the harvesting of email addresses. Failure to comply with CASL can result in significant penalties, making it essential for digital marketers to understand and integrate its guidelines into their practices.
Examples
- A Canadian e-commerce retailer sends a promotional email to a customer who has previously opted in to receive such communications. The email includes the retailer's contact information and a visible unsubscribe link, ensuring compliance with CASL requirements.
- A software company, based in Toronto, includes a pop-up on their website requesting explicit consent from visitors before installing cookies on their devices. This practice aligns with CASL’s rules on obtaining consent before software installations.
Additional Information
- Non-compliance with CASL can result in fines up to $10 million for businesses.
- CASL also applies to messages sent outside of Canada if the message is accessed on a Canadian device.