Best Practices for Obtaining User Consent
Posted: Mon May 19, 2025 6:54 am
To ensure compliance and build trust, businesses should follow industry best practices when collecting phone numbers.
1. Use Clear, Simple Language
Explain why the phone number is needed and how it will be used. Avoid legal jargon or vague statements.
Example:
“We will use your phone number to send bahrain phone number data reminders and account updates via SMS. We won’t share your number with third parties without your permission.”
2. Separate Consent for Different Uses
Differentiate between necessary communication (e.g., password resets) and marketing communication (e.g., promotional texts). Use separate checkboxes.
Example:
I agree to receive text alerts related to my account
I agree to receive promotional messages
3. Opt-In, Not Opt-Out
Use opt-in mechanisms rather than assuming consent unless the user unchecks a box. Pre-ticked boxes are generally not valid under GDPR.
4. Double Opt-In (Especially for SMS Marketing)
Ask users to confirm their phone number via a verification code or confirmation message. This helps prevent fraudulent sign-ups and ensures intent.
5. Provide Easy Opt-Out
Allow users to unsubscribe from SMS or email marketing easily—e.g., by replying “STOP” or managing preferences in their account settings.
6. Log and Store Consent
Maintain logs showing when and how consent was obtained. Store IP addresses, timestamps, and consent messages as proof.
Risks of Ignoring Consent
Failing to obtain proper user consent when collecting phone numbers can lead to several consequences:
1. Legal Penalties
Regulatory bodies may impose heavy fines or order corrective action. High-profile lawsuits have been filed over unauthorized text messages and robocalls.
2. Loss of Trust
Consumers are increasingly aware of their privacy rights. Poor consent practices can lead to reputational damage and customer churn.
3. Data Breaches
Without proper safeguards, improperly collected or stored phone number data may be exposed in cyberattacks, leading to both legal and financial fallout.
4. Blacklisting and Deliverability Issues
SMS platforms may block your number or IP address if users frequently report your messages as spam. This impacts the effectiveness of future communication efforts.
1. Use Clear, Simple Language
Explain why the phone number is needed and how it will be used. Avoid legal jargon or vague statements.
Example:
“We will use your phone number to send bahrain phone number data reminders and account updates via SMS. We won’t share your number with third parties without your permission.”
2. Separate Consent for Different Uses
Differentiate between necessary communication (e.g., password resets) and marketing communication (e.g., promotional texts). Use separate checkboxes.
Example:
I agree to receive text alerts related to my account
I agree to receive promotional messages
3. Opt-In, Not Opt-Out
Use opt-in mechanisms rather than assuming consent unless the user unchecks a box. Pre-ticked boxes are generally not valid under GDPR.
4. Double Opt-In (Especially for SMS Marketing)
Ask users to confirm their phone number via a verification code or confirmation message. This helps prevent fraudulent sign-ups and ensures intent.
5. Provide Easy Opt-Out
Allow users to unsubscribe from SMS or email marketing easily—e.g., by replying “STOP” or managing preferences in their account settings.
6. Log and Store Consent
Maintain logs showing when and how consent was obtained. Store IP addresses, timestamps, and consent messages as proof.
Risks of Ignoring Consent
Failing to obtain proper user consent when collecting phone numbers can lead to several consequences:
1. Legal Penalties
Regulatory bodies may impose heavy fines or order corrective action. High-profile lawsuits have been filed over unauthorized text messages and robocalls.
2. Loss of Trust
Consumers are increasingly aware of their privacy rights. Poor consent practices can lead to reputational damage and customer churn.
3. Data Breaches
Without proper safeguards, improperly collected or stored phone number data may be exposed in cyberattacks, leading to both legal and financial fallout.
4. Blacklisting and Deliverability Issues
SMS platforms may block your number or IP address if users frequently report your messages as spam. This impacts the effectiveness of future communication efforts.