Short codes offer message senders a trusted channel for engaging with consumers. For over twenty years, the short code program has provided an innovative solution for senders while protecting consumers and the messaging platform. To make the short code program even stronger, the Short Code Registry is now collecting additional data to enhance the vetting of common short code lessees (CSC Registrant), Content Providers, and Brand Clients. Capturing these data fields will help further protect consumers and promote greater transparency through enhanced vetting and monitoring, which will ultimately benefit all messaging stakeholders.
Proper Vetting Is a Key Value of the Short Code Registry
Making sure that short code users are properly vetted is the foundation of trust in the short code program. Ensuring short codes have complete information is a key part of the Short Code Registry’s Know Your Customer process. The updates help encourage transparent and purposeful use of short codes and better track codes. Knowing who is using a short code and for what purpose helps wireless providers—and vendors involved in the messaging ecosystem—better protect customers and the messaging platform.
Protecting Consumers Is a Shared Goal
The FCC’s top priority is cracking down on spam and scam communications. To do that, the FCC is focused on ensuring communications providers know their customers and take other steps to protect consumers and their platforms. In fact, the first enforcement action taken by new FCC Chairman Brendan Carr was against a company—not a bad actor—for violation of the FCC’s Know Your Customer rules for voice services. Specifically, the FCC found the company failed “its obligation to properly vet its new or prospective customers before they commence using the provider’s services.” While messaging is not subject to the same regulations as voice calls, this signals a focus from regulators on ensuring the wireless ecosystem is doing all it can to protect consumers, making the Short Code Registry’s work to vet those using a short code even more important.
What Do Short Code Lessees Need to Do to Comply?
By March 31, 2025, the terms and conditions of a short code lease require that before a short code is activated or renewed by a wireless provider, the lessee must complete the newly expanded data fields in the Short Code Registry for Brand Clients and Content Providers.
After March 31, each renewed code will go through an up to 60-day aging period. Those codes that are not updated with the requisite information within this timeframe will be subject to compliance enforcement and the code may be suspended or terminated. If the code is not renewed, it would then go back to the availability pool and become accessible for lease by another party.
If you have any other questions,
please contact: 1-866-623-2272 | support@usshortcodes.com
