To ensure safe, compliant, and reliable messaging for all users, Subflow enforces restrictions on certain message categories. These rules align with carrier policies and legal regulations in the U.S. and Canada.
🚫 Message Restrictions Overview
Some message types are explicitly prohibited, while others are restricted or require additional safeguards (e.g. age gating or branded URLs).
Important Notes:
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Shared or public URL shorteners (like bit.ly or tinyurl) are not allowed.
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Always use branded URLs (e.g. subflowhealth.com/your-link).
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Consent must always be obtained directly from the end user—third-party lists or affiliate marketing are not allowed.
🧾 Forbidden Message Categories
| Category | Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| High-Risk Financial Services | Payday loans, short-term loans, high-interest lending, student loans, third-party loans, cryptocurrency, stocks/investing | Third-party lending is prohibited. Cryptocurrency/stock-related content is only allowed for 2FA or transactional messages. |
| Third-Party Lead Generation & Marketing | Affiliate marketing, affiliate lending, purchased consumer data, political lead lists | Consent must be direct from users. Third-party lead generation is not permitted. |
| Debt Collection & Forgiveness | Debt consolidation, debt repair, debt relief services | Only first-party communications are allowed. |
| “Get Rich Quick” Schemes | Deceptive work-from-home offers, pyramid schemes, investment “hacks” | These are considered deceptive and are strictly prohibited. |
| Illegal Substances or Products | Cannabis, CBD, Kratom, vaping devices, fireworks | Prohibited in both U.S. and Canada, regardless of legality at state/province level. |
| Prescription Drugs | Any drug requiring a prescription | Only over-the-counter medications may be discussed. |
| Gambling | Sports betting, online casinos, sweepstakes, 50/50 raffles | Gambling traffic is prohibited in the U.S. and Canada. Some bingo allowed via Short Code. |
| S.H.A.F.T. Use Cases | Sex, Hate, Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco | See age-gating notes below. Firearms advocacy is allowed. |
| Electronic Smoking Devices | E-cigs, vapes, accessories | Not allowed on any channel in U.S. or Canada. |
🔞 Age-Gated Content Rules
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U.S.: Age-gated content (e.g., alcohol) is allowed if users input their full date of birth (not just a “Yes/No” checkbox).
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Canada: All age-gated content is blocked unless granted a special carrier exemption.
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Allowed with exemption: pocket knives, lighters, non-alcoholic beverages.
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✅ Best Practices
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Use branded links (not free URL shorteners).
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Collect and store user consent directly (no third-party lists).
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When in doubt, contact Subflow support for clarification on content guidelines.
🔎 Recommended Placement
Category: Compliance & Guidelines
Section: Messaging Compliance
This article fits perfectly alongside topics on HIPAA, deliverability, consent, and character limits.
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