---
title: "CASL"
description: "CASL (Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation) is the Canadian law that requires consent, sender identification and a working unsubscribe mechanism for commercial electronic messages, including text messages."
canonical: "https://omnichannels.ai/glossary/casl/"
language: "en"
updated: "2026-11-06"
publisher: "BroadNet Technologies"
brand: "OmniChannels.ai"
---

# CASL

Canonical: https://omnichannels.ai/glossary/casl/
Language: en
Publisher: OmniChannels.ai by BroadNet Technologies

**Definition:** CASL (Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation) is the Canadian law that requires consent, sender identification and a working unsubscribe mechanism for commercial electronic messages, including text messages.

According to the CRTC, commercial messages sent over a text messaging service are subject to CASL because they are sent to an electronic address. A commercial electronic message is one where at least one purpose is to encourage the recipient to take part in a commercial activity, so promotions are covered. A message that only answers a request the person made has lighter requirements.

CASL asks three things of a commercial text: consent, identification and an unsubscribe mechanism. Consent is either express (an explicit agreement) or implied (from a recognised relationship), and the onus of proving it is on the sender. Implied consent from an existing business relationship generally lasts 2 years after the purchase or contract, and from an inquiry or application 6 months.

Under section 6 the message must identify the sender and anyone on whose behalf it is sent and give a way to contact one of them. CRTC guidance says to include the business name, a mailing address and a phone number, email or web address, valid for at least 60 days. Under section 11 the unsubscribe mechanism must be free of charge, and a request must be processed without delay and no later than 10 business days.

Record express consent with the exact wording shown, the date and time, the channel and the number, and never use a purchased list. CASL covers consent and content; short code and long code rules are separate, and the US 10DLC scheme does not apply to Canadian traffic. This entry is general information, not legal advice.

## Sources

- [Frequently Asked Questions about Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation, CRTC](https://crtc.gc.ca/eng/com500/faq500.htm)
- [CASL guidance on implied consent, CRTC](https://crtc.gc.ca/eng/com500/guide.htm)
- [Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation (S.C. 2010, c. 23), Justice Laws Website](https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/e-1.6/fulltext.html)