July 1 is rapidly approaching and I'm sure everyone is working hard to prepare their CASL readiness programs. Here are some quick reminders to help you along.
1. Audit all existing collection points. Make sure you have a full picture of all data inputs including:
- Online forms
- Call centers
- Sales rep inputs into CRM
- Conferences
- Partners/affiliates
Update all collection points to ensure they contain the prescribed consent language and opt-in preference. Remember, no pre-checked boxes!
2. Audit existing databases and ensure that you have up to date country data for all records.
- Canadians will require CASL compliant consent and message format.
- If you don’t have country yet, you have until July 1 to get this information. After July 1, you will need to cease emailing addresses for whom you do not have reliable country data.
Gain opt-in consent from Canadian/unknown addresses prior to July 1. After July 1, this cannot be done. Consider an opt-in campaign.
3. Check for existing consent and apply dates/other information accordingly. This will make automation easier later on.
- If you have implied consent based on an existing business/existing non-business relationship on July 1, you have until July 1, 2017 to send CEMs and gain explicit consent.
- Flag inputs from inquiries accordingly and mark the date. You have 6 months from the date of inquiry to send CEM.
- Note professional titles of addresses that are conspicuously published. You will only be permitted to send them relevant CEMs.
For help with existing databases, go here
4. Ensure you have a reliable repository for all consent data both online and offline. The burden of proof is on the Sender, so make sure you can prove that you legally gained opt-in prior to sending. Remember, it’s better to overdo it than to not do enough so save as much information as you can.
5. Create email templates that include all of the prescribed identification and unsubscribe information.
- These templates should be used for ALL emails that are not completely exempt from CASL.
- Ensure that your unsubscribes are relayed to affiliates as appropriate if they performed the original address collection.
For help with campaign preparation, go here
For more in depth information, get the CASL webinar here
Good luck!