Acceptable Use Policy
Last Updated: January 15, 2026
1. Overview
This Acceptable Use Policy ("AUP") outlines the permitted and prohibited uses of the ShortNow platform. By using our services, you agree to comply with this AUP. ShortNow LLC reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these rules.
2. Consent and Opt-In Requirements
ShortNow operates on a strict permission-based communication model. You may only send messages to individuals who have provided explicit, verifiable consent (opt-in) to receive communications from you.
- You must maintain records of consent for all recipients.
- Purchased, rented, or third-party lists are strictly prohibited.
- You must honor all opt-out requests (e.g., STOP, UNSUBSCRIBE) immediately.
3. Prohibited Content (S.H.A.F.T. Guidelines)
In accordance with telecommunications industry standards, you may not use ShortNow to transmit content related to the following (S.H.A.F.T.):
- Sex: Adult content, pornography, or sexually explicit material.
- Hate: Hate speech, harassment, intimidation, or discriminatory content.
- Alcohol: Promotion or sale of alcoholic beverages (unless age-gated and pre-approved).
- Firearms: Promotion or sale of firearms, ammunition, or explosives.
- Tobacco: Promotion or sale of tobacco, vaping products, or illicit drugs (including cannabis and CBD).
4. Fraud and Abuse
The following activities are strictly prohibited:
- Phishing, smishing, or attempting to fraudulently obtain personal or financial information.
- Sending messages that impersonate another person, business, or government entity.
- Transmitting malware, viruses, or any malicious code.
- Engaging in any activity that disrupts or compromises the integrity of our network or carrier networks.
5. High-Risk Financial Services
Messages related to payday loans, short-term high-interest loans, auto loans, mortgage loans, student loans, debt collection, cryptocurrency, and gambling/sweepstakes are heavily restricted and require prior written approval from our compliance team.
6. Enforcement
We actively monitor traffic for compliance with this AUP. If we determine that you have violated this policy, we may take action including, but not limited to:
- Blocking specific messages or campaigns.
- Suspending your API access.
- Terminating your account without a refund.
- Reporting fraudulent activity to law enforcement and carrier partners.
7. Contact
To report a violation of this Acceptable Use Policy, please forward the offending message and details to abuse@shortnow.app.