Cold Email Compliance
Last updated: March 2025
Definition
Following the legal rules for sending unsolicited emails. CAN-SPAM in the US, GDPR in Europe, CASL in Canada. Each has different requirements for consent, identification, and opt-out. Non-compliance risks fines up to $50,000 per email in some jurisdictions. Not optional.
Why It Matters
Getting caught violating email laws means fines, domain blacklisting, and reputation damage that takes months to recover from. Compliance isn't bureaucratic overhead. It's infrastructure that keeps your outbound engine running without legal or deliverability disasters.
How to Improve
- Include a clear unsubscribe link in every cold email. CAN-SPAM requires it. Honor opt-outs within 10 business days.
- Use your real business name and physical address in the email footer. Hiding your identity violates most email laws.
- In GDPR regions, document your legitimate interest basis for contacting someone. 'I bought a list' is not legitimate interest.
- Keep records of where you sourced each email address. If challenged, you need to prove you acquired it legally.