The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has announced the first undertaking and fine involving text message violations under Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL). This first, involves Quebec-based 514-BILLETS, a ticket broker for sporting and cultural events.
Between July 2014 and January 2016, the CRTC alleges 514-BILLETS sent text messages to recipients without their consent. The CRTC also alleges the company sent text messages without information that identified who sent the messages as well as failed to provide information to recipients that would allow them to easily contact 514-BILLETS.
514-BILLETS has agreed to pay a total of $100,000 in compensation, appoint a compliance officer and institute a CASL-compliance program. 514-BILLETS will pay $75,000 in the form of $10 rebate couples to 7,500 clients and $25,000 to the Receiver General of Canada.
The CRTC’s media release can be read here.
