Mobile carriers require churches to have a Privacy Policy and Terms of Use on their website before approving text messaging through platforms like Text In Church. This article explains why these documents are required, what they need to include, and how to create them quickly.
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Text In Church does not provide legal guidance or guarantee compliance with any laws or carrier requirements. We strongly recommend consulting a qualified legal professional when creating or updating your Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
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Why Is This Required?
As part of the A2P 10DLC registration process, major carriers like Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T verify organizations before approving them to send text messages through software platforms. Due to an increase in spam and scam activity, carriers now require proof that organizations:
Collect and use personal data responsibly
Only send messages to people who have clearly opted in
Protect subscriber information and respect opt-out rights
As part of this verification, carriers review your church website to confirm these practices are clearly documented. That's why they require publicly accessible links to a Privacy Policy and Terms of Use -- even if your website is not where text opt-ins are collected.
What Do Carriers Require on Your Website?
Carriers require public, easy-to-find links to a Privacy Policy and a Terms of Use (also called Terms & Conditions). These links are typically placed in your website footer.
What Must the Privacy Policy Include?
Your Privacy Policy should clearly explain:
How personal data is collected, used, stored, and protected
What people agree to when they opt in to messages
How they can opt out of messages
Carriers are specifically looking for language confirming that mobile phone numbers and opt-in data are not shared or sold to third parties for marketing purposes.
What If You Don't Collect Opt-Ins on Your Website?
Even if your church collects opt-ins in person (through paper forms or verbal consent) and doesn't connect your website directly to Text In Church, carriers still require these policies to be publicly accessible on your website as part of their verification process.
How to Create These Documents Quickly
If you don't already have these documents, common options include:
Using an online policy generator like Termly (no affiliation with Text In Church, but well-reviewed)
Customizing a privacy policy or terms template
Working with a legal professional
You are responsible for ensuring these documents accurately reflect your church's practices.
How Long Does A2P 10DLC Registration Take in Text In Church?
Once your website requirements are in place and your registration is submitted, 10DLC registrations are processed directly by the carriers. Processing times vary and are outside of Text In Church's control, but registrations typically take a few days to be approved.
Text In Church's team works with our carrier to get registrations processed as quickly as possible. If you'd like an update on the status of your specific registration, reach out to our Member Support team at support@textinchurch.com and a team member can look into it for you.
Final Notes
Navigating these requirements can feel confusing -- but the request for a Privacy Policy and Terms of Use is part of the broader carrier approval process for mass text messaging. While we can't provide legal guidance on the content of these documents, we're here to walk alongside you and help make sure everything is set up smoothly so your messages can reliably reach your people.
Still have questions? No worries, we're always happy to help!
Send us a chat message or email our Member Support team at support@textinchurch.com
