> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.mailofly.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# What is email consent?

> Understanding explicit consent, opt-in rules, GDPR, CAN-SPAM, and anti-spam compliance.

# What is Email Consent?

Email consent is permission given by an individual to receive electronic messages from your organization. Sending emails without proper consent violates international anti-spam laws and Mailofly's Acceptable Use Policy.

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## Types of Consent

### 1. Explicit / Express Consent (Required)

The recipient has taken an affirmative, unambiguous action explicitly requesting to receive your emails.

* **Examples**: Checking an un-checked box ("Sign up for our product newsletter"), entering their email into a subscription form labeled "Get weekly tips".
* **Standard**: Explicit consent is required by GDPR (EU), CASL (Canada), and Mailofly policies.

### 2. Implied Consent (Transactional Only)

The user has an existing business relationship with you (e.g., they bought a product or created an account).

* **Allowed**: Transactional receipts, account alerts, password resets, critical service notices.
* **Not Allowed**: Promotional newsletters or marketing campaigns cannot be sent under implied consent without an opt-in.

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## Single Opt-In vs. Double Opt-In

* **Single Opt-In (SOI)**: User submits form and is immediately added to the active mailing list.
* **Double Opt-In (DOI)**: User submits form, receives a verification email with a confirmation link, and is only added once clicked.
  * **Why DOI is Superior**: Prevents bots, fake emails, and malicious signups from polluting your audience list and causing hard bounces.

***

## What is NOT Consent?

* Purchasing or renting an email list.
* Scraping emails from LinkedIn, company websites, or public directories.
* Pre-checked checkboxes on signup forms.
* Co-registration partnerships without explicit disclosure.


## Related topics

- [What sending feature to use?](/guides/sending/what-sending-feature-to-use.md)
- [Production Approval](/guides/account/production-approval.md)
- [Subscriptions](/audience/subscriptions.md)
- [MCP Server](/mcp-server/introduction.md)
- [Create Topic](/api/topics/create-topic.md)