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

# MessageDesk Compliance Center

> Manage SMS compliance in MessageDesk. Configure opt-in confirmations, STOP and HELP keywords, signatures, and double opt-in flows for TCPA-safe messaging.

# MessageDesk Compliance Center

Set how your workspace handles SMS opt-outs, opt-out confirmations, signatures, and STOP keywords. Clearly and carrier-friendly.

***

## Access the Compliance Center

Go to **Account → Settings → Compliance Center** (under **Workspace Settings**).

<Note>
  If you don't see Compliance Center, your role may not include access. Ask an Admin or Manager.
</Note>

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/messagedesk/rzz-gfedZ4-NzDyn/images/compliance-center.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=rzz-gfedZ4-NzDyn&q=85&s=df7ca48d90f142af2bba4cc1a1279944" alt="Compliance Center Pn" width="3500" height="2126" data-path="images/compliance-center.png" />

***

## SMS compliance overview

The **Overview** tab covers U.S. SMS compliance basics and recommended practices.

By law, when sending business text messages in the United States, you must follow these guidelines:

1. Don't send any SHAFT-C-related content.
2. Only message contacts who've opted in to receive messaging from you.
3. Respect opt-out. When contacts reply "STOP," don't send any additional messages.
4. Don't send messages outside of normal business hours.

## How MessageDesk helps keep you compliant

MessageDesk automatically enforces:

1. "Reply STOP to opt-out" for every contact who replies STOP at any time.
2. Opt-out tracking for each number across your entire workspace.
3. When contacts opt out of messaging, MessageDesk tracks this for you.

***

## Opt-out configuration

MessageDesk gives you two ways to configure opt-out.

### 1. Inbox Opt-Out (carrier-preferred)

If a contact opts out on **one** phone number, they're blocked from **every** number in your workspace.

**When to use.** Works best for most teams: single standard, fewer compliance mistakes, can produce better deliverability.

### 2. Phone Number Opt-Out

If a contact opts out of messaging from **one** number, they can still receive texts from **other** numbers in your workspace.

**When to use.** Each number serves a distinct audience or purpose (with separate consent).

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/messagedesk/uurFwwp8BVn2jDiP/images/opt-out-configuration.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=uurFwwp8BVn2jDiP&q=85&s=7da1b2c3b28b9ff1659eb7b9f91b3b99" alt="Opt Out Configuration Pn" width="2466" height="670" data-path="images/opt-out-configuration.png" />

***

## Opt-out confirmation

Opt-out confirmation sends a message confirming the contact has opted out. Fine-tune what the contact sees immediately after they unsubscribe.

**What happens by default**

* MessageDesk sends an **automatic confirmation** acknowledging the opt-out.
* The conversation shows an **opt-out banner**, and future sends are blocked.

**Edit the opt-out confirmation:**

1. Click **Edit**.

* Edit the message to include a confirmation that the contact has opted out, plus a brief note about how to **opt back in** (see "Re-opt in" below).

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/messagedesk/uurFwwp8BVn2jDiP/images/opt-out-confirmation.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=uurFwwp8BVn2jDiP&q=85&s=ed9a5885b0debca9419711e508e08655" alt="Opt Out Confirmation Pn" width="2502" height="1168" data-path="images/opt-out-confirmation.png" />

***

## Opt-out signature

Add a standard opt-out line ("Reply STOP to opt out.") to every sent message. Improves clarity and helps you meet carrier expectations.

**Options:**

* **Apply to all sent messages (carrier-preferred).** Most compliant. Least confusing for recipients.
* **Include once per conversation.** Adds the signature only to the first outbound message in a thread.

**How to set.** **Settings → Compliance Center → Opt-Out → Signature**.

**Tips:**

* Keep it short and standard: "Reply STOP to opt out."
* Pair with your business/organization name when appropriate for context.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/messagedesk/uurFwwp8BVn2jDiP/images/opt-out-signature.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=uurFwwp8BVn2jDiP&q=85&s=867645393b3b973831d44b539870346b" alt="Opt Out Signature Pn" width="2510" height="1376" data-path="images/opt-out-signature.png" />

***

## STOP keywords

MessageDesk manages opt-outs automatically when a contact replies with a supported keyword:

* `stop`
* `unsubscribe`

<Note>
  Variations (case/spacing) are supported.
</Note>

**What you'll see**

* The contact gets an **automatic confirmation**.
* An **opt-out notice** appears in the thread.
* Future sends are **blocked** based on your configured scope.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/messagedesk/uurFwwp8BVn2jDiP/images/opt-out-stop-keyword.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=uurFwwp8BVn2jDiP&q=85&s=6c205d9aae8634e274a2f8baf6f78fa5" alt="Opt Out Stop Keyword Pn" width="2458" height="560" data-path="images/opt-out-stop-keyword.png" />

***

## Opt-out best practices

* **Message only opted-in contacts.**
* **Respect opt-outs immediately.** Don't follow with a "last message."
* **Include opt-out language** (signature) on non-conversational sends.
* **Avoid spam triggers.** Generic short links, all caps, excessive punctuation.
* **Send during business hours** when possible.

***

## Troubleshooting

**I can't text a contact anymore.**\
They may be opted out. Check the **opt-out banner** in the thread and review **scope** in Compliance Center.

**Switching numbers didn't bypass an opt-out.**\
You probably have **Inbox Opt-Out** enabled. Switch to **Phone Number Opt-Out** only if your compliance policy allows distinct consent per line.

**A contact wants to opt back in.**\
Ask them to send **START** (or another explicit consent message) from the same number. Confirm opt-in and resume messaging per your policy.

**Our messages are being filtered.**\
Turn on the **opt-out signature** for clarity, review content for potential spam triggers, and confirm your **carrier registration** status for each line.