Purpose of This Page
This page documents the SMS opt-in process for the EECC Austin mobile app. It demonstrates how users explicitly consent to receive SMS messages and provides evidence of our compliance with SMS messaging regulations.
Overview of Opt-in Process
EECC Austin sends SMS messages for two purposes: (1) one-time verification codes requested by users for secure sign-in and account access, and (2) optional service reminders and church informational updates that users separately enable in app settings. SMS notifications are off by default. No marketing or promotional messages are sent.
- User Action Required: Users must manually enter their phone number in the EECC Austin mobile app. No messages are sent without this explicit action.
- Clear Purpose: The app clearly states that the phone number will be used to send verification codes for login and account security.
- Consent Acknowledgment: By entering their phone number and tapping the button to request a verification code, users consent to receive SMS messages from EECC Austin, including verification codes and optional service reminders and church informational updates if enabled.
- Separate Notification Opt-in: After authentication, users may optionally enable informational SMS notifications for service reminders and church updates. This is a separate step controlled entirely through app settings. SMS notifications are off by default. Users must actively enable them and save preferences. Authentication messages may still be sent when the user requests a login code.
Screenshots of In-App Consent
The following describes the phone number entry screens in the EECC Austin mobile app. Each screen where a user provides a phone number includes explicit SMS consent language with links to the SMS Terms and Privacy Policy.
1. Sign In Screen (Phone Tab)
When users select the Phone tab on the Sign In screen, they see a phone number input field. Below it, the following consent text is displayed:
Screen elements:
- Phone number input field with country code
- Hint: “We’ll send you a verification code”
- Consent text: “By continuing, you agree to receive SMS messages from EECC Austin, including verification codes and optional service reminders and church informational updates if enabled. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. See our SMS Terms & Privacy Policy.”
- Tappable links to SMS Terms and Privacy Policy
- “Continue” button (user must tap to send OTP)
2. Sign Up Screen (Optional Phone Field)
On the Sign Up screen, users can optionally provide a phone number. When they begin typing in the phone field, consent text appears:
Screen elements:
- Full Name field (required)
- Email field (required)
- Phone field labeled “Phone (Optional)”
- Consent text (shown when phone entered): “By providing your phone number, you agree to receive SMS messages from EECC Austin, including verification codes and optional service reminders and church informational updates if enabled. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. See our SMS Terms & Privacy Policy.”
- Tappable links to SMS Terms and Privacy Policy
- Terms of Service and Privacy Policy links at the bottom
3. Link Phone Number Screen
Existing users can link a phone number from their profile. The screen includes consent disclosure:
Screen elements:
- Phone number input field with country code
- Hint: “You’ll receive a verification code via SMS”
- Consent text: “By continuing, you agree to receive SMS messages from EECC Austin, including verification codes and optional service reminders and church informational updates if enabled. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. See our SMS Terms & Privacy Policy.”
- Tappable links to SMS Terms and Privacy Policy
- “Send Verification Code” button
4. Verification Code Entry Screen
After requesting a code, users enter the 6-digit verification code received via SMS:
Screen elements:
- Text: “Enter the 6-digit code sent to [masked number]”
- 6-digit code entry field
- “Verify & Continue” button
- Resend code option with cooldown timer
- Option to change phone number
5. SMS Notification Settings (Optional — Separate Opt-in)
After logging in, users can optionally enable informational SMS notifications in Email Preferences under Settings. This is a separate opt-in from authentication.
Settings screen elements:
- Toggle for “SMS Notifications” (off by default)
- Description: “Receive text message notifications”
- When enabled, consent box appears: “By enabling SMS notifications, you agree to receive optional service reminders and church informational updates from EECC Austin. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. See our SMS Terms & Privacy Policy.”
- Tappable links to SMS Terms and Privacy Policy
- User must tap “Save Preferences” to confirm
Key Details:
- SMS notifications are off by default.
- Users must actively enable them and tap “Save Preferences” to confirm.
- Authentication messages (verification codes) may still be sent when the user requests a login code, regardless of notification settings.
Sample SMS Messages
Below are examples of the actual SMS messages that users receive from EECC Austin. All messages include the brand name and opt-out instructions.
Verification Code (OTP):
EECC Austin: Your verification code is 123456. Expires in 10 min. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Msg & data rates may apply.
Informational Church Reminder (Optional, only if enabled in settings):
EECC Austin: Reminder — Sunday worship service at 10:30 AM tomorrow at 305 Deen Ave. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Msg & data rates may apply.
STOP Response:
EECC Austin: You have been unsubscribed and will no longer receive messages. Reply HELP for help or visit https://eeccaustin.org/terms-and-conditions.
HELP Response:
EECC Austin SMS: For help, email support@eeccaustin.org or call (512) 473-9905. Reply STOP to opt out. Msg & data rates may apply. https://eeccaustin.org/terms-and-conditions
Opt-out Instructions
Every SMS message from EECC Austin includes clear opt-out instructions. Users can opt out at any time by:
- Replying STOP: Users can reply STOP to any message to immediately opt out of all SMS messages, including both verification codes (OTP) and optional informational texts.
- App Settings: Users can disable optional SMS notifications in their app settings at any time. This does not affect authentication messages.
- Contacting Support: Users can contact us directly to request removal from the SMS program.
Once a user replies STOP, they will receive a confirmation message and will no longer receive any SMS messages from EECC Austin. This means phone-based sign-in will no longer work. Users can still sign in with email. To re-opt in, users can re-enter or re-link their phone number in the app and re-enable notification settings.
Help Instructions
Users can get help with the SMS program by:
- Replying HELP: Users can reply HELP to any message to receive assistance information.
- Contacting Support:
Compliance and Privacy
EECC Austin is committed to compliance with all SMS messaging regulations, including:
- TCPA Compliance: We obtain explicit consent before sending SMS messages and honor all opt-out requests immediately.
- CTIA Guidelines: We follow best practices for SMS messaging, including clear identification, opt-out instructions, and message frequency disclosure.
- Privacy Protection: We do not sell or share phone numbers with third parties for marketing purposes. See our Privacy Policy for details.
- Data Security: Phone numbers and SMS data are stored securely and protected with industry-standard encryption.
Additional Resources
For more information about our SMS program and privacy practices, please see:
- SMS Program Terms - Full terms for the EECC Austin SMS program (Section 1 of Terms and Conditions)
- Privacy Policy - How we collect, use, and protect your personal information
- Contact Us - Get in touch with questions or concerns
Contact Information
If you have questions about our SMS opt-in process or need assistance, please contact us:
Transparent and Compliant
Our SMS opt-in process is designed to be clear, transparent, and fully compliant with all applicable regulations. Users are always in control of the messages they receive.