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
Users of the EECC Austin mobile app provide their phone number to receive verification codes for secure authentication. The opt-in process is clear, explicit, and user-initiated. Here is how it works:
- 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 a verification code 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.
- Optional Notifications: After authentication, users can optionally enable push notifications and SMS notifications for church updates. This is a separate, optional step that users control through their app settings.
Screenshots of In-App Consent
The following screenshots show the phone number entry screen in the EECC Austin mobile app. These screens clearly indicate the purpose of collecting the phone number and demonstrate explicit user consent.
Phone Number Entry Screen
Users see this screen when they choose to log in with their phone number. The screen clearly states that a verification code will be sent via SMS.
Screen shows:
- Phone number input field
- Text stating: "Enter your phone number to receive a verification code"
- Button labeled: "Send Verification Code"
- Notice: "By continuing, you agree to receive SMS messages from EECC Austin. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out."
Verification Code Entry Screen
After requesting a code, users see this screen where they enter the verification code they received via SMS.
Screen shows:
- Text stating: "We sent a verification code to your phone"
- 6-digit code entry field
- Button to resend code if needed
- Link to SMS Terms and Conditions
Optional Notification Settings
After logging in, users can optionally enable notifications in their app settings. This is completely optional and separate from authentication.
Settings screen shows:
- Toggle for "Enable SMS Notifications"
- Description: "Receive service reminders and important church updates via SMS"
- Note: "You can disable this at any time or reply STOP to any message"
Sample SMS Messages
Below are examples of the actual SMS messages that users receive from EECC Austin. All messages include clear opt-out instructions.
Verification Code Message:
EECC Austin: Your verification code is 123456. This code expires in 10 minutes. Reply STOP to opt out.
Service Reminder Message (Optional):
EECC Austin: Reminder - Sunday worship service begins tomorrow at 10:00 AM. Reply STOP to opt out.
Event Notification Message (Optional):
EECC Austin: Youth ministry meeting tonight at 7:00 PM. See you there! Reply STOP to opt out.
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.
- App Settings: Users can disable SMS notifications in their app settings at any time.
- Contacting Support: Users can contact us directly to request removal from the SMS program.
Once a user opts out, they will receive a confirmation message and will no longer receive SMS messages from EECC Austin. They can opt back in at any time by entering their phone number in the app again.
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:
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.