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The Short Code Registry Implements Changes to Improve Short Code Security

The Short Code Registry has been a trusted messaging channel for over twenty years. On October 15, 2024, the Short Code Registry is making three key updates that are designed to further protect consumers and promote greater transparency through enhanced vetting and monitoring, which will ultimately benefit all messaging stakeholders: 

  1. Collecting additional data to enhance the vetting of common short code lessees (CSC Registrants), Content Providers, and Brand Clients
  2. Defining and adding conditions for the leasing and assignment of Parked Codes, which are leased short codes that are currently not assigned to a Brand Client. 
  3. Defining and adding conditions for the leasing of Demo Codes, which are short codes that may only be used for marketing, promotional, or testing purposes.

 

Proper Vetting Is a Key Value of the Short Code Registry

Making sure that short code users are properly vetted is the foundation of trust in the short code program. The proposed updates help encourage transparent and purposeful use of short codes and better track codes that are not immediately assigned to a Brand Client.

Additional Information About Parked Codes Encourages Transparency. Parked Codes allow CSC Registrants the opportunity to secure codes without a Brand Client, which eases the provisioning process for Registrants. The Short Code Registry will now require CSC Registrants to identify at registration that the code they are leasing is Parked and will set an initial lease period for Parked Codes of six months. These changes allow the Short Code Registry to better understand and monitor the use of a Parked Code to ensure that it receives the necessary updated Brand Client information when the Code is assigned. 

New Requirements for Demo Codes Clarify Use. CSC Registrants will now also be asked to identify at registration that the code they are leasing is a Demo Code. The Registry will also clarify that these codes can only be used for commercial, marketing, and testing purposes. Requesting and providing this additional information about Demo Codes will help ensure transparency around their usage.

When Will These Updates Go Into Effect? On October 15, 2024, the Short Code Registry will be updated with the new required fields for CSC Registrants and Brand Clients, as well as with the requirements for Parked Codes and Demo Codes. Only codes that are newly leased or manually renewed on or after October 15, 2024, will be immediately required to provide the additional fields as part of those processes. Existing short codes on auto-renew leases will be subject to changes beginning in January 2025.