About CASL
The new Canadian anti-spam legislation (CASL) came into effect on July 1, 2014. The primary purpose of CASL is to prohibit the sending of unsolicited commercial electronic messages (CEMs), also called 'spam'. CASL also prohibits the following activities:
- Installing computer programs without consent (e.g. spyware, viruses)
- Altering transmission data
- Providing false or misleading information in a message
- “Harvesting” addresses
The definition of CEM applies to emails frequently sent by the university to alumni, donors, students and other external audiences, such as third party businesses and organizations.
Non-compliance with CASL may lead to significant administrative penalties; up to $10 million for an organization and $1 million for an individual. Also, effective July 1, 2017, anybody who receives a CEM without having provided their consent has a private right of action against the organization sending the CEM, and may be entitled to receive up to $200 per violation. Officers, directors and agents can be held personally liable for their organization’s failure to comply with the CASL.
Faculty and staff who are sending CEMs are strongly encouraged to read and become familiar with the UofL Resources listed below.
What is spam?
Spam is the unsolicited sending of a commercial electronic message (a "CEM").
A CEM is any electronic message (such as a text, email or social media direct message) whose content - including the message, a hyperlink in the message, or the contact information in the message - encourages participation in a commercial activity, regardless of whether it is done so in the expectation of profit. Requests to subscribe to a mailing list and/or to obtain consent are themselves considered CEMs under CASL. Any message that contains commercial content may constitute a CEM under this legislation.
Inquiries about CASL may be directed to CASLinquiries@uleth.ca.
CASL Resources
Internal UofL Resources
CASL - Quick Reference Guide.pdf
CASL - Model Language (Consent and Unsubscribe).pdf
CASL - Compliance Checklist.pdf
Applying CASL to UofL Activities
External Resources
Government of Canada Anti-Spam Site
NOTE - Information on this webpage, and corresponding University of Lethbridge resources, is subject to updating from time to time. Please check this webpage often to ensure you are working with the most up-to-date resources.