Machine-to-Machine Compliance Guidelines

Kate_Thompson — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 10:10:51 GMT

What is M2M Messaging?

Machine-to-Machine (M2M) is a process that implies wireless communication between two or more physical assets. There is no human interaction in the Machine-to-Machine campaign. Subscriber-facing campaigns are prohibited when selecting the Machine-to-Machine use case.

The main purpose of machine-to-machine communication is to collect data and transmit it to a network. For example, a vending machine can message the distributors network, or machine, when a particular item is running low to send a refill.

It’s essential to understand that message programs involving IoT (Internet of Things), often utilize both M2M messages and subscriber-facing messages (e.g., user alert notifications). Below are a few examples of different message programs with an IoT use case.

IoT Use Case Example	M2M Text Example	User-Facing Text Example
Security Alarms Panel Monitor security systems designed to protect homes, businesses, and other properties.	A central system exchanges information via text to a remote garage door sensor node for status updates and other sensor readings.	A central system texts the end user that the garage door is open.
Fleet Management Real-time monitoring, tracking, and optimization of various aspects of fleet operations.	A central system exchanges information via text to sensors in a vehicle to monitor various mechanical and operations parameters.	A central system texts the fleet manager that a vehicle’s tire pressure is too low.
Inventory Management RFID-enabled products in a retail store track their location and stock levels.	An inventory management system exchanges information via text to RFID-enabled products for a presence status update to determine stock levels.	The inventory management system notifies the store owner via text of low-stock levels.
Cattle Agricultural Monitoring Track and manage the well-being and behavior of cattle for various purposes.	A central system sends a text to initiate a device-wakeup function towards sensor nodes embedded in the cattle to run vital signs such as heart rate and temperature.	A central system will message the farmer when it detects signs of distress of cattle due to elevated temperatures and heart rate.

In alignment with industry best practices and standards, M2M message programs should never interact with the end consumer. As a result, these must be separate messaging programs used for IoT into two different campaigns:

An IoT message program to facilitate M2M messages
An IoT message program to handle user-facing messages

Campaign Requirements for USER-Facing IoT Programs

For IoT user-facing messaging programs, follow the standard 10DLC Compliance Guidance check list.

Brand details need to align, such as, brand/company being registered, support email, website domain, etc.
CTA/Message Flow needs to be clear with required disclosures.
Opt in MT, Stop MT, and Help MT are required with necessary compliance disclosures and help details. (Phone number, email or contact us page.)
PP and TCs are to be vetted as normal.
Example messages need to identify brand name and include STOP statement and align with use case described.

Campaign Requirements for M2M IoT Programs

Messaging should be templated.
Should be 1-way messaging.
Opt In MT is not required for M2M use cases.
Opt Out MT is not required for M2M use cases.
Help MT is still required for ALL use cases per TCR.
PP and TC’s do not need to be vetted for M2M use cases.
The use case should be as detailed as possible to confirm it is indeed M2M and there is no subscriber interaction.
- The client should describe in detail how the process works. What machines are communicating with one another, what is the purpose, etc.
The registered brand details should align. Brand name, point of contact, support email, etc., to ensure the legitimacy of the company.

article Machine-to-Machine Compliance Guidelines in SMS

Machine-to-Machine Compliance Guidelines

What is M2M Messaging?

Campaign Requirements for USER-Facing IoT Programs

Campaign Requirements for M2M IoT Programs