GSMA pens code of ethics for mobile spam

The GSMA offered up a "Mobile Spam Code of Practice" that asks carriers to voluntarily commit to:

• Providing a consent mechanism for subscribers for carrier's own marketing efforts.
• Work co-operatively with other carriers, including those not yet committed to the Code.
• Include anti-spam conditions in all contracts with third party suppliers.
• Provide subscribers with the info and resources to help them minimize mobile spam.
• Review customer contracts, terms and conditions and acceptable use policies to ensure up-to-date and relevant anti-spam conditions.
• Encourage governments and regulators to support the issue when necessary.

Well, the Mobile Marketing Association already has a set of guidelines for SMS campaigns that is far more thorough and boasts some of the same signatories as the GSMA's manifesto. Some of the GSMA's 15 signatories include Cingular Wireless, O2, Orange, SFR, Telefonica, Telenor, T-Mobile and Vodafone. Also, why call it "A Mobile Spam Code of Practice?" That pigeonholes all mobile marketing as "spam." Seems a bit heavy-handed to me.

For more on mobile marketing/spam guidelines:
- check out this press release from the GSMA
- take a look at this set of guidelines from the MMA