By region
| Region | Cold B2B email allowed? | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| USA (CAN-SPAM) | Yes | Working unsubscribe, accurate "from", no deceptive subject line |
| EU (GDPR) | Yes | Legitimate interest documented, opt-out in message, honor erasure |
| France (RGPD-DPCP) | Yes (B2B) | Business email to professional role is allowed; B2C requires opt-in |
| UK (UK GDPR) | Yes | Same as EU GDPR |
| Germany | Restrictive | Stricter UWG rules. Practical opt-in for B2B |
| Canada (CASL) | Restrictive | Express or implied consent required. B2B exceptions narrow |
| Australia (Spam Act) | Yes | With unsubscribe and accurate sender |
Universal rules
- Always include a working opt-out / unsubscribe link
- Use accurate sender info (your real name, your real domain)
- No deceptive subject lines
- Honor opt-outs within 10 business days (US) or 30 days (EU)
- Never email purchased lists
What gets you fined
- No unsubscribe link
- Continuing to email after opt-out
- Buying lists from data brokers and emailing them
- Hiding sender identity
Compliant outreach starts with compliant sourcing.
Lead4Linked extracts public LinkedIn data. Always include opt-out in your messages.
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