Acceptable Use Policy

Scope

This Acceptable Use Policy (the “AUP”) governs all use of Handset (handset.dev), operated by Handset HQ, Inc. It supplements our Terms of Service and Privacy & SMS Policy. It applies to every account, number, message, and call, in both test mode and live mode, and to anyone you allow to use your account. If you violate this AUP, we may suspend or terminate access, with or without notice.

Lawful use and consent

You may use Handset only for lawful communication with recipients who have consented to be contacted. You are responsible for obtaining and keeping records of that consent, for honoring opt-outs, and for complying with the TCPA, CAN-SPAM, CTIA guidelines, the 10DLC / TCR program, and all applicable laws in the jurisdictions you operate in and message into.

Receiving verification codes and one-time passwords

Handset numbers may not be used to receive verification codes, one-time passwords, or account-confirmation messages for services you do not own and operate. US carriers and our upstream network treat this as account-verification abuse, and it is prohibited regardless of volume. Specifically, you may not:

• Provision numbers to receive verification codes for third party apps, marketplaces, financial services, or social networks (for example, to create, verify, or resell accounts).
• Operate, resell, or supply numbers for a phone-verified-account (PVA), “receive SMS online,” disposable-number, or OTP-reception service.
• Sublicense, rent, or share number access so that others can receive verification codes for services they do not own.

Receiving verification codes for your own application, or for numbers assigned to your own end users within your own product, is permitted. If you are unsure which side of this line you are on, ask us first at hello@handset.dev.

Prohibited content

You may not send, receive, or store:

• Unsolicited messaging (spam), snowshoeing, or traffic that evades filtering.
• Phishing, smishing, malware, or content designed to deceive or defraud a recipient.
• Content prohibited by carriers or CTIA guidelines, including the restricted categories (such as high-risk financial offers, illegal substances, and adult content), and any unlawful, hateful, or harassing content.
• Traffic that impersonates a person, brand, or sender you are not authorized to represent.

Prohibited number and traffic practices

• Number farming: bulk-acquiring numbers to rotate, evade blocking, or manufacture accounts.
• Caller-ID spoofing, neighbor spoofing, or manipulating sender identity.
• Autodialed or prerecorded calls and texts sent without the consent the TCPA requires.
• Artificial traffic inflation, international revenue-share fraud, or traffic pumping.

Compliance requirements

Live A2P messaging on US long codes requires registered 10DLC brand and campaign approval through The Campaign Registry. Handset enforces recipient opt-outs (STOP) at the platform level. You must keep your registration, use case, and sample messages accurate, and you must not send traffic that differs from your approved campaign.

Enforcement

We may investigate suspected violations and may suspend or terminate accounts, numbers, or specific traffic at our discretion, including immediately where a violation threatens our carrier relationships or the network. We may report unlawful activity to carriers, the TCR, and law enforcement. Fees paid are not refundable for accounts terminated for a violation of this AUP.

Reporting abuse

Report suspected abuse or ask a question about this policy at hello@handset.dev.