Clothing retailer the Gap (NYSE:GAP) has agreed to pay a $200,000 fine for violating Canada’s anti-spam legislation.
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) says it sent a warning letter to the U.S.-based clothing retailer in December 2018 to tell it that it had received complaints about its electronic messaging practices.
The agency’s chief compliance and enforcement officer opened a formal investigation in June of this year following continued public complaints about the Gap sending unwanted emails to consumers.
The CRTC says it had reason to believe that between January 2018 and August 2021 the company sent electronic messages to Canadians without the necessary consent. The messages also did not consistently include an ability to unsubscribe or easily unsubscribe, as required under Canada’s anti-spam legislation.
After being informed of the concerns, Gap changed its marketing practices and worked with CRTC staff to reach a settlement that included the company agreeing to pay a $200,000 fine.