DELIVTERMS: The (almost) weekly series here on Spam Resource that defines deliverability terminology. Today, the term and topic is CAN-SPAM.
Here on Spam Resource you’ll find a whole section of articles relating to CAN-SPAM, including why you should adhere to the prior affirmative consent standard (because then you don't have to label your email as an advertisement), what constitutes a transactional message under CAN-SPAM, and I'll also help you break down four common CAN-SPAM myths. Here I'll also include links to the full text of the law and the US Federal Trade Commission's CAN-SPAM Compliance Guide for Businesses.
There have been a number of criminal and civil enforcement actions against those alleged to have violated CAN-SPAM over the years. It perhaps doesn't happen that often, but it's the kind of thing that you likely don't want to be on the wrong side of.
CAN-SPAM compliance is a basic necessity when it comes to sending email marketing messages ethically and successfully. Don't brag about complying with CAN-SPAM; compliance alone is not a guarantee of inbox delivery. ISPs happily block millions of CAN-SPAM compliant messages daily. Sending wanted, recognized mail to people who have explicitly requested that mail is key.