Is double opt-in a GDPR requirement for UK and EMEA subscribers?
Summary
What email marketers say10Marketer opinions
Email marketer from Quora states that although double opt-in isn't a strict GDPR mandate, it provides a strong defense in demonstrating explicit consent. It's viewed as a proactive compliance measure.
Email marketer from Sendinblue emphasizes that GDPR necessitates demonstrable consent. Double opt-in is a practical way to meet this requirement, providing a verifiable record of subscriber agreement.
Email marketer from Reddit explains that while not explicitly required, double opt-in is considered a best practice to demonstrate freely given consent under GDPR. It helps to provide a clear record of confirmation.
Email marketer from ActiveCampaign says while double opt-in isn't specifically required, it's the recommended way to handle email marketing signups and consent for GDPR. You will have proof of consent with a time/date stamp. It also helps improve deliverability.
Email marketer from Email Marketing Forum, shares that double opt-in isn't a direct legal mandate but is a practical approach for ensuring compliance with the GDPR's consent requirements. It can protect you if ever challenged over consent.
Email marketer from Mailjet explains that while GDPR doesn't specifically mandate double opt-in, it's a highly recommended best practice for demonstrating explicit consent. It provides a clear audit trail.
Email marketer from HubSpot explains that while double opt-in is not explicitly required by the GDPR, it is a highly suggested method for collecting user consent. Double opt-in is also useful in keeping your lists clean and helps prevent bot signups.
Marketer from Email Geeks states that German case-law and data protection authorities consider double opt-in as a possible way to prove consent.
Marketer from Email Geeks explains that double opt-in is not a direct requirement for GDPR, but the requirement is to be able to prove consent, and double opt-in is the easiest way to do it.
Email marketer from StackExchange details that the GDPR requires businesses to be able to demonstrate that they have obtained valid consent to process an individual’s personal data, double-opt in mechanisms are the best way to prove that consent.
What the experts say5Expert opinions
Expert from Email Geeks explains that it's a business risk decision to consider the likelihood of complaints and potential legal action if there's no audit trail of consent. This is especially important when evaluating existing recipient lists and deciding whether to change practices or redo everything.
Expert from Email Geeks advises that using double opt-in is a good practice even with North American customers, as there's not much downside.
Expert from Word to the Wise explains that while GDPR does not specifically require double opt-in, it does require provable consent. Double opt-in is the easiest way to prove consent.
Expert from Email Geeks clarifies that double opt-in isn't a hard requirement, but being able to prove consent for every recipient is crucial. Confirmed opt-in is always a safe choice.
Expert from Spamresource suggests that while GDPR doesn't explicitly require double opt-in, it strongly implies the need for verifiable consent. Double opt-in is an excellent method of ensuring that consent is freely given, specific, informed, and unambiguous.
What the documentation says4Technical articles
Documentation from Termly.io clarifies that GDPR mandates verifiable consent but doesn't explicitly dictate double opt-in. However, double opt-in is seen as a reliable method for obtaining and documenting consent.
Documentation from GDPR.eu details that consent must be freely given, specific, informed, and unambiguous. Although double opt-in isn't explicitly required, it's a robust method for verifying consent and protecting against liability.
Documentation from ICO.org.uk clarifies that GDPR requires a clear affirmative action signifying freely given, specific, informed, and unambiguous agreement to the processing of personal data. While double opt-in isn't explicitly mandated, it serves as strong evidence of consent.
Documentation from Information Age explains that when it comes to data protection, GDPR requires proof of consent, so with double opt-in you can be sure that you are covered.