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Message Messenger & Instagram DMCompliance: FAQs for Chatbot BuildersTHEwww.Stellar247.comBy Kelly Mirabella

01General Compliance Questions1. What are the key compliance rules chatbot builders need to follow on Messengerand Instagram DM?Chatbot builders must comply with Meta’s Platform Policies, Commerce Policies, CommunityStandards, and Advertising Standards. The most important rules include: Promotional messages are only allowed within a 24-hour window after user interaction. Messages outside 24 hours require specific Message Tags and cannot include promotionalcontent. Selling digital products directly inside Messenger and Instagram DMs is NOT allowed. Prohibited products (e.g., weapons, drugs, adult services) cannot be promoted. Financial services (e.g., cryptocurrency, forex trading) require prior written approval from Meta. Meta’s Platform Policy Overview2. Can I send promotional messages to users anytime?02Messaging Rules & Message TagsNo. Promotional messages are only allowed within the 24-hour messaging window from when a userlast interacted with your bot. Outside this 24-hour window, promotional messages are NOT allowed unless using SponsoredMessages (Paid Ads) or Messenger Lists (Recurring Notifications). Messenger 24-hour Window & Message Tags3. What are Message Tags, and when can I use them?Message Tags allow non-promotional messages to be sent outside the 24-hour window for specific,approved use cases: Confirmed Event Reminder – Reminders for events users have registered for. Post-Purchase Update – Order confirmations, shipping updates ( NO upsells). Account Update – Security alerts, fraud notifications. Human Agent – Allows a real person to respond to messages within 7 days. Message Tags cannot be used for promotions, discounts, or upselling products/services. Meta’s Official Message Tag Policy

03Commerce & Selling Rules4. Can I sell digital products inside Facebook Messenger or Instagram DMs?5. What products and services are completely banned from Messenger and Instagramchatbots?6. What are Messenger Lists (Recurring Notifications), and how do they work? No. Meta strictly prohibits the sale of digital products inside Messenger and Instagram DMs. You can discuss and promote digital products but must direct users to an external website (e.g., Shopify,PayPal, Gumroad) for purchase. Meta’s Commerce Policy on Digital Products Meta prohibits the sale or promotion of:Weapons, ammunition, and explosivesDrugs, prescription medications, and supplementsAdult products or escort servicesTobacco, vaping, or related productsMulti-level marketing (MLM) or "get rich quick" schemesIllegal financial services or misleading investment offersCryptocurrency or forex trading (without Meta’s written approval) Meta’s Full Commerce Policies04Recurring Notifications & Messenger ListsMessenger Lists (previously Recurring Notifications) allow businesses to send updates to users whoopt in. Users must manually subscribe to each list for specific updates (e.g., "Weekly Tips," "MonthlyDeals"). Cross-selling and upselling other products are NOT allowed. Users must opt-in separately for each type of update. Setting Up Messenger Lists

05Comment Automation & Ads7. Can I automatically message users who comment on my Facebook or Instagramposts?8. Can I run Messenger Ads to send messages outside the 24-hour window?9. Can I promote cryptocurrency or forex trading in my chatbot?06Financial & Cryptocurrency Compliance Yes, but you must obtain explicit opt-in consent before sending follow-up messages. The firstautomated message should ask users to confirm if they want more updates. Comment-to-Message Automation Rules Yes! Sponsored Messages (Paid Ads) let you re-engage users outside the 24-hour window. BUT sponsored messages go to everyone who has messaged your page in the last 365 days,including those who unsubscribed. Facebook Messenger Ads Guide Not unless you receive written approval from Meta. Crypto and financial services must comply with local laws and include required disclaimers. Meta’s Cryptocurrency & Financial Services Policy10. What are my options if I want to message a user after 24 hours?07After the 24-Hour Window: What’s Next? Use a Message Tag (if applicable). Send a Sponsored Message (Paid Ad). Ask users to opt into Messenger Lists for recurring updates. Get users to opt-in for SMS or Email marketing for ongoing communication. Messenger Policy Overview

11. Can I send promotional content via SMS or Email instead?12. How do I make sure my chatbot follows all Meta rules?08Best Practices for Staying Compliant Yes! If you collect SMS or email opt-ins, you can bypass Messenger’s 24-hour rule and continuemarketing outside of Meta’s restrictions. SMS & Email Opt-in Best Practices Review Meta’s Commerce & Platform Policies regularly. Only send promotional messages within 24 hours of user interaction. Use Message Tags properly (NO promotions outside of 24 hours). Collect opt-ins for Messenger Lists, SMS, or Email for long-term engagement. NEVER sell digital products directly inside Messenger or Instagram DMs. Follow data privacy rules (DO NOT collect sensitive user data). Meta’s Full Platform PolicyBy following these guidelines, chatbot builders can stay compliant, avoid bans, andmaximize Messenger & Instagram DM marketing the right way!