What are the potential consequences of utilizing message templates for promotional content without obtaining explicit user consent?

Utilizing message templates for promotional content without explicit user consent can lead to several negative consequences. WhatsApp's policies strictly prohibit sending unsolicited promotional messages, and violations can result in penalties. Firstly, users may report the business for sending spam. A high number of spam reports can lead to a decrease in the business's quality rating on the WhatsApp Business Platform. 'Promotional content' refers to messages that advertise products, services, or special offers. 'Explicit user consent' means the user has clearly and affirmatively agreed to receive such messages. Secondly, WhatsApp may temporarily restrict or permanently suspend the business's ability to send messages. This can disrupt customer communication and negatively impact business operations. The severity of the penalty depends on the frequency and severity of the violations. Thirdly, using promotional templates without consent violates data privacy regulations like GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act), potentially leading to legal action and fines. These regulations require businesses to obtain explicit consent before processing personal data for marketing purposes. Fourthly, it damages the business's reputation and customer trust. Sending unsolicited promotional messages can be perceived as intrusive and annoying, leading to a negative brand image and loss of customer loyalty. For example, sending a discount code to a user who never opted in to receive marketing messages could lead to a user reporting the business as spam. Consent needs to be clear and affirmative, not implied. The business must respect the user's choice.