Is it legal for companies to keep emailing me after I request removal?

Question

I have been receiving weekly emails from multiple companies for a few months despite having repeatedly requested to be unsubscribed using their unsubscribe buttons and by directly emailing them. I have also tried blocking their emails, but they still appear in my spam box. Is it legal for these companies to keep me on their email lists after multiple removal requests?

James L. Arrasmith · Answer

You're absolutely right to feel annoyed and even violated by this. Under U.S. law, specifically the CAN-SPAM Act, companies are required to honor your request to unsubscribe from their marketing emails. They must stop sending messages within 10 business days after you’ve opted out, and continuing to send them after that can be considered a violation of federal law. 
 
If you’ve already used the unsubscribe links and sent direct emails, yet the emails keep coming, that’s not just bad business practice—it may be illegal. Even if the emails end up in your spam folder, they’re still being delivered to your address against your wishes. This law applies to commercial email, not personal messages, and includes a requirement that messages clearly identify the sender and provide a valid way to opt out. 
 
You can report these companies to the Federal Trade Commission by filing a complaint. Keep records of the emails you’ve received and your attempts to unsubscribe. You shouldn’t have to keep battling your inbox—when you say “stop,” companies are supposed to listen. Your privacy and time matter, and you're within your rights to take action.

Q: Is it legal for companies to keep emailing me after I request removal?