Telecoms are now trying to censor text messages?!??!?

[proud2BlibKansan]

Tell the FCC: Don't Allow Discrimination in Text-Messaging
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In September of last year, NARAL Pro-Choice America applied for a "short code" so it could send issue-oriented text messages to Verizon subscribers who wished to receive them. However, Verizon rejected this application, citing a company policy allowing them to refuse messages they deem "controversial or unsavory."

Following a New York Times article and a public outcry, Verizon quickly reversed their decision. But the fact that Verizon feels it can reject or block politically controversial messages should leave us all very worried. After all, would we tolerate it if Verizon decided to drop your phone calls the minute you started discussing a "controversial" issue like a woman's right to choose?

This type of discrimination would be unthinkable and illegal in the world of voice communications, and it should be so in the world of text messaging as well.

In response to this situation, as well as other instances of big telecom companies trying to censor text-messaging content they do not agree with, several progressive groups (including CREDO) have filed a petition with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeking to end the practice of discrimination in provision of text-messaging services. Specifically, we're asking the FCC to declare that text messaging services are governed by the anti-discrimination provisions of Title II of the Communications Act, and that discrimination in providing these services is therefore illegal.

The FCC has opened a public comment period for this petition, so we're asking you to weigh in with your opinion. Please tell the FCC that you believe discrimination in text-messaging should be prohibited.

http://act.credomobile.com/campaign/fcc_txt_discrimination/?qp_source=118

[margotb822]

1. Doesn't that violate freedom of speech?

Also, aren't all phone companies "carriers," meaning that their job is to carry the information, not decide what to carry?

[proud2BlibKansan]

2. Good question

I would think they are private businesses and can choose to do what they want. But then again, it could be infringing on free speech.

I honestly don't know.

[Angleae]

4. It's only the government that's prevented from doing that

Not corporations or individuals unless acting under direction of the government (any level).

[proud2BlibKansan]

5. And we can be assured they aren't acting under the direction of our government

:sarcasm:

[crimsonblue]

3. They sure are..

Not to mention, that the Telecoms are specifically given immunity in cases of illegal communication occuring over their lines. This means they bear no responsibility for the content of your phone calls and text messages, but also your internet surfing and downloading activities. I'm pretty sure that under this law, the proposed web filtering by some companies (namely Comcast, and AT&T-- since AT&T is already uploading the internet to the NSA, it makes sense that they would want to be able to filter and analyze web content) is completely illegal... not that has stopped Bushco yet...

[Echo In Light]

8. You're interjecting reason and logic into a fascist scheme...can't have that!

[Swamp Rat]

6. We ain't seen nuthin' yet.

Savor these moments of free exchange over the Internet.

[crikkett]

7. NARAL wanted to send text-message spam and Verizon said NO

That's like a newspaper refusing to print a particular ad.