FCC Asked to Stop Text Censoring

Net neutrality advocates object to providers blocking messages

By Jason Farago, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 11, 2007 10:33 AM CST

(Newser) – Consumer groups have banded together to lobby the FCC to prevent cellphone companies from blocking text messages, the Washington Post reports. The issue of carriers censoring messages from political groups and competing services has become the latest front in the net neutrality campaign. Consumers Union and other advocates are insisting that providers should deliver texts regardless of content.

In September, consumer advocates blasted Verizon for blocking texts from NARAL Pro-Choice America, and the carrier later reversed its decision. All five FCC commissioners have supported a ban on censoring texts but have not enforced it. The FCC has also hedged its bets on net neutrality, saying ISPs can regulate their networks so long as they refrain from discrimination.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Kevin Martin. (Associated Press)

The FCC is hearing arguments in favor of net neutrality after service providers censored text messages. (Associated Press)

The FCC is hearing arguments in favor of net neutrality after service providers censored text messages. (Flickr)

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FCC Asked to Stop Text Censoring

Net neutrality advocates object to providers blocking messages

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Skype Buys GroupMe for $50M+

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Verizon Challenges New Network Neutrality Rules

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Get Ready for the Two-Speed Internet

Dan Lyons: Thanks to net neutrality, we'll probably have fast and slow lanes

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Issue will be revisited in the courts

FCC Poised to Pass Net Neutrality Rules

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

FCC • censorship • net neutrality • Naral • telecommunications • texting

MOST POPULAR STORIES

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More Newser Stories

Skype Buys GroupMe for $50M+

Group-texting firm will stay in New York

Verizon Challenges New Network Neutrality Rules

Company thinks FCC overstepped its authority

Get Ready for the Two-Speed Internet

Dan Lyons: Thanks to net neutrality, we'll probably have fast and slow lanes

FCC Adopts Net Neutrality Rules for Web Traffic

Issue will be revisited in the courts

FCC Poised to Pass Net Neutrality Rules

'Fake' neutrality plan doesn't go far enough, critics say

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