from Schmitz Blitz: schmitzblitz.wordpress.com
Interesting bit from NYT today over Verizon's refusal to allow customers to receive text updates from NARAL. Verizon has cited their right to block "controversial or unsavory" text messages. From the article:
The dispute over the Naral messages is a skirmish in the larger battle over the question of "net neutrality" — whether carriers or Internet service providers should have a voice in the content they provide to customers.
"This is right at the heart of the problem," said Susan Crawford, a visiting professor at the University of Michigan law school, referring to the treatment of text messages. "The fact that wireless companies can choose to discriminate is very troubling."
In turning down the program, Verizon, one of the nation’s two largest wireless carriers, told Naral that it does not accept programs from any group "that seeks to promote an agenda or distribute content that, in its discretion, may be seen as controversial or unsavory to any of our users."
Also interesting how I happen to be a Verizon customer who was denied access to both Obamaand Mormon ringtones. I guess if one really wanted to be involved in text activism, they could just switch plans.