Verizon Gets into Censoring Text Messages

Verizon Reverses Course on Abortion Text-Messaging: "If you want to see what the Internet will look like in a few years without net neutrality, you need look no further than this week's stories about Verizon Wireless' attempts to censor messages on its text-message network. Today the telecommunications giant reversed a decision it made last week to reject NARAL Pro-Choice America's request to make a text-message advocacy campaign available on Verizon networks. The program would allow people to sign up for text messages with NARAL by sending a five digit 'short code.' These types of programs have become very popular with activist groups and political candidates.

Earlier, Verizon told NARAL 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.’ Never mind that you have to sign up for the program so you don't get unsolicited messages. If Verizon says your program is controversial or unsavory, you can always go elsewhere.