Paul's Web Space 2.1

Verizon blocks political TXTs

Today's New York Times reports that Verizon is censoring pro-choice speech using its SMS network. Lots of groups have used this capability to keep members or supporters informed – so far, with little interference from cellphone carriers. No longer.

In his post to the People for Internet Responsibility list, Lauren Weinstein points out that this action calls into question the very notion that we would allow such large and powerful public entities to control political speech in this country. Verizon makes as good a case for Net Neutrality as AT&T did when they censored Eddie Vedder during a Pearl Jam set at Lollapolooza (bleeping anti-bush lyrics he inserted into a song).

MobileActive.org, an organization that has been encouraging the use of mobilt technology for activism worldwide, and has also written about this event, noting that NARAL plans to call on it's members to protest this censorship. In the end, this action can only help the cause of Net Neutrality championed by the likes of SaveTheInternet.com, of which I am a supporter.

Labels: freedomofspeeech, internet, netneutrality, telecommunications, verizon

   Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/27/business/27cnd-verizon.htm

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