| Can Big Telecom Block "Unsavory" Messages? |
Tell the FCC to outlaw content-based discrimination by text-messaging providers like Verizon. Actions speak louder than words. That's what I was thinking when I heard that Verizon, the second-largest U.S. mobile company, rejected NARAL Pro-Choice America's application for a "short-code" to send opt-in text messages to its members (then reversed its decision after a storm of criticism). We've been working to make sure that kind of censorship can't happen -- and now there's something you can do to help. You can speak up today to support free speech by posting a comment with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to end the practice of discrimination in setting up text-messaging services. Click here to send your comment. Don't delay -- the comment period ends March 14. In initially turning down the program, Verizon had told NARAL Pro-Choice America 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." Unsavory? How's this for unsavory: Verizon believes it can quash an organization's communications to its own members. It was only because of enormous public outcry that Verizon changed its tune. The fact that Verizon feels it can reject or block politically motivated messages should leave us all very worried. After all, how would you feel if Verizon decided to drop your phone calls the minute you started discussing a "controversial" issue like reproductive freedom? Please submit a comment today to help stop discrimination in text-messaging services. As CEO of CREDO Mobile, I don't just call for choice: I marched for choice on Washington, D.C. in 2004. I advocated for family planning in Ethiopia, where I saw how, thanks to the Bush administration's global gag rule, families have no more access to reproductive services. And I run a proudly pro-choice phone company. The good news is, as consumers, we still have a voice -- and we still have a choice. We can speak out against text-messaging censorship by posting a comment with the FCC today. And we can choose to be a part of a pro-choice company, like CREDO Mobile, which has donated more than two million dollars to women's organizations -- $267,000 to the NARAL Pro-Choice America Foundation alone. If you agree with us on this issue, we hope you visit our website and take action today. Thank you for your continued commitment. Laura Scher, CEO |
