September 27, 2007
Verizon Wireless Bars Abortion-Rights Group's Texting
UPDATE (Thursday pm): Verizon Wireless allows abortion rights messaging
Verizon Wireless is refusing to carry text messages from a prominent abortion-rights group, citing its internal restrictions on content that is "highly controversial," the carrier said. The Wall Street Journal reports.
"Naral Pro-Choice America requested that Verizon Wireless and other carriers distribute its text messages that users sign up for by sending a message to a five- or six-digit short code.
Verizon Wireless rejected Naral's request, citing the carrier's "code of content," which prohibits controversial content.
The move sparked outrage from Naral. "Regardless of people's political views, Verizon customers should be able to decide how to use their phones for political action," said Ted Miller, a Naral spokesman. "Verizon shouldn't make that choice for them. Verizon shouldn't be allowed to arbitrarily censor their activities."
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