FCC passes measure that gives carriers complete control to block texts they don't like
The FCC today voted 3-1 along party lines (via The Verge) to classify text messaging as an information service. This gives wireless carriers the ability to block texts that they consider to be unwanted by consumers by blocking robo-texts, and by using anti-spam and anti-spoofing measures. While on its face, this sounds like something good was done on behalf of mobile device users, the lone Democrat on the regulatory agency and other organizations feel differently.
Jessica Rosenworcel, the FCC's lone Democrat, believes that text messages should have been classified as a telecommunications service. Calling texts an information service gives carriers the ability to block texts that they deem to be controversial under the guise of blocking unwanted messages. Harold Feld, senior vice president at non-profit public interest group Public Knowledge, said, "It is simply the latest example of Chairman Pai’s radical agenda that puts companies ahead of consumers." Pai, appointed by president Donald Trump last year, also led the FCC's decision to overturn the net neutrality rules placed on the books during the Obama-era. Repealing net neutrality gives carriers the ability to block streaming content that they don't agree with.
"In today’s ruling, the FCC denies requests from mass-texting companies and other parties to classify text messaging services as "telecommunications
services" subject to common carrier regulation under the Communications Act—a classification that would limit wireless providers' efforts to combat spam and scam robotexts effectively. Instead, the FCC finds that two forms of wireless messaging services, SMS and Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), are "information services" under the Communications Act. With this decision, the FCC empowers wireless providers to continue taking action to protect American consumers from unwanted text messages."-FCC
"The FCC continues its quest to dismantle the regulatory framework that protects Americans...(this decision) means your carrier now has the legal right to block your text messages and censor the very content of your messages."-Jessica Rosenworcel, commissioner, FCC
services" subject to common carrier regulation under the Communications Act—a classification that would limit wireless providers' efforts to combat spam and scam robotexts effectively. Instead, the FCC finds that two forms of wireless messaging services, SMS and Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), are "information services" under the Communications Act. With this decision, the FCC empowers wireless providers to continue taking action to protect American consumers from unwanted text messages."-FCC
The vote today only covers SMS and MMS message. The upcoming new Rich Communication Service (RCS) platform, which was recently enabled by Verizon for the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, is not included in the FCC's classification of text messaging.
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