Did Verizon Show Its Hand?

Earlier this week, Verizon decided to block text messages from a particular group based on an “outdated screening policy” which it later reversed after learning that all other carriers allowed the messages.  The messages were from a group in which subscribers have to “opt-in” in order to receive the messages, so Verizon couldn’t claim the messages were SPAM.

This incident is generally considered to be an attempt by Verizon to censor content for its members and on one front, they can do that – its is after all, their network.  In fact, the group in question received a letter from Verizon stating Verizon Wireless would not allow groups to distribute material that “in its discretion, may be seen as controversial or unsavory to any of our users.”  Like I said, they reversed their stance and there is always the concern regarding content such as hate messages and SPAM.  A carrier can’t afford to allow its network to be overrun by these messages – they have an obligation to their customers.

But one has to wonder whether they would or ever DO make the same type of decision regarding its subscribers email messages or Internet traffic.  Even though this instance only deals with text messages, it is not out of the realm of possibility that this could extend to your home or business.  Net Neutrality is of considerable concern here – if there are no laws or regulations concerning a carriers ability to censor Internet traffic, might a carrier like Verizon in fact censor what you can see on your own browser?

So the next time you hear discussions about Net Neutrality, consider this particular circumstance and ask yourself if you want a room full of people deciding what you see and here on the Internet of Tomorrow.