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The FCC voted to classify SMS and MMS text messages as an information service last week, giving wireless carriers more control over messages sent through their networks.

Text messages weren’t previously classified under the Communications Act, which categorizes content as either information services under Title I, which are lightly regulated, or telecommunications services under Title II, which are more heavily regulated.

For context, text messages join email services and websites under Title I, while services including phone calls are classified under Title II. The ruling enables wireless carriers to censor, monitor, and block text messages they see as controversial.

The aim of the ruling was to help carriers better protect consumers from fraudulent or unwanted text messages. Spam communications have become a prevalent issue in the US and around the world over the past year — the number of spam calls received globally hit 17.7 billion in 2018, jumping 300% from the year prior — making it more important for carriers to protect against these sorts of communications.

The new classification legally justifies carriers’ ability to block spam content, which carriers were doing before but on wobbly legal grounds. The alternative — classifying texting as a telecommunications service — would have added regulatory barriers and made it difficult for wireless carriers to block controversial messages, making it easier for spammers to reach consumers as a result, according to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai.

However, critics believe the ruling could lead to free speech and privacy violations.The ruling could enable wireless carriers to monitor and block content for their own business or political gains. For example, consumer advocates fear that carriers can now monitor text message content and sell that data for targeted advertising. Additionally, wireless carriers may be able to block text messages that contradict a service provider's political viewpoints.