Number: RL34632
Title: Text and Multimedia Messaging: Emerging Issues for Congress
Authors: Patricia Moloney Figliola, Resources, Science, and Industry Division 
Abstract: The increasing use of text and multimedia messaging has raised several policy issues: applicability of CAN-SPAM Act to unwanted wireless messages; refusal of some carriers to allow users to disable text messaging; carrier blocking of Common Short Code messages; deceptive and misleading Common Short Code programs; protecting children from inappropriate content on wireless devices; mobile cyberbullying; and balancing user privacy with "Sunshine," Open Government, and Freedom of Information Laws. One issue, cyberbullying, has been the topic of legislation in the 110th Congress: H.R. 3577, H.R. 6120, S. 3016, and H.R. 4134. Cyberbullying refers to the new, and growing, practice of using technology to harass, or bully, someone else. Each of these four bills would provide grants for education about cyberbullying. No action has been taken on the first three bills; H.R. 4134 was passed by the House on November 13, 2007, and referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary on November 14, 2007.
Pages: 15
Date: October 17, 2008