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Time to leave Tmobile.

  • 25 December 2023
  • 44 replies
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L
Userlevel 2
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Is this true? 

 

BREAKING:

@TMobile

has quietly updated their TOS to include fines for content they don’t agree with. Beginning on January 1, 2024, they will be fining users who commit perceived violations on their bandwidth. Who knew in America that the phone providers would now be policing the content of your text messages to fine you. S.H.A.F.T. is an acronym that stands for Sex, Hate, Alcohol, Firearms, and Tobacco. It outlines the categories of text messages specifically regulated due to moral and legal issues and is monitored and enforced by the Cellular Telephone Industries Association (CTIA) and the mobile carriers. Who gets to determine what is and isn’t “hateful”? Will political text messages be censored now as well going into 2024?

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Best answer by HeavenM 29 December 2023, 00:33

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44 replies

E
Userlevel 2

This is the first result on Google when searching this, if this does in fact turn out to be true, I'll have to leave T-Mobile as well. 

K
Userlevel 2

I seriously doubt this is true. They're suppose to legally inform users of something like this. Also as my husband (military vet) has pointed out- this would be a direct violation of our 1st amendment rights in which he would be talking to a civil rights attorney. 

So I'm sure this story is nothing but false (again, they have to legally inform their users of this). If it were true, T-Mobile wouldn't be the only cell provider doing this since all carriers fall under the FTC, FCC and various other communication agencies that fall within the federal government.

S

I can’t find any information that verifies this.

gramps28
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Userlevel 7
Badge +14

It's ironic that this was posted twice within minutes of each other from different posters.

https://community.t-mobile.com/plans-and-services-36/terms-of-service-pilicy-change-and-fines-against-customers-54984

N
Userlevel 3

I’m pasting my reply that I left on another thread. 
 

I searched T-Mobile website and I could not find anything. I decided to call and speak to a customer representative. 
I told her what I read but cannot verify the information on T-Mobile website. She researched non-compliance fines and shaft. She told me that T-Mobile has not made a decision about this policy. 
I clarified that this policy is being considered by T-Mobile. I asked her where can I find information about it. She told me there is nothing available yet. She read a paragraph that stated info on shaft and read T-Mobile will apply this policy on a case to case basis. 
I brought to her attention that what she read states T-Mobile is going to implement this policy or already is implementing it. She said yes. ( I don’t think she understood the gravity of the policy). 
I asked who I can speak to about this and I explained that this is not okay ( I was very polite) and I will be sharing this information on social media. 
she placed me on hold when she came back she backtracked everything she just told me. She said her manager will report the information to upper-management and thank you for letting them know about the false information. 

She then said I forgot to get your name. I just chuckled. I gave her my name and told her great I’ll probably be receiving a fine soon. 
As soon as I can I’m leaving all large carriers and going to try patriot mobile. I don’t know what else to do. 
On a side note to the people who said this is absolutely not true. With all due respect and I come from a place of kindness. The days that we once knew of Civil liberties, privacy ethical business practices freedom of speech basically the constitution are being ignored and taken.  The government agencies that use to protect us are now being weaponized against everyday civilians. Please wake up before we lose all of our rights. 

F
Userlevel 1

I do not agree with T mobile looking at my MESSAGES. Or any of my family's messages that are on this plan.  You are violating our rights as free citizens of the USA. If there is a lawsuit against this I want to be part of it. PRIVACY IS VERY IMPORTANT TO ME IF YOU CAN'T HONOR THIS I DO NOT COMPLY. I HOPE SOMEONE WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS. 

N

T-Mobile just notified Vonage that they will be implementing a new set of non-compliance fines for messaging traffic violations on all mobile channels that transverse their network (SMS and MMS Short Codes, Toll-Free Numbers and 10DLC).

Those new fines will start being applied from January 1st, 2024.

The non-compliance fine(s) will be assessed for every Sev-0 violation issued as per the following tier system:

  • Tier 1: $2000 USD
    For phishing, smishing, social engineering.
  • Tier 2: $1000 USD
    For illegal content (content Must be legal in all 50 states, as well as federally)
  • Tier 3: $500 USD
    For all other violations (including, but not limited to SHAFT).

Please find below some additional definitions that can assist you understand what the terminology means:


"Social Engineering" 

Means all techniques aimed at getting a target to reveal specific information or performing a specific action for illegitimate reasons. Examples include but not limited to phishing, smishing, and pretexting purporting to be from reputable companies in order to induce individuals to reveal personal information, such as passwords or credit card numbers.
 
"Illegal Content" 

Refers to any content that is not legal in all 50 states and federally. This list is outlined in the T-Mobile Code of Conduct section 5.1 "Unlawful, Unapproved or Illicit Content" (however not limited to) includes Cannabis, Marijuana, Adult Solicitation.

5.1 Unlawful, Unapproved, or Illicit Content
No messaging programs can run on the T-Mobile network that may promote unlawful, unapproved, or illicit content, including but not limited to:

  • SPAM
  • Fraudulent or misleading messages
  • Depictions or endorsements of violence
  • Inappropriate content
  • Profanity or hate speech
  • Endorsement of illegal drugs

Programs must operate according to all applicable federal and state laws and regulations. In addition, the content must be legal across all 50 states. All content must be appropriate for the intended audience. Additional legal and ethical obligations apply when marketing to children under age 13, and such programs might be subject to additional review by T-Mobile.

 
"All Other Violations"

Refers to Subsection 5.7 of the T-Mobile Code of Conduct, which outlines, but is not limited to "Age Gating"

5.7 Age Gating
T-Mobile may, at its discretion and at any time, suspend, terminate, or not Approve any Messaging Program it feels does not promote a legal, age-appropriate, or positive customer experience. All content must adhere to all applicable laws and support a functioning age gate when associated with but not limited to Sex, Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco, and/or any other age-restricted content that must comply with legal regulations. Nonacceptable age gating function includes but is not limited to Yes or No responses. The age-gate mechanism should include the date of birth verification during the consent opt-in of the consumer.
 
 
Note that if T-Mobile determines that a Violation continues and is excessive during the Term of the Agreement, T-Mobile reserves the right to permanently suspend brand, campaigns, and or Company’s access to the T-Mobile Network or the Company Connection.

A
Userlevel 1

There has been a lot of reaction to this unnecessarily prompted by a defective understanding that Laura Loomer holds and has spread. Welcome to the world of misinformation. I'll explain what is actually happening and why there is no need for concern.

 

There are a number of entities that are authorized to access parts of the infrastructure of various mobile providers for purposes such as transmitting messages. Some VOIP providers might use such interfaces so that text messages sent by their customers can be delivered. These interfaces may also be used by providers such as Twilio to support SMS marketing campaigns and provide a way for computer services to interact with customers over text.

 

There has been a growing problem with dubious people and entities using text services to broadcast scam text, such as false reports of a package that could not be delivered, telling a person they can resolve the problem by filling out a form at an attached link. A person may think that by entering their name, address, and credit card number, that they are paying the $0.75 for shipping. Or that they are getting a refund for something. In reality, they are handing over details of their payment to dishonest people.

 

In furtherance of obstructing such efforts and other problematic messages, T-Mobile is informing non-consumer entities that they will bear a burden for pumping such messages into the T-Mobile network. The application of fees for violations may motivate some of these providers to filter these messages out and drop customers trying to scam people or engage in illegal activity. The parties on which this puts a burden are not T-Mobile phone customers. As a T-Mobile user, the likely effect this will have on you is that your chances of receiving scam text will go down. SCAM and SPAM text are a real problem, and T-Mobile is taking action to address it.

 

Ignore those that are invoking fear and outrage with misinformation about this. This is something that lowers your risks.  It was especially convenient of them to start this rumor at a time when people are taking off for the holiday and are away, unable to respond. 

A
Userlevel 1

I do not agree with T mobile looking at my MESSAGES. Or any of my family's messages that are on this plan.  You are violating our rights as free citizens of the USA. 

There isn't concerning the messages of you and your family. This is concerning mass text messages broadcast to people from other systems that have access to interfaces on T-Mobiles network. I've made a more detailed post in this thread if you would like to know what is really going on and how it differs from the popular misinformation on the topic.

 

 

https://community.t-mobile.com/android-9/time-to-leave-tmobile-54982?postid=212555#post212555

A
Userlevel 1

I’m pasting my reply that I left on another thread. 
 

I searched T-Mobile website and I could not find anything. I decided to call and speak to a customer representative. 
I told her what I read but cannot verify the information on T-Mobile website. She researched non-compliance fines and shaft. She told me that T-Mobile has not made a decision about this policy.  . 

 

 

They won't have information on this since this is a change for non-consumer business partners that have the ability to pump mass-text messages into the T-Mobile infrastructure. These changes have nothing to do with consumer activity and everything to do with stopping the mass broadcast of scam, spam, and phishing links..

 

I made a more detailed post up-thread.

 

 

A
Userlevel 1

It's ironic that this was posted twice within minutes of each other from different posters.

https://community.t-mobile.com/plans-and-services-36/terms-of-service-pilicy-change-and-fines-against-customers-54984

Mmisinformation spreads fast.

A
Userlevel 1

I can’t find any information that verifies this.

Contrary to popular misinformation, these changes would have nothing to do with consumer accounts. The person that appears to be an originator of the concern about this has a defective understanding that is apparently contagious. She has inspired a lot of anger over it. 

A
Userlevel 1

I seriously doubt this is true. They're suppose to legally inform users of something like this. Also as my husband (military vet) has pointed out- this would be a direct violation of our 1st amendment rights in which he would be talking to a civil rights attorney. 

 

Well, two things. You are correct in identifying this as misinformation. This is a change that wolkd be for non-consumer business partners. T-Movile woukd fine them for pumping unlawful or scam/spam messages into the network.

 

This wouldn't be first Amendment related. 1A woukd only be involved if there were a state actor/government actor involved in this. This is just T-Mobile (a non-state actor) telling business partners not to inject spam or scams into their network, and applying fines to further motivate them to not do so.

A
Userlevel 1

Is this true? 

 

BREAKING:

@TMobile

has quietly updated their TOS to include fines for content they don’t agree with. 

Not quite. This is for non-consumer business partners that can pump mass text messages into the T-Mobile infrastructure. This isn't for us normal customers. Loomer has caused quite a stir with this misinformation and her defective understanding of what the change means. 

B

There has been a lot of.

 

Ignore those that are invoking fear and outrage with misinformation about this. This is something that lowers your risks.  It was especially convenient of them to start this rumor at a time when people are taking off for the holiday and are away, unable to respond. 

They will trade their freedom for a fake sense of security.  We  need to stop trying to protect the stupid.

M

This is the first result on Google when searching this, if this does in fact turn out to be true, I'll have to leave T-Mobile as well. 

Same. I bought this phone to communicate. If I can't properly do that, then what am I paying for?

M

I seriously doubt this is true. They're suppose to legally inform users of something like this.

Isn't that what the "terms of service" agreement is? Us legally consenting to the limitations and stipulations of the service? Sure, its buried in a bunch of needless beaurocratic language, but that doesn't make it any less legally binding. Paypal did a similar thing (& lost many customers)

A

I’m pasting my reply that I left on another thread. 
 

I searched T-Mobile website and I could not find anything. I decided to call and speak to a customer representative. 
I told her what I read but cannot verify the information on T-Mobile website. She researched non-compliance fines and shaft. She told me that T-Mobile has not made a decision about this policy. 
I clarified that this policy is being considered by T-Mobile. I asked her where can I find information about it. She told me there is nothing available yet. She read a paragraph that stated info on shaft and read T-Mobile will apply this policy on a case to case basis. 
I brought to her attention that what she read states T-Mobile is going to implement this policy or already is implementing it. She said yes. ( I don’t think she understood the gravity of the policy). 
I asked who I can speak to about this and I explained that this is not okay ( I was very polite) and I will be sharing this information on social media. 
she placed me on hold when she came back she backtracked everything she just told me. She said her manager will report the information to upper-management and thank you for letting them know about the false information. 

She then said I forgot to get your name. I just chuckled. I gave her my name and told her great I’ll probably be receiving a fine soon. 
As soon as I can I’m leaving all large carriers and going to try patriot mobile. I don’t know what else to do. 
On a side note to the people who said this is absolutely not true. With all due respect and I come from a place of kindness. The days that we once knew of Civil liberties, privacy ethical business practices freedom of speech basically the constitution are being ignored and taken.  The government agencies that use to protect us are now being weaponized against everyday civilians. Please wake up before we lose all of our rights. 

I will leave TMobile too. I’ve heard of Patriot Mobile but don’t know anything about it. Have you?

gramps28
Rank
Userlevel 7
Badge +14

I’m pasting my reply that I left on another thread. 
 

I searched T-Mobile website and I could not find anything. I decided to call and speak to a customer representative. 
I told her what I read but cannot verify the information on T-Mobile website. She researched non-compliance fines and shaft. She told me that T-Mobile has not made a decision about this policy. 
I clarified that this policy is being considered by T-Mobile. I asked her where can I find information about it. She told me there is nothing available yet. She read a paragraph that stated info on shaft and read T-Mobile will apply this policy on a case to case basis. 
I brought to her attention that what she read states T-Mobile is going to implement this policy or already is implementing it. She said yes. ( I don’t think she understood the gravity of the policy). 
I asked who I can speak to about this and I explained that this is not okay ( I was very polite) and I will be sharing this information on social media. 
she placed me on hold when she came back she backtracked everything she just told me. She said her manager will report the information to upper-management and thank you for letting them know about the false information. 

She then said I forgot to get your name. I just chuckled. I gave her my name and told her great I’ll probably be receiving a fine soon. 
As soon as I can I’m leaving all large carriers and going to try patriot mobile. I don’t know what else to do. 
On a side note to the people who said this is absolutely not true. With all due respect and I come from a place of kindness. The days that we once knew of Civil liberties, privacy ethical business practices freedom of speech basically the constitution are being ignored and taken.  The government agencies that use to protect us are now being weaponized against everyday civilians. Please wake up before we lose all of our rights. 

I will leave TMobile too. I’ve heard of Patriot Mobile but don’t know anything about it. Have you?

All this is about spam messages not consumer sms.

https://www.reddit.com/r/tmobile/comments/18q6id4/psa_laura_loomer_is_a_sensationalist_idiot_and/

N

This only applies to criminals. It only applies to people who are sending out mass text messages unsolicited. So this law makes sure that if a person sends out mass unsolicited texts with harmful misinformation, pornography, phishing scams etc. They can be held accountable for their crimes. Definitely don't join Patriot Mobile like some person on here suggested. Seems like a total scam. If you look them up on Google and click on the link to their web page it doesn't even exist. I looked them up on Wikipedia it says they're a conservative christian company so even if they do exist and aren't a scam you wouldn't want to give your money to people like that. They put the word patriot in their name to fool Trumpers into thinking they're legit. Even if they were legit they'll be subject to the same law that T-Mobile is. Every phone company will be.

C

You all are seriously beyond slow in the head to believe this as true 💀😂


People will believe anything they see on Reddit these days.. 

 

C

This only applies to criminals. It only applies to people who are sending out mass text messages unsolicited. So this law makes sure that if a person sends out mass unsolicited texts with harmful misinformation, pornography, phishing scams etc. They can be held accountable for their crimes. Definitely don't join Patriot Mobile like some person on here suggested. Seems like a total scam. If you look them up on Google and click on the link to their web page it doesn't even exist. I looked them up on Wikipedia it says they're a conservative christian company so even if they do exist and aren't a scam you wouldn't want to give your money to people like that. They put the word patriot in their name to fool Trumpers into thinking they're legit. Even if they were legit they'll be subject to the same law that T-Mobile is. Every phone company will be.

 

 

 

What are you rambling on about? This is an actual cell phone provider. You can’t be serious that you weren’t able to find their site, right? 💀 

https://www.patriotmobile.com/

C

I bet that this rumor probably got started by AT&T

C

A few things should be pointed out and discussed. First, that whole "we're doing this for your protection, don't worry about it" show is a red flag if I ever saw one. Of course they're going to lean on that. The motive is clearly censorship and sociopolitical influence. Otherwise, the terms discussed would be STRICTLY limited to spamlike content and not things like "illegal activity" or "misinformation". Speaking of that, WHO gets to decide what is misinformation and what isn't? A mobile carrier? No, they need to stay in their own lane. Circling around to mobile carriers, I see Patriot Mobile mentioned a few times. Don't fall for their marketing bs, because guess what, they're an MVNO which means they do not have their own network infrastructure. Patriot as well as any other MVNO must rely on a network provider and in doing so, has to play by THEIR rules. You might be interested to know that one of their partners is....drumroll, T-MOBILE! Just like Wal-Mart, just like Mint and that's why I am here. My service provider falls under T-Mobile so ultimately this affects me and practically anyone else who uses an MVNO that uses the T-Mobile network and sorry to tell you, Patriot too. They will HAVE to abide by T-Mobiles way of doing things.

 

All of this is of course moot from a usage standpoint if you're using a fairly current smartphone that uses RCS in lieu of standard SMS, since it's encrypted end-to-end. Basically only your recipient and yourself can see the content. This however does not change the fact that your money is landing in the pockets of a company with such draconian policies, and ultimately that's up to you to decide if thats an issue. 

D

There has been a lot of reaction to this unnecessarily prompted by a defective understanding that Laura Loomer holds and has spread. Welcome to the world of misinformation. I'll explain what is actually happening and why there is no need for concern.

 

There are a number of entities that are authorized to access parts of the infrastructure of various mobile providers for purposes such as transmitting messages. Some VOIP providers might use such interfaces so that text messages sent by their customers can be delivered. These interfaces may also be used by providers such as Twilio to support SMS marketing campaigns and provide a way for computer services to interact with customers over text.

 

There has been a growing problem with dubious people and entities using text services to broadcast scam text, such as false reports of a package that could not be delivered, telling a person they can resolve the problem by filling out a form at an attached link. A person may think that by entering their name, address, and credit card number, that they are paying the $0.75 for shipping. Or that they are getting a refund for something. In reality, they are handing over details of their payment to dishonest people.

 

In furtherance of obstructing such efforts and other problematic messages, T-Mobile is informing non-consumer entities that they will bear a burden for pumping such messages into the T-Mobile network. The application of fees for violations may motivate some of these providers to filter these messages out and drop customers trying to scam people or engage in illegal activity. The parties on which this puts a burden are not T-Mobile phone customers. As a T-Mobile user, the likely effect this will have on you is that your chances of receiving scam text will go down. SCAM and SPAM text are a real problem, and T-Mobile is taking action to address it.

 

Ignore those that are invoking fear and outrage with misinformation about this. This is something that lowers your risks.  It was especially convenient of them to start this rumor at a time when people are taking off for the holiday and are away, unable to respond. 

A conspiracy theory is usually just the news come about 6 months early,notice t-mobile didn’t spread

this news through the mainstream media but attempted to hide it?Seems shady 

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