Can We Permanently Block Listeners?
Overview:
Both Blocking and Muting listeners is an option for you to utilize in the Text Groove Platform. However, blocking and muting are not permanent, and can easily be reversed. When a listener is blocked or muted, they are basically put in a quarantine area of the platform. For more info on blocking and muting, see
HERE.
Text Groove Users often ask us why they can not permanently block listeners from texting in?
In America:
In the U.S., various consumer protection and competition laws could indirectly influence how you implement blocking features on an SMS platform, particularly when contesting is involved. Some key laws to consider include:
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Act: This law prohibits unfair or deceptive practices in commerce. If listeners were unfairly blocked from entering a contest due to a blocking feature intended for one-to-one messaging, it could potentially be viewed as an unfair practice, especially if listeners are unaware of how the blocking system works.
- Consumer Review Fairness Act (CRFA): While this law primarily protects consumers' rights to leave reviews, it sets a precedent for protecting consumers' ability to engage with a service without facing unfair penalties, like being blocked from participation in unrelated areas such as contests.
- Contests and Sweepstakes Regulations: In the U.S., both federal and state laws regulate contests and sweepstakes. If your platform’s blocking feature unintentionally prevents a listener from participating in a contest, it could potentially lead to legal challenges under these regulations, especially if it could be construed as limiting someone's right to participate without clear cause.
In Canada:
The Competition Act in Canada is relevant because it governs fair business practices, including contests and promotions. Preventing a blocked listener from participating in a contest could be seen as anti-competitive or discriminatory if they are denied the opportunity to compete fairly. The Act focuses on ensuring that promotions, including contests, are conducted in a manner that doesn’t deceive or unfairly exclude potential participants, so blocking listeners from one feature should not affect their ability to engage in a fair contest.
By ensuring that the blocking feature applies only to one-to-one messaging and not contest participation, you avoid violating both Canadian and U.S. laws related to consumer rights and fair competition. Additionally, the carriers require that every one of their subscribers be able to text in. That's a carrier requirement, not a law.
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