T-Mobile is not taking any chances with spam texts that annoy its customers and pose security risks. The carrier has announced that it will fine third-party messaging vendors that send unwanted, harmful, or illegal messages to its users.
According to Cord Cutters News, T-Mobile has notified Vonage, a cloud communications provider, that it will impose fines on any messaging account that violates its code of conduct. The code of conduct aims to protect consumers from messages that contain phishing, smishing, social engineering, hate speech, or illegal content.
The fines can range from $500 to $2,000, depending on the severity of the violation. The fines will take effect from January 1, 2024, giving the vendors some time to comply with the new rules.
The new rules only apply to third-party messaging vendors that send commercial mass messaging campaigns for other businesses. Regular users are not affected by the fines.
T-Mobile has started informing its vendors and partners who use its networks about the updated terms of service. The carrier hopes that the fines will deter the vendors from sending spammy texts that bother its customers and compromise their privacy and security.
The fines will be based on the type of violation. The highest fine of $2,000 will be imposed on those who engage in phishing, smishing, or social engineering. These are techniques that use deception to obtain personal information from people for malicious purposes, such as pretending to be a trusted source and asking for passwords or card details.
The second highest fine of $1,000 will be imposed on those who send illegal, unlawful, or illicit content. This includes spam texts, misleading messages, promotion of violence and illegal drugs, and inappropriate content.
The lowest fine of $500 will be imposed on other violations that do not meet the standards in the code of conduct.
If a vendor persists in violating T-Mobile’s terms of service, the carrier may take further actions against them, such as suspending their campaigns.
T-Mobile is taking a strong stance against spam texts that plague its customers and threaten their safety. The carrier hopes that the fines will discourage the vendors from sending such messages and improve the quality of its service.