Governments across the world have made attempts to restrict usage of messaging technology by its citizens for various purposes. The latest is the ban on bulk SMS and MMS by mobile users in India by the Government of India. The 15-day restriction, which was put into effect on August 18, restricts mobile users from sending not more than 5 SMS and MMS and also other restrictions on message size. The Government directed telecom operators to implement these restrictions in the wake of recent disturbances in the country, where it was inferred that messaging mechanisms like SMS contributed to widespread rumors, which fueled the unrest.
