SMS Profanity Filtering for ZOLEO North America

Overview

Starting April 2, 2025, profanity filtering will be enforced on SMS messages for North American subscribers. This is enforced by the SMS provider used by ZOLEO to ensure compliance with mobile network operator (MNO) regulations and industry standards set by the Cellular Telephone Industries Association (CTIA), helping to maintain reliable message delivery.

Why Is This Happening?

Mobile network operators enforce strict content policies, including the SHAFT (Sex, Hate, Alcohol, Firearms, and Tobacco) guidelines. Messages containing inappropriate language risk being blocked entirely, which could impact service for all ZOLEO users. Profanity filtering helps prevent this while keeping messages deliverable.

How It Works

• If a message contains profane or obscene language, the offending words will be replaced with asterisks (****) by an automated system.
• The recipient will receive the modified message, while the sender will still see the original text in the ZOLEO app.
• The first time profane or obscene language is detected, a one-time automated notification will be received from ZOLEO Service Alerts explaining the filtering.
• Subsequent filtered messages will not trigger further notifications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Will my messages still be delivered?

• Yes, only the offensive words are replaced. The rest of the message remains intact and will reach the recipient.

Will I be notified if my message is filtered?

• Yes, but only once. If your message is filtered, you’ll receive a one-time automated notification from ZOLEO Service Alerts. Future filtered messages will not trigger additional alerts.

Does this affect ZOLEO app-to-app or email messaging?

• No, profanity filtering only applies to SMS messages sent using the ZOLEO dedicated SMS number. App-to-app and email messaging are unaffected.

What if I believe my message was unfairly filtered?

• You can submit feedback directly to the CTIA at info@ctia.org if you have concerns about message filtering. 

Staying Compliant

To maintain uninterrupted service, avoid sending messages with profanity or content that falls under SHAFT regulations. For more details, refer to the ZOLEO Service Terms (Section 8: Use & Misuse).