China Investigates Mobile Text Spam

Shanghai, China (AHN) - China Mobile, the country's largest cell phone provider, is trying to explain why around 200 million mobile phone users were sent unwanted advertising. The incident, labeled "Text-message Gate" has elicited apologies from the companies involved and a government call to put public interest in front of profit.

While admitting ads were sent to mobile phones without permission, a spokeswoman for Focus Media Holding Ltd., told the AP "there was nothing pornographic in the messages, only messages."

However, China Mobile has cut Focus Media's ability to send text messages to the more than 555 million cell phone owners, a penalty reserved for the worst offenders.

In a statement, China's State Council's Office for Rectifying Malpractice, urged the companies and carrier to increase spam prevention. The government called this recent event an example of "profit-seeking in defiance of public interests."