RE: Yahoo! censors Oakland peace group

["Devin Cole" <dcole@pacsim.com>]

While the loss of data is likely frustrating and may cause setbacks for the
group in question, it seems to me that if I provide a free service, I can
revoke that free service on whatever basis I choose.  I am assuming of
course that Yahoo! provides email addresses for free still, and that may or
may not be the case.

I do take advantage of "free" email services to avoid getting spam to my
business account.  However, I am usually quite careful to never store
anything of value on that account, as I assume that the free service could
vanish at any time.

I do not agree that a conclusion can be made as to the reason for the
account being disabled, and I understand where the policy to not explain why
an account was disabled came from.  Imagine if Yahoo! had to explain to
every person who abused their free service why their accounts were disabled.
They would likely have to hire twice as many customer service
representatives, as well as a few more lawyers I imagine.  That would be too
costly to continue the service.  Also, once they receive a complaint or
several complaints, they are likely to disable an account no matter what.
Nobody said that it is fair, but it seems to me to be pretty good business
policy to limit their liability.

The article posted indicates that LMNOP is being singled out and picked on
for their politics.  More likely, they sent email containing their politics
to somebody who took offense.  Yahoo! took action based upon their policies,
which are most likely politically neutral.  It may be an over-reaction in
this case or not, but these policies get applied to everybody.

My advice would be to write a letter requesting the lost data.  Also, review
the terms of service in advance of the next account that is set up.  There
are several other providers of "free" email accounts out there, and they may
even consider paying for an email account to decrease the chances of it
being disabled.

Regards,

Devin