Can We Permanently Block Listeners?

Overview

Blocking or muting a listener in Text Groove moves their profile into a "quarantine" space, which hides their messages from your inbox. You can unblock or unmute them at any time. For more on how this works, see Blocking & Muting Profiles.

But can you permanently block someone from texting in? In short, no. Here's why.

In the U.S.

Text Groove doesn’t allow permanent blocking due to a mix of legal and carrier requirements.

Several U.S. laws and guidelines come into play:

• FTC Act
   This law prohibits unfair or deceptive practices. Blocking someone without their knowledge — especially if it affects their ability to enter a contest — could be seen as unfair.
  
  

• Consumer Review Fairness Act
   This protects consumers' rights to engage with businesses. Blocking someone entirely from messaging your station could violate that spirit, especially if it prevents contest participation.
  
  

• Contest and Sweepstakes Laws
   Federal and state rules say contests must be fair and accessible. If a listener is blocked from texting in, they may be unfairly excluded from participating.
  
  

In Canada

The Competition Act ensures contests are run fairly and without discrimination.

Blocking someone completely — even if they’re disruptive — could be viewed as excluding them from a chance to participate. That could raise concerns under the Act, especially if it seems intentional or targeted.

What Carriers Require

Outside of legal rules, carriers have their own requirements. They expect all phone numbers to be reachable. That means you cannot block someone from texting your number entirely. This is not a law, but a rule enforced by the networks themselves.

By limiting the blocking feature to inbox visibility (not contest eligibility), your station stays compliant with both U.S. and Canadian guidelines — and meets carrier standards too.

Need a hand? 

We’ve got you. Reach out anytime at support@textgroove.com.