Verizon quietly retires content filters

Verizon quietly shut down its content filters, killing a free service that enabled its wireless customers to control the kinds of content that could be accessed by users on their service accounts. The carrier closed the offering, saying users have plenty of alternative ways to manage content on their devices, although many come with a price tag.

Verizon pointed specifically to third-party parental control apps to allow parents to set restrictions and controls on downloads, apps or other content. Like other carriers, Verizon offers a variety of apps and services in a range of prices for parents. Users can block calls and messages from up to five different phone numbers free, for instance, while "FamilyBase" enables parents to monitor and control how their children are using devices on the account.