FCC Seeks To Enhance Safety For Domestic Abuse Survivors With New Rule Against Car Tech Stalking

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has taken a significant step to address the rising concern of technology-enabled stalking in internet-connected cars. The FCC chairwoman has proposed a new rule that could potentially hold automakers accountable under a telecommunications law designed to safeguard domestic violence survivors.

What Happened: The FCC Chairwoman, Jessica Rosenworcel, has suggested a new rule that would bring automakers who sell internet-connected cars under a telecommunications law. This law is aimed at protecting survivors of domestic violence. The proposal comes in response to the increasing cases of technology-enabled stalking through advanced car features like location tracking and remote control of functions, Reuters reported.

Rosenworcel, who had previously written to large automakers and telecom providers seeking information about their policies on internet-connected car technology and domestic abuse, believes that the issues are similar to those addressed by the Safe Connections Act. The Act gives the FCC the authority to ensure secure communication access for domestic abuse survivors.

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If the FCC adopts the proposed rule, a formal public comment period would follow, potentially leading to new regulations for the industry. The notice will also invite suggestions on proactive measures that car service providers can take to protect survivors from stalking, harassment, or intimidation through their cars.

Meanwhile, California State Senator Dave Min has introduced a bill that would require automakers to disable an abuser’s access to remove vehicle technology within two business days of a survivor’s request, provided the survivor presents a restraining order or a court ruling awarding sole possession of the vehicle.

Rosenworcel has also inquired about the processes in place at auto companies to act on requests from domestic violence survivors to remove access to connected apps from individuals on the title.

Notably, Tesla did not specifically address the issue of domestic abuse in its response, stating that customers can grant temporary or permanent access to other drivers and restrict visibility to those people if they wish. Toyota, however, stated that it might ask for verification from law enforcement if a domestic abuse survivor on the title requests that connected services be disabled for another person.

Why It Matters: The proposed rule by the FCC is a direct response to the growing concern of technology-enabled stalking, particularly in the automotive industry. This issue has been highlighted in the recent past, with a case in San Francisco where a woman accused her abusive husband of using their Tesla Model X’s technology to stalk her despite having a restraining order.

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