FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel: Stop Abusers from Misusing Connected Cars

Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel called on the agency to help stop abusers from using connectivity tools in vehicles to harass and intimidate their partners. Her proposal would examine how the agency can use existing law to ensure car manufacturers and wireless service providers are taking steps to assist abuse victims and seek comment on additional steps the Commission can take to safeguard domestic violence survivors. It follows multiple media reports of smart car services being used to stalk and harm survivors of violence and abuse. If adopted by a vote of the full Commission, the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking circulated to the Commissioners  would seek comment on the types and frequency of use of connected car services that are available in the marketplace today. It asks whether changes to the Commission’s rules implementing the Safe Connections Act are needed to address the impact of connected car services on domestic violence survivors. And it seeks comment on what steps connected car service providers can proactively take to protect survivors from the misuse of connected car services.