Cybersecurity Policy Report, FCC Explores Vehicle Connectivity Domestic Abuse Solutions, (Apr 8, 2024)

By Paul Kirby

The FCC released a further notice of proposed rulemaking today that solicits comment on actions the agency could take to help survivors of domestic violence in the context of connected car services.

A draft version of the item was circulated to Commissioners in February (CPR, Feb. 29).

Comments are due 30 days after Federal Register publication and replies 30 days after that in WC docket 22-238.

“Modern vehicles are frequently equipped with a suite of connectivity tools and features, such as hands-free communication, real-time location, and other connectivity services. While these services provide benefits to drivers and passengers when used as intended, news reports suggest that these services have also been used to stalk, harass, and revictimize survivors of domestic violence,” according to the FNPRM. “We seek comment on solutions to help ensure that domestic violence survivors need not choose between access to personal transportation or exposing themselves to threatening, stalking, or other harmful behavior by those who can access the car’s data and connectivity. We seek comment on the types, as well as the frequency of use, of connected car services in the marketplace today.

“In addition, we ask whether changes to the Commission’s rules implementing the Safe Connections Act (SCA) are needed to address the impact of connected car services on domestic violence survivors,” the item added. “We also ask more broadly what steps connected car service providers can proactively take to protect survivors from being stalked, harassed, intimidated, or otherwise revictimized through the misuse of connected car services.”

“No survivor of domestic violence and abuse should have to choose between giving up their car and allowing themselves to be stalked and harmed by those who can access its connectivity and data. We can—and should—do more to make sure these new forms of communications help keep survivors safe,” FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said in a separate statement.

In January, Ms. Rosenworcel asked automakers and wireless carriers to provide information concerning dangers related to domestic abusers using vehicles’ connectivity (CPR, Jan. 11).

In a letter in January responding to Ms. Rosenworcel, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation said that while the auto industry welcomed efforts to support domestic abuse survivors by preventing the misuse of connected vehicle services, the Safe Connections Act “does not currently apply” to its sector (CPR, Jan. 26).

For example, the group said, automakers don’t have “shared mobile service contracts” associated with separate lines in a vehicle and don’t maintain call records or provide customer-facing call logs.

News: FederalLegislation DataPrivacy