Today, the Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel circulated a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to seek comment on how the agency can help prevent abusers from using connectivity tools in vehicles to harass and intimidate their partners. This proposal would examine how the agency can use the powers recently granted the FCC by Congress in the “Safe Connections Act” to ensure car manufacturers and wireless service providers take steps to assist abuse victims being stalked through their smart cars. Public Knowledge commends the agency for moving to shield abuse victims.
The following can be attributed to Harold Feld, Senior Vice President at Public Knowledge:
“Congress made clear in the Safe Connections Act that it wanted the FCC to protect victims from abusers exploiting the wireless technologies that now permeate our daily life. Congress was explicit that the law covers not only traditional mobile phones, but also any kind of ‘private mobile radio service.’ That includes smart cars that transmit precise geolocation data. In addition, the FCC has a separate responsibility to consider how to regulate mobile services ‘to protect life and safety.’
“Given the evidence that abusers increasingly use the wireless technology embedded in every modern car to stalk and threaten their victims, the FCC has both the power to act and the responsibility to act. We urge the full Commission to quickly vote out the Chairwoman’s proposal to stop the emerging practice of wireless car stalking. Lives are at stake, and the sooner the FCC begins its process, the sooner it can create effective rules that protect survivors of abuse.”
Members of the media may contact Communications Director Shiva Stella with inquiries, interview requests, or to join the Public Knowledge press list at shiva@publicknowledge.org or 405-249-9435.