New FCC rules would crack down on connected vehicle abuses

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel kicked off a new conversation on the obligations of vehicle manufacturers regarding connected car features that commonly act as a gateway to stalking and abuse.

In a proposal floated Wednesday, Rosenworcel asked her Federal Communications Commission colleagues to “seek comment on the types and frequency of use of connected car services that are available in the marketplace today.”

• The proposed rules would also collect input on “what steps connected car service providers can proactively take to protect survivors from the misuse of connected car services,” according to an FCC news release.

What’s at stake: “Survivors of domestic abuse shouldn’t have to choose between giving up their vehicle and feeling safe,” Rosenworcel said in a statement. “We must ensure car manufacturers and wireless carriers understand the full impact of the connectivity tools in new vehicles and how these applications can be used to stalk, harass, and intimidate.”

As Tech Brew previously reported, Rosenworcel queried automakers in January, asking Ford, General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, and others to detail their connected vehicle features and what steps they take to ensure users remain in control of their data and privacy. She suggested the automakers carry responsibilities under the Safe Connections Act, which helps domestic-violence victims get out of phone plans shared with an abuser.