FCC Looking At Regulating Connected Vehicles

The FCC is considering a rule that could stop domestic abusers from tracking victims through vehicles that are connected wirelessly.

The Detroit News reports chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel is asking other commissioners to start the process of drawing up new regulations. Some manufacturers allow partners to disconnect their vehicles from automaker or cell phone apps.

Jessica Rosenworcel

“Survivors of domestic abuse shouldn’t have to choose between giving up their vehicle and feeling safe," Rosenworcel said in a statement.

Nearly all new vehicles have convenience features that use telecommunications to find cars in parking lots, start the engine remotely, and even connect with emergency responders. But those features can also let abusers track the whereabouts of their victims.

Last year Congress instructed the FCC to implement the “Safe Connections Act,” which gives the agency the authority to help abused partners. Early rules passed by the agency required cell service providers to separate phone lines linked to family plans if an abuser is on the account.

The commission will look into whether the act gives it the power to do the same thing with automakers. If the commission approves a proposed rule, it would get public and industry comment on connected car services.

Rosenworcel began asking about automaker policies after a story in the New York Times about how connected cars are being weaponized in abusive relationships.