The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is asking automakers and wireless service providers to provide more information about car applications that domestic abusers allegedly use to track their victims.
FCC sent letters to nine different car companies and three voice service providers To ask more details About connected car tools and how they can be misused by domestic abusers. The agency stated: New York Times coverage Last month's article detailed how perpetrators use internet-connected apps in cars to stalk and harass victims.
“Victims of domestic violence and abuse face the choice of giving up their cars or being stalked and harmed by someone with access to their car's data and connections,” FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said in a statement. It shouldn't be a choice.” “We must do everything we can to keep survivors safe. We must work with leaders in the automotive and wireless industries to find solutions.”
The FCC cited the Times report in a letter to auto and wireless companies, including examples of abusers exploiting the system to harass victims.
“For example, the report details how a woman was tracked by her ex-partner through connected services related to the car she was using. In another example, a man was tracked by a remote access to his car. He used his access to harass my wife by turning on her car lights and horn at night and turning on the car's heat on hot days.'' According to a letter addressed to car companies.
“The report found that car manufacturers did not support or abuse victims of this abuse, especially if the victims co-owned the car or were not named on the vehicle title. “We have found that our partners are reluctant or unwilling to restrict access to vehicle connectivity or data,” the letter states. continue.
The FCC requires automakers to “discuss the connected car systems they offer, their existing plans to assist victims in their efforts to leave their abusers, and how these companies handle consumers' geolocation data.” ” is seeking detailed information.
The letter to wireless companies provides details on vehicle services, how they handle geolocation data, their current compliance with the Safe Connectivity Act of 2022, and whether they provide vehicle services to consumers who are not their own customers. I'm looking for it.
The FCC is seeking answers by January 26th.
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