U.S. law on domestic abuse should cover carmakers, FCC chair says

The chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission on Wednesday will propose a potential new rule that would subject automakers that sell internet-connected cars to a telecommunications law intended to protect domestic violence survivors.

Cases of technology-enabled stalking involving cars are emerging as automakers add ever more sophisticated features, such as location tracking and remote control of functions like locking doors or honking the horn.

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel last month wrote to nine large automakers and three telecom providers seeking more information about their policies involving internet-connected car technology and domestic abuse. The federal Safe Connections Act gives the FCC authority to help domestic abuse survivors securely access communications, the letter said.

The FCC has required telecom providers under the law to separate phone lines linked to family plans where the abuser is on the account.

In an interview with Reuters this week, Rosenworcel said issues involving connected cars and domestic abuse "seemed extraordinarily similar" to the work the FCC had already done implementing the Safe Connections Act. Rosenworcel will circulate a "notice of proposed rulemaking" to other FCC commissioners, which will say some types of connectivity arrangements in cars are also covered by the law.

If the full FCC adopts it, a formal public comment period would commence. That could ultimately lead to new rules for the sector.

"It's really important to remember that we want to make sure survivors of domestic violence are safe, and that their connections are secure," Rosenworcel said.

The notice will seek comment on what proactive steps car service providers can take to protect survivors from