FCC chair asks automakers about plans to stop abusers from using car electronics to stalk partners
DETROIT– The top U.S. telecommunications market regulator is asking automakers how they plan to protect people from stalking or harassment by partners who have access to vehicle location and other data.
In a letter sent Thursday to nine major automakers, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Jessica Rosenworcel asked for details about connected car systems and plans to support people harassed by domestic violence.
“No survivor of domestic violence and abuse should have to choose between giving up their car and allowing themselves to be stalked and harmed by those with access to its data and connectivity,” she said in a statement.
Nearly all new vehicles have useful features that use telecommunications to locate cars in parking lots, remotely start the engine and even connect to emergency services, Rosenworcel’s letter said.
“These features rely on wireless connectivity and location data that, in the wrong hands, could be used to harm partners in abusive relationships,” she wrote.
The letter asks automakers for details about their connected services and whether they have policies in place to remove access to connected apps and other features if a request is made by someone being abused. Rosenworcel asks if the companies are even denying access to someone whose name is on the vehicle’s title.
Letters were sent to top executives from General Motors, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Stellantis, Tesla and Toyota. Similar letters also went to wireless telephony providers, the committee said.
Messages were left Thursday seeking comment from the automakers.
The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, a major industry association, said in a statement that misuse of connected vehicle technology to stalk or harass people is not acceptable.
“The industry is considering how best to broaden federal or state policies and other protections to help prevent these incidents,” the statement said.
The association previously raised the issue with regulators, the group said.
Rosenworcel’s letter to automakers said it came after a story last week in The New York Times about how connected cars are being used as a weapon in abusive relationships.