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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 on Thursday told Musk and the
other CEOs that the federal agency is responsible for helping
domestic abuse survivors with secure access to communications.
Like a smartphone, she wrote, "having access to a car is a
critical lifeline."
"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 who can access its data and
connectivity," she wrote.
Musk and Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for
comment. Rosenworcel wrote a similar message to three wireless
carriers, including AT&T, which declined to comment.
Reuters last month reported on a woman who unsuccessfully sued
Tesla. She alleged the company negligently failed to help her
after repeatedly complaining that her husband was stalking her
with the automaker's technology.
She would return to the car to find the doors open, the
suspension settings changed, and the vehicle's ability to charge
turned off.
The story also cited reports from other victims. Later, the New
York Times reported on the same subject.
The FCC chairwoman requested information about policies to
remove access to connected apps from individuals listed on the
vehicle's title, among other requests. She set a deadline of
Jan. 26.
(Reporting by Dan Levine and Kristina Cooke; Editing by Jamie
Freed)
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