Driving Into Danger: How Car Apps Can Become Tools for Stalkers

In an era where cars are as connected as smartphones, the convenience of car apps has taken a concerning turn. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is raising alarms over the potential misuse of these apps in abusive relationships, turning tools of convenience into instruments of stalking and harassment.

A recent investigation, highlighted in a New York Times article, revealed how these apps, which enable users to locate and control cars remotely, are being weaponized against victims of domestic abuse. This unsettling trend has prompted the FCC to take action, sending inquiries to major automakers about their measures to protect abuse victims.

Auto Giants Under Scrutiny

The FCC's concern has led to a significant step: querying top car manufacturers like General Motors, Toyota, Ford, and Tesla. The core question: Do these companies have protocols to safeguard victims from digital harassment via connected car apps? The initiative is spearheaded by Jessica Rosenworcel, the FCC chairwoman, emphasizing the need for safety and privacy in the digital age.

A Legal Twist: Cars as 'Smartphones on Wheels'

The inquiry takes an interesting legal angle. Rosenworcel points out that cars, often dubbed 'smartphones on wheels,' might fall under the Safe Connections Act. This law, primarily targeting phone companies, mandates the disconnection of a victim’s phone from shared family plans with an abuser. If applicable, this could extend significant protections to victims via car connectivity.

The FCC didn't stop with car manufacturers. They also reached out to leading wireless providers, like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, questioning their compliance with the law in the context of connected vehicles.

Widening the Lens on Digital Stalking

Thomas Kadri, a legal scholar and adviser on the Safe Connections Act, expressed surprise at the potential application of the law to automakers. Yet, he acknowledges the urgency of addressing digital stalking through connected car apps, an issue far from being niche considering the scale of operation.

The FCC has set a deadline for responses to their inquiries, aiming to untangle this complex web of technology, privacy, and safety. As cars evolve into extensions of our digital lives, the need to safeguard their use from malicious intents becomes ever more crucial.

The situation paints a stark picture: advancements in technology, while bringing convenience and innovation, also open doors to new forms of abuse and invasion of privacy. This development calls for a delicate balance between technological progress and the protection of individual rights, a challenge that the FCC and the automotive industry must now jointly navigate.

As we move forward, the role of regulatory bodies in overseeing and guiding the ethical use of technology becomes increasingly vital. The FCC's intervention may just be the beginning of a broader conversation about privacy, safety, and the responsibilities of tech giants in the digital era.