New proposed rules by the Federal Communications Commission released earlier this month could likely implement the Safe Connections Act, as reported by NBC News.
A simulation of lawyers and victim takes place inside the Salaberry-de-Valleyfield Courthouse, specialized court for domestic and sexual violence, in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Quebec, Canada, on June 14, 2022.
The New Rules
The new rules include requiring mobile service providers to separate a victim's phone line from the plan they share with an abuser within two days of getting a request to do so.
Other rules require service providers to omit records of texts and call logs to specific hotlines from records that an abuser could access. It will also provide up to six months' worth of financial assistance for phone and internet bills for those who need it.
Tech Abuse
Tech abuse includes looking through someone's phone, demanding their passwords, or using any kind of technology to track them and send them threatening messages. The nature of tech abuse makes it hard to escape.
Access to phones, computers, and social media is important to many tasks on the survivors' to-do list when they are leaving an abuser. Their mobile phone serves as their lifeline.
By taking care of some administrative tasks that survivors have to face when they leave abusers, FVV proposals can help survivors get back control over their digital lives.
The FCC also seeks input on the proposals from domestic violence survivors and prevention advocates. With that, the public can comment on the proposals via the electronic comment filing system or the Federal Register.
Also read: Smart Speaker Breaks Up Domestic Violence Before It Got Worse: Here's What Happened
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior used to gain or maintain power and control over another person in an intimate relationship. It can include physical, emotional, psychological, and sexual abuse. Technology can be used to further the abuse, such as through monitoring, tracking, and using technology to threaten, intimidate, and control the victim. Victims of domestic violence can take steps to protect themselves online, such as changing passwords, using two-factor authentication, and using a secure messaging app.
Technology can be used to perpetrate violence and control domestic violence situations. This includes using technology to monitor and track a partner's movements, using social media to threaten or harass them, using spyware to access their emails, texts, and other forms of communication, and using GPS tracking to monitor their location. Technology can also be used to access personal information such as bank accounts and medical records.
Survivors of domestic violence can benefit from technology by using it to access resources, stay in touch with friends, and document abuse. They can also use technology to create safety plans, access legal information, and find support.
The new rules will require mobile service providers to notify customers of their right to be free from tech abuse and to provide victims with information about how to get help. In addition, providers will be required to create processes for customers to report tech abuse and to provide victims with access to safety planning resources.
The rules will also require providers to suspend service for abusers and remove any content used to threaten or harass victims. Finally, the rules will require providers to provide victims with access to a dedicated customer service representative to help them navigate the process of getting help.
Related article: Google to Add Hotline for Domestic Violence Cases on Search Results
