Markey, Blumenthal Press Wheeler on Auto Connectivity, Possible 'Internet of Threats'

Sens. Ed Markey, D-Mass., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., pressed FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler on “consumers’ safety and privacy as car manufacturers deploy vehicle-2-vehicle and vehicle-2-infrastructure communications technologies in their automobiles,” in a letter dated Thursday. They said the IoT also could be called the “Internet of Threats” without appropriate measures in place. “Ensure that DSRC [dedicated short-range communications] spectrum is only used for vehicle safety and not commercial applications that may make vehicles more vulnerable to safety, cyber, and privacy threats,” they told the FCC among a list of items. “Mandate that automakers, commercial entities, and anyone else licensed to use DSRC spectrum submit privacy and cybersecurity plans to the FCC.” These entities also should “periodically” update their privacy and security plans, the senators recommended. The FCC should require “DSRC spectrum users to notify appropriate law enforcement, government agencies, and consumers if a serious breach occurs and take appropriate steps to mitigate the harms of such a breach.” Markey and Blumenthal are “pleased” with a July 25 FCC notice seeking comment on these issues, they said.