Rosenworcel Shares Safe Connections Act Implementation Order

The FCC will consider an order next month that would implement requirements set by the Safe Connections Act, Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said Sunday at the National Conference on Domestic Violence. The item for the agency's Nov. 15 open meeting would also build on previous efforts to expand access to communications services for survivors of domestic violence (see 2207140055).

“For those affected by domestic violence and abuse, a phone is a lifesaver. It makes it possible to get help when in dangerous situations,” Rosenworcel said: “These efforts are a critical step in ensuring that survivors stay connected to their support systems and loved ones, and I'm proud to have made this work a priority for the agency.”

If adopted, the order would help survivors by "requiring providers to separate phone lines linked to family plans where the abuser is on the account," said a news release Monday. Providers would be required to let these requests be submitted by "remote, secure means" and process them within two business days. "Having access to an independent phone connection is important for survivors to be able to communicate and access other available services without fear of their communications, location, or other private information being revealed to their abusers," the agency said.

The order would also require providers to block records of calls or text messages to domestic abuse hotlines and other similar services (see 2305150057). "We do not want these calls listed on household bills," Rosenworcel said: "We know that creates unique vulnerabilities and can make it harder for a survivor to make a call and get the assistance they need." Survivors would also be eligible for the Lifeline program for "six months after separating from an abuser" so they can "stay in contact with the support systems they need to develop financial independence and rebuild their life."

Rosenworcel also announced at the conference Sunday that some of the country's largest wireless carriers have owed more than $200 million in fines for selling and sharing geolocation data. She called on fellow commissioners to vote to approve forfeiture orders. "We need to make clear that carriers selling geolocation data is a violation of privacy," Rosenworcel said.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline, which hosted the conference, welcomed the announcement. "We could not be more pleased to know that implementation of the Safe Connections Act is within reach," CEO Katie Ray-Jones said: "We rely on connectivity and access to digital life more than ever and ensuring survivors have the safe connections they can depend on could be lifesaving."

A National Network to End Domestic Violence spokesperson said there will be particular attention paid to what the draft order says on requirements for easy processing of requests by domestic violence survivors for phone line separation and on ensuring those survivors don't face high barriers to steps.