Written by Dan Levin and Christina Cook
(Reuters) – California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill requiring automakers that sell connected cars to do more to protect survivors of domestic violence, a move that could expand those safeguards across the country.
As automakers add ever more sophisticated technology to their vehicles, instances of stalking and harassment using features such as location tracking and remote controls are beginning to emerge.
The California Legislature passed the bill with overwhelming support, and Newsom signed it Friday along with several other measures aimed at protecting domestic violence survivors. The law could lead to the new standards being applied outside of California, where automakers tend to avoid producing different cars for different states.
Legislative analysts cited reports from Reuters and the New York Times about automakers not helping women who claimed they were targeted by their partners. A woman unsuccessfully sued Tesla (NASDAQ: ) , alleging that the company failed to act after she repeatedly complained that her husband was stalking and harassing her using the automaker’s technology despite a restraining order.
Among its provisions, the California bill requires automakers to set up a clear process for drivers to submit a copy of a restraining order or other documents and request termination of another driver’s remote access within two business days. It also requires automakers to enable drivers to easily turn off location access from inside the car.
No automaker has officially opposed the law. The Automotive Innovation Alliance, which includes several automakers as members, said it supports the goal of protecting victims of domestic violence. The coalition raised some concerns about technical feasibility during the legislative process, and a spokesman said in an email Monday that it had discussed ways to address these issues next year.
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