Biden signs bill that allows victims of domestic violence to remove abusers from phone plans
President Joe Biden has signed into law H.R. 7132 or the Safe Connections Act of 2022, and it could help survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, harassment and human trafficking cut ties with attackers. Under the new law, users can ask mobile service providers to separate their line – and that of their dependents – from that of their abusers if they have a shared contract. This would ensure that attackers no longer have access to their phone records and cannot cut their service. Carriers are not allowed to charge a fee for complying with these requests, which they must do within two days.
In addition, the Secure Connections Act of 2022 will require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to create rules that would make it easier for survivors looking for separate mobile plans to enroll in its Lifeline program for a period of time. up to six months. This FCC initiative provides eligible low-income consumers with a discount on phone services, so they can stay connected to job opportunities, friends, family and emergency services while working for get back on your feet. The commission must also establish rules that would prevent calls or texts to hotlines from appearing in call logs, presumably to keep survivors safe.
In a blog post, the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) celebrated the new law, but also said it would have "preferred a bill that did not require survivors to provide documentation for" prove "their abuse". For a claim to be valid, a user must submit "appropriate documentation" to verify that the person they share a contract with "has committed or may have committed an act of domestic violence, trafficking, or a related criminal act against the survivor. ".
Having to provide documentation may not be easy, depending on a person's circumstances, and it could re-traumatize survivors trying to free themselves from abusive situations. “However, this new law is a crucial step in the right direction,” EFF continued, “and it is encouraging that Congress and the President are in agreement.”
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President Joe Biden has signed into law H.R. 7132 or the Safe Connections Act of 2022, and it could help survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, harassment and human trafficking cut ties with attackers. Under the new law, users can ask mobile service providers to separate their line – and that of their dependents – from that of their abusers if they have a shared contract. This would ensure that attackers no longer have access to their phone records and cannot cut their service. Carriers are not allowed to charge a fee for complying with these requests, which they must do within two days.
In addition, the Secure Connections Act of 2022 will require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to create rules that would make it easier for survivors looking for separate mobile plans to enroll in its Lifeline program for a period of time. up to six months. This FCC initiative provides eligible low-income consumers with a discount on phone services, so they can stay connected to job opportunities, friends, family and emergency services while working for get back on your feet. The commission must also establish rules that would prevent calls or texts to hotlines from appearing in call logs, presumably to keep survivors safe.
In a blog post, the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) celebrated the new law, but also said it would have "preferred a bill that did not require survivors to provide documentation for" prove "their abuse". For a claim to be valid, a user must submit "appropriate documentation" to verify that the person they share a contract with "has committed or may have committed an act of domestic violence, trafficking, or a related criminal act against the survivor. ".
Having to provide documentation may not be easy, depending on a person's circumstances, and it could re-traumatize survivors trying to free themselves from abusive situations. “However, this new law is a crucial step in the right direction,” EFF continued, “and it is encouraging that Congress and the President are in agreement.”
All products recommended by Engadget are selected by our editorial team, independent of our parent company. Some of our stories include affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. All prices correct at time of publication.
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