Blumenthal Urges 'Strong' FCC Implementation of Safe Connections Act

Senate Privacy Subcommittee Chairman Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., urged the FCC Tuesday to “adopt strong rules” as part of its implementation of the Safe Connections Act “to protect the privacy of domestic violence survivors and to ensure their access to critical phone and broadband services.” Comments are due April 12, replies May 12, in docket 22-238 on FCC implementation of the statute to improve access to communications services for survivors of domestic violence (see 2303130007). The FCC should “ensure the process is made easy for survivors of domestic violence to access the privacy, safety, and financial protection provided in the bill,” Blumenthal said in a letter to FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “I agree with survivor advocacy and direct service organizations that the Commission should adopt rules that lower barriers to access Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program. Setting the standard of survivor identification to be self-attestation, rather than requiring a third-party to ‘vouch’ abuse and financial difficulties, can enhance survivor agency and access to low-cost phone service programs.” Blumenthal also supports “strengthening the FCC’s privacy rules to protect domestic violence survivors that are accessing support resources, such as shelters and assistance hotlines.”