Sen. Gounardes' Bill to Protect Domestic Violence Survivors is Signed Into Law

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DECEMBER 27, 2024

New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes issued the following statement today after Governor Kathy Hochul signed his legislation (S9174B) to protect domestic violence survivors from abusers that weaponize remote vehicle tech: 

“Domestic violence survivors already have more than enough to deal with. They need and deserve places where they can feel safe and secure. The last thing they should have to worry about is the frankly terrifying idea that even their own vehicle might become a tool for their abuser to stalk and harass them. My bill takes a simple, commonsense step to ensure abusers can’t use this tech to harm people. I’m grateful to the Governor for signing this important proposal into law.”

Background:

Even after leaving a domestic violence situation, many survivors continue to experience stalking, harassment and violent threats. The evolution of technology has created additional, disturbing methods for abusers to monitor and harass survivors.

One such example is remote vehicle technology, which allows cars to be started and tracked from a phone or computer. A 2023 New York Times investigation found that “apps that remotely track and control cars are being weaponized by abusive partners” and highlighted the experience of multiple survivors, including one whose abuser stalked her using her car's GPS technology and another whose abuser harassed her using her car's remote start technology.

Law enforcement has faced obstacles protecting survivors from such intrusions, as access to this technology is often controlled by car manufacturers. This new law requires car manufacturers and dealers to remove an abuser's access to remote vehicle technology when a survivor makes the request and has proof of ownership, at no cost to the survivor. The law also requires information about this feature be accessible through the car manufacturer or dealer's website.

Senator Gounardes has been at the forefront of efforts to ensure technology is safe for all New Yorkers, including by passing legislation to protect children from addictive algorithms and predatory data collection on social media platforms. He has also introduced legislation to support survivors of domestic violence, including the SAFE Shelter Act. 

Press Contact:

Billy Richling

Communications Director

State Senator Andrew Gounardes

billy@senatorgounardes.nyc

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