FCC Begins Proceeding on Supporting Survivors of Domestic Violence

The Federal Communications Commission opened an inquiry to evaluate how FCC programs might help survivors of domestic violence and other harmful abuse get access to connectivity services. The Notice of Inquiry seeks comment on whether the Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Programs can be modified to support the connectivity needs of survivors. Specifically, the inquiry seeks comment on whether survivors are currently able to fully utilize these programs and to gain a better understanding of whether and how these programs might be modified to support survivors, while continuing to protect the programs against waste, fraud, and abuse. The FCC also explores ways to keep calls to hotlines and shelters from appearing on call logs, due to the potential for abusers to exploit this information.