Blumenthal Statement on Fiat Chrysler Hacking Recall

(Hartford, CT) – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) issued the following statement following Fiat Chrysler’s recall of 1.4 million vehicles due to a hacking vulnerability:

“Cyber threats in cars are real and urgent, no figment of the imagination – as this huge recall demonstrates. Incredibly, Chrysler delayed disclosing this chilling cybersecurity danger egregiously and inexcusably, and strong sanctions are appropriate to send a message that other auto manufacturers will heed. This recall is powerful evidence of spreading cyber security threats in all cars –  demanding strong protections and a potential investigation by NHTSA.

“Automakers must be held accountable through federal standards – as my legislation with Senator Markey would require – to prevent dangerous, even deadly defects exploited by hackers. NHTSA needs legal tools to keep up with advancing technology, and only Congress can mandate them. The question now is, how many other cars on the road right now leave consumers vulnerable to cyber threats that endanger both safety and privacy.”

On Tuesday, Blumenthal joined Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass.) in introducing the SPY Car Act, legislation that would direct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to establish federal standards to secure cars and protect drivers’ privacy.

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