Residents of the back country communities of San Diego County are sounding off about drone testing. They are concerned about their safety, environment and privacy, but mostly about why they say there are no regulations concerning any of those. By 2020, members of citizen advocacy group “Back Country Voices” say there will be 30,000 unmanned…
On a residential street in San Diego County, Calif., Chula Vista police had just arrested a young woman, still in her pajamas, for possession of narcotics. Before taking her away, Officer Rob Halverson paused in the front yard, held a Samsung Galaxy tablet up to the woman’s face and snapped a photo. Halverson fiddled with…
On February 14, 2012, the President signed the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA) into law. The FMRA includes requirements for integrating unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into the national airspace system (NAS), including direction for the FAA to “establish a program to integrate unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace system at six…
U.S. law enforcement is greatly expanding its use of domestic drones for surveillance. Routine aerial surveillance would profoundly change the character of public life in America. Rules must be put in place to ensure that we can enjoy the benefits of this new technology without bringing us closer to a “surveillance society” in which our…
ACLU Updated 10/9/13 We’re currently seeing an unprecedented surge of activity in state legislatures across the country aimed at regulating domestic surveillance drones. (My colleagues Jay Stanley and Catherine Crump have this recent piece detailing the trend.) Working closely with our lobbyists in state capitols around the country, we have been tracking this activity and…
When it comes to allowing drones to fly over US soil, Americans are of two minds: embrace domestic drones for such uses as crop dusting, high wire inspection, search and rescue, and border security, or run screaming and seek shelter from the surveillance state in the sky. Those dueling views were on display April 3,…
H.R. 1262: Drone Aircraft Privacy and Transparency Act of 2013 HR 1262 Guidance and limitations regarding the integration of unmanned aircraft systems into United States airspace, and for other purposes. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES March 19, 2013 Rep. Edward “Ed” Markey introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and…
They look like small helicopters with onboard cameras. Surveillance drones are taking off in San Diego County, literally. Police agencies, small businesses, even your own neighbor could soon be flying an “eye in the sky.” News 8’s Phil Blauer participated in a demonstration of the $100,000 “Scout” surveillance drone, manufactured by Datron in Vista. “This…
Press Release of Senator Markey Markey Introduces Legislation to Promote Transparency, Privacy for Commercial and Government Drone Use Monday, November 4, 2013 Contact: Giselle Barry (Markey) 202-224-2742 FAA recently gathered public comment on drone privacy policies Washington (November 4, 2013) – With the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) continuing its development of rules governing operation of tens…
‘Back Country Voices’ Citizens Concerned About Drones Panel Discussion: Monday Nov. 11th, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Julian Library Town Hall Meeting: Wednesday Dec. 4th, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Julian Town Hall/Community Center. Concerned residents of San Diego County have joined together to form a citizens action group, ‘Back Country Voices.’ They have scheduled 2 public…
Back Country Voices 