There’s a dark side to the flurry of reports and testimony on drones, helpful as they are in many ways. When we read that Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch oppose drone strikes that violate international law, some of us may be inclined to interpret that as a declaration that, in fact, drone strikes violate…
Residents of San Diego county are justifiably concerned that new drone technology will soon be tested over their homes and schools. The area has recently been approved as an official FAA drone testing site. The people of Julian, California, in San Diego County, packed a crowded forum on the test site hosted by Back Country Voices. The event brought together a…
At the Pines Hills area home of Lisa Elkins, Lisa’s cat “Phineas” relaxes next to a map of California that depicts the area of the state that’s planned for a federal drone test site. Planning how they’ll fight it are local residents John Raifsnider, left, and Laurel Granquist, at right. — Charlie Neuman San Diego…
Written testimony of U.S. Coast Guard Assistant Commandant for Capability Rear Admiral Mark Butt for a House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation hearing titled “How to Improve the Efficiency, Safety, and Security of Maritime Transportation: Better Use and Integration of Maritime Domain Awareness Data” Release Date: July 31,…
Fault Lines investigates the fallout over the NSA’s surveillance programme in the US and abroad. Some of the US’ best secrets are out since former National Security Agency (NSA) contractor Edward Snowden released thousands of classified documents about government surveillance in one of the most significant leaks in US history. He has been charged with…
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…
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…
Throughout his term in office, President Obama has presided over misguided counterterrorism efforts. On January 21, 2013, Barack Obama was inaugurated for his second term as president of the United States. Just as he had promised when he began his first campaign for president six years earlier, he pledged again to turn the page on…
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…
Back Country Voices 