Privacy: a critical issue
As we enter the 2014 legislative season, the U.S. Congress and many state legislatures will again consider legislation addressing privacy issues related to the operation of unmanned aircraft (drones) in the civil environment.
The assumed need for new laws has been fueled by concerns that the availability, ease of operation, and relatively low cost of these platforms will lead to thousands of such devices invading personal privacy. Of even greater concern is the potential misuse by law enforcement personnel and the perceived need for tighter controls on the use of this technology for gathering evidence of criminal behavior.
For decades, modelers have occasionally placed cameras on their aircraft to take pictures of a flying site, a model aircraft event, or even their own backyards. AMA has no record of a complaint accusing a modeler of using this capability to spy on a neighbor or to take pictures of unsuspecting individuals. Nevertheless, the availability and ease of operation of today's semi‑autonomous fixed‑wing and multirotor systems does raise the possibility that individuals outside the aeromodeling community may misuse this technology. It is more important than ever that those of us within the aeromodeling community continue to act courteously and responsibly.
In 2013, the AMA formally established its Privacy Policy as part of the safety and operating guidelines for first-person view (FPV) and automated flight systems. These guidelines are published in AMA documents 550 and 560, and will soon be incorporated into a separate document specifically addressing privacy issues. AMA's privacy guidelines state:
"The use of imaging technology for aerial surveillance with radio control model aircraft having the capability of obtaining high-resolution photographs and/or video, or using any types of sensors, for the collection, retention, or dissemination of surveillance data or information on individuals, homes, businesses, or property at locations where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy is strictly prohibited by the AMA unless written, expressed permission is obtained from the individual property owners or managers."
AMA members are expected to adhere to this policy and to all operational guidelines as a condition of membership in the Academy of Model Aeronautics.
— Rich Hanson [email protected]
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
