This just in: Welch Announces Privacy Legislation Regulating Operation of Domestic Drones This morning, on the steps of the Chittenden County Courthouse, Rep. Peter Welch unveiled legislation that would require the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to inform Americans and protect their privacy as the agency issues operating licenses for unmanned aerial vehicles flying over the United States. The FAA estimates that 30,000 drones will be operating in the U.S. over the next 20 years. Welch will introduce the legislation in the House of Representatives next week when he returns to Washington. He was joined at the press conference by ACLU of Vermont Executive Director Allen Gilbert. “As drones emerge in the airspace over the United States, I am deeply concerned that American’s constitutional right to privacy and their right to know are protected. Drones can be a valuable tool for law enforcement, public safety and other commercial uses. But it is essential that the law be updated to cover this technology and to ensure individual privacy and transparency in its operation and use.” Rep. Welch’s bill would: - Prohibit the FAA from issuing drone licenses unless the application includes a data collection statement that explains who will operate the drone, where the drone will be flown, what kind of data will be collected, how that data will be used, whether the information will be sold to third parties, and the period for which the information will be retained. - Require law enforcement agencies and their contractors and subcontractors to include an additional data minimization statement that explains how they will minimize the collection and retention of data unrelated to the investigation of a crime. - Require a warrant for the use of drones by law enforcement agencies except in special circumstances such as search and rescue operations and the imminent danger of death or serious injury. - Require the FAA to create a website listing all approved licenses, data collection and data minimization statements, any data security breaches suffered by a licensee, and the times and locations of flights.
Posted on: Fri, 12 Jul 2013 16:38:48 +0000
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