Protect privacy from drones at home, lawmakers say

Associated Press via Yahoo ^ | 19 July 2012 | JOAN LOWY

[Alas Babylon!]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Before thousands of civilian drones begin flying in U.S. skies, Congress should take steps to protect the public's privacy and prevent terrorists from hacking or jamming signals that control the aircraft, lawmakers said Thursday.

House members from both parties said at an oversight hearing that they're worried about potential privacy and security threats as the use of small unmanned aircraft becomes widespread. The Federal Aviation Administration forecasts an estimated 10,000 civilian drones will be in use in the U.S. within five years.

Even Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, co-chair of bipartisan group of lawmakers promoting greater domestic use of drones, acknowledged that legislation to protect privacy may be necessary.

There is tremendous demand to use drones at home for all kinds of tasks that are too dirty, dull or dangerous for manned aircraft. Drones also are often cheaper than manned aircraft. The biggest market is expected to be state and local police departments.

[Alas Babylon!]

Congress hears evidence on drone overflights in the USA. Very scary news about lack of security on GPS signals, read article for more info!

[Alas Babylon!]

The Federal Aviation Administration forecasts an estimated 10,000 civilian drones will be in use in the U.S. within five years.

Mostly in the hands of police.

What's that sound coming from the ancient, hallowed cemeteries of the original 13 states? Sounds like spinning???

[Tallguy]

Doesn’t matter what they do. Pass a law, whatever. As long as there a bureaucrats who might be tempted to task a drone to gain information of value to their political masters, privacy will be violated.

There are all kinds of regulations about internet privacy & health record privacy. Those are often pierced with no real consequences to them that breaks the rules. Ask Joe the Plumber (financial records). Ask Sarah Palin (personal emails).

[jughandle]

So what altitudes do these drones fly at? Takeoff and land at police parking lot? This sounds like a fairly large impact on civilian aviation. Right of way for manned vs. unmanned aircraft? Will we have to steer at least a mile clear of an airborne drone? Assuming they are transponder equipped, visible to ATC and on TCAS? Sorry folks, just rambling here. Whole thing is ridiculous.

Very expensive undertaking, and FAA taking years to write new regs. Oh joy.

[Vinnie]

Crush the tinfoil before you make the hat. The random angles help to scatter the radar return signature.

[Georgia Girl 2]

I predict a new shotgun craze called “sporting drones”

[af_vet_rr]

So what altitudes do these drones fly at? Takeoff and land at police parking lot? This sounds like a fairly large impact on civilian aviation.

In the wake of 9/11, the government made things rough on general aviation, so nothing that happens anymore surprises me. There are people who have it in for general aviation for one reason or another. I expect that the people claiming this can make American safer will win out.

[AFPhys]

Very very good prediction, about the shotgun craze of “sporting drones”.