Drones and the law - valuable data collection vs invasion of privacy

In brief - More drone regulation around time, place and manner of operation expected

While businesses and governments increasingly see the value in collecting information by drones, the issue of privacy and the public's ability to limit the collection of personal and sensitive information remain hot topics. Regulation and legislation impose limits and requirements on drone use in Australia and further regulation is expected.

Data capture by drones for commercial or other non-public safety purposes remains contentious

Drones, or remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) as they are officially called in Australia, are being used more extensively in Australia and receiving more media coverage. Drones are unmanned aircraft which are operated by a human but remotely.