FAA Urged To Consider Privacy Issues In Developing Registration Program

The Electronic Privacy Information Center ("EPIC") recently submitted comments to the FAA regarding the soon to be announced registration program for drone hobbyists.  EPIC urged the FAA to consider both privacy and safety risks in developing the regulations which will form the framework for registration of all drones in the national airspace.

EPIC noted its long-standing concern for privacy, and in particular its position regarding drones and privacy issues. EPIC expressed its concerns for the privacy not only of persons who may be the potential subject of drone surveillance, but also for drone hobbyists who will be required to register.

Specifically, EPIC urged that all drones be required to include a GPS tracking feature to broadcast information regarding not only the location, speed, and course of the drone, but also identifying and contact information of the drone owner. And for any drone with specific capabilities, EPIC urged the FAA to consider requiring