Markey, Welch Introduce Legislation on Drone Privacy, Transparency

Legislation to establish safeguards to protect the privacy of individuals, following recently released draft rules from the Federal Aviation Administration allowing the expanded use of drones (see 1502250059), was introduced Tuesday by Sen. Edward Markey, D-Mass., and Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt. Dubbed the Drone Aircraft Privacy and Transparency Act, the legislation would ensure there are “standards for informing the public about the location, timing and ownership of unmanned aerial vehicles,” a joint release said. Privacy protection provisions related to data collection and minimization, disclosure, warrant requirements for law enforcement, and enforcement measures in the licensing and operation of drones would also be required. Markey also introduced the legislation in the last Congress. Given the FAA expects about 7,500 drones to be used in U.S. airspace by 2020, Markey said rules of the sky are needed, just as there are rules of the road. The bill “requires transparency in domestic drone use and adds privacy protections that ensure this technology cannot and will not be used to spy on Americans,” he said. “Drones are a valuable tool for commerce, law enforcement, and public safety as well as a fun hobby,” Welch said. The American Civil Liberties Union, Electronic Frontier Foundation and National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers endorsed the legislation.