EPIC Asks FAA, DOT To Publicize Drone Task Force Members

The Federal Aviation Administration and Transportation Department should publicize the identities of members of the new drone task force that was announced last week (see 1510190039), said an Electronic Privacy Information Center letter to the agencies Tuesday. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx had said the task force would have 25 to 30 members, but it was unclear if privacy and safety advocates would be included (see 1510210063). “Given the very real concerns of the American public about the privacy and civil liberties threats drones pose, the task force should include representatives with privacy and civil liberties expertise,” EPIC’s letter said. EPIC said it contacted the Transportation Department’s press office Oct. 20 asking for the final list of task force members, but the agency hasn’t responded, so the group submitted a Freedom of Information Act request Oct. 21 to obtain the information. “With the Task Force set to deliver its final report on November 20, the public has less than one month to weigh in on the organizations and entities providing key input on drone registration,” the letter said. “Given the very real concerns on the part of the American public about drones and the threats they potentially pose to privacy and safety, it is imperative that you make immediately public the members of the Task Force.”