"Concealed within his fortress, the lord of Mordor sees all. His gaze pierces cloud, shadow, earth, and flesh. You know of what I speak, Gandalf: a great Eye, lidless, wreathed in flame."
—Saruman
We like to quote George Orwell when it comes to privacy. We might want to move on to Tolkien. It was not long ago when we were told that there would be no use of drones in US airspace. And then we were told there would be no use of weaponized drones in US airspace. And of course you can be assured that your privacy is not going to be an issue.
But if the planes caught someone breaking the law, the unit would save the footage and give it to the cops, said spokesman Maj. Jeff Brown.
Hey, this slope is slippery!
This just out today by your well informed media.
"The important thing about today's announcement is it provides the platform for this research to really be carried out a very large scale across the entire country," Huerta said
.
What research?
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) selected six research sites to help it test and map out the best way to safely bring unmanned aircraft into the heavily used U.S. airspace
.
It's interesting how an article on the "commercialization" of drones in the US airspace can be written but fails to mention the FAA's UAS Comprehensive Plan. You know the one.
The UAS Comprehensive Plan sets the overarching, interagency goals, objectives, and approach to integrating UAS into the NAS.
That would be the integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) into the National Airspace System (NAS). The plan is in place. The drones will be here. And they won't just be delivering your new new iPad. Have you heard about the "desired end-state"?
The FAA’s UAS Concept of Operations (ConOps) reflects their desired end-state, and lays out the pathway for achieving this end-state, anticipating the technological and procedural enhancements required to make integration happen. In addition, it begins the engineering process of incorporating UAS-specific changes into the NextGen Implementation Plan
Hell, even
Forbes is worried.
Think NSA Is Invading Privacy? Better Read FAA's Plan To Integrate Drones Into US Airspace
And yes, the
NSA is involved.
The National Security Agency has been extensively involved in the U.S. government's targeted killing program, collaborating closely with the CIA in the use of drone strikes against terrorists abroad, The Washington Post reported after a review of documents provided by former NSA systems analyst Edward Snowden
.
So what about privacy? I think we can all be comforted that the FAA document actually mentions it. Rest easy, citizens. And that nothing is being decided right now...however
Important non-safety related issues, such as privacy and national security, need to be taken into consideration as UAS are integrated into the NAS. The privacy requirements proposed for the UAS test sites are specifically designed for the operation of the test sites and are not intended to pre-determine the long-term policy and regulatory framework under which UAS would operate. However, the FAA anticipates that the privacy policies developed by the test site operators will help inform the dialogue among policymakers, privacy advocates, and the industry regarding broader questions concerning the use of UAS technologies in the NAS.
It's nice to see how The Industry will be helping decide our future rights about privacy. As well as you. Did you get the memo?
Specific to privacy concerns, the FAA has proposed and is requesting public input on a privacy approach for the UAS test site program that attempts to prudently address privacy concerns by emphasizing transparency, public engagement, and compliance with existing law.
I'm sure our elected officials are on the job.
Federal agencies are mindful that national defense and homeland security measures are to be designed and performed without diminishing the privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties of individuals.
Hey! Federal agencies are mindful about privacy and that they should be mindful about not diminishing it. Sounds legally binding to me.
mind·ful
adjective
attentive, aware, or careful (usually followed by of ): mindful of one's responsibilities.
You should be mindful of this, also in the report
Although there is no Federal law that specifically addresses privacy concerns with respect to civil UAS operations
If you've never read one of these documents, you should. The serious people in charge of all of this have provided some definitions for you.
Class G Airspace - That airspace not designated as Class A, B, C, D or E.
Good to know. I'm wondering about Class F airspace and who owns that. But the thing that should be worrying anyone who gives a shit about privacy is the acronym BLOS.
BLOS        Beyond Line-of-Sight
You can't see it, but it can see you. Much like the Eye of Sauron.
Happy Brave New Year!
Integrating public and civil UAS into the NAS carries certain national security implications, including cyber and communications security, domestic framework for US government operations, national airspace and defense, airman vetting/general aviation, and privacy concerns. In coordination with the National Security Staff at the White House, the FAA is working in conjunction with relevant agency partners on an Interagency Policy Committee to address these issues.