In January, the FAA proposed new rules for the use of domestic drones, to implemented by 2015. The agency is being pressured to create new rules in part by the Pentagon, who warns that as two wars wind down, the nearly 7,500 robotic aircraft overseas need a place to come home to. But journalists and businesses also say they could make good use of the drones, and policemen have already starting using them.
The number of drones estimated to be in domestic operation by 2020: 30,000, according to the F.A.A.
Libertarian Candidate Gary Johnson on the Subject of drones
Presidential candidate concerned over U.S. drone program within America
In a statement, Johnson said, “The threats to privacy in America – from our own government – seem to never end. Does Congress really think they can just stick an ‘oh-by-the-way' provision in an obscure piece of legislation directing the FAA to clear the way for 30,000 drones to fly over our neighborhoods, and have no one notice?
“Big Brother is alive and well, and now we’re talking about making it easier for him to fly remote control planes loaded with cameras over our neighborhoods. Based on our experience with the Patriot Act, the National Defense Authorization Act, and several other laws Congress has enacted in recent years, it is not alarmist to fear or assume that when we give the government the power to snoop, they will indeed snoop.
“The government, through the FAA, already has the power to permit specific uses of drones, such as in fighting forest fires, looking for lost campers, or helping deal with natural disasters. And right now, they are being used to patrol the border. Some of those uses may be justified and legit, and the rules allow for that today. But directing the FAA to come up with a system that will allow federal, state and local law enforcement to deploy 30,000 drones is a very different proposition, and should absolutely not be allowed to proceed without a serious conversation about a very real threat to fundamental privacy.
“The ACLU, the Electronic Freedom Foundation and numerous other groups are expressing serious concerns about Congress’ action, as they should. I share those concerns. The idea that the air above our heads and homes should be turned into a wide-open playground for government snooping is an insult to freedom and to what remains of privacy in this country.”
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