It's About the Intent

In the end, much of the use of drones will be determined by the types of laws and regulations made by state and national governments. Who can use them and what they can be used for are all important questions that will need to be answered, but it appears that the use of drones for companies will likely be a thing of the future. With enough preparation, businesses can be sure they will be a useful resource for many years to come and not a security liability.(Via Drones: Security Concern or Useful Resource?)

I think it's important that we (all of us) have these conversations about how we use drones. Now! I would love to own a drone for use in aerial photography. A drone would show me a unique perspective on many of the woodlands and swamps near my home and around my county.

However, these same drones can be used by anyone to invade the privacy of others and/or endanger their safety. I live near a small airport and my home is in the flight path of the small aircraft that fly in during the day. I am concerned that someone -- even one of my neighbors -- could cause a calamity by the careless use of a drone.

Perhaps drone use should be regulated and licensed. If I am required to have be trained and licensed to drive or fly a plane -- the sort of machinery where accidents have consequences beyond it's owner -- why not require the same for drone use? I think if we did that, then we could enforce ethical behavior in the same way we enforce it for vehicles and planes. It would not eliminate stupidity, negligence and criminal behavior but it could certainly reduce the risks for all of us.

Author: Khürt Williams

A human who works in information security and enjoys photography, Formula 1 and craft ale. #nobridge