Recent years have seen an explosion in the numbers of drones being deployed in a vast range of roles. From simple leisure use in the local park to taking an active part in looking for water leaks, drones have become the hi-tech toys which are being taken increasingly seriously. But what role if any do they have to play in the world of surveillance – and who is keeping an eye on the eyes in the sky?
For years the capacity to carry out air surveillance has been a perk enjoyed exclusively by the police and the military. However, with the increasing popularity (and falling cost) of drones, this is fast becoming an option which is open to both use and abuse. Whilst police services and the armed forces have strict codes in place regarding the use of air surveillance such niceties are seldom observed by individuals. With their ability to hover relatively unseen and unheard in the sky, drones fitted with cameras have the ability to peek into our lives like never before – raising more than a few legal questions about privacy and what constitutes ‘fair usage’.
The government can struggle to keep up with legislation to cover such fast-developing technologies. Just as laws needed to be amended to take into account the growth of the World Wide Web, it was recently announced that a “drone driving test” is being actively pursued through parliament. This legislation will require drone owners/users to undertake an official safety test before they can legally operate these devices. In addition, drones weighing over 250g will be banned from flying near airports or over 400 feet in height.
As ever, Ironside Associates is keeping an eye on these developments in surveillance technology to put us in the best position to provide effective surveillance services, using the latest technology, allowed within the law.
For a confidential discussion about your surveillance service requirements simply contact us today.
