http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-205_162-574 ... Content.10" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;The new recommendations by the association, a non-profit based in Arlington, Va., that has members in more than 60 countries, pledge to "respect the privacy of individuals" and the concerns of the public and to follow all federal, state and local laws. They also pledge to ensure that remote drone pilots are properly trained and to respect "other users of the airspace."
The language on privacy is good, but it's not enough, American Civil Liberties Union lobbyist Chris Calabrese said.
A small Draganflyer X6 drone makes a test flight in Mesa County, Colo. with a Forward Looking Infrared payload in this Jan. 2009 file photo. The drone, on loan to the sheriff's department from the manufacturer, measures about 36 inches from rotor tip to rotor tip, and weights just over two pounds. (Credit: AP/Mesa County Sheriff's Unmanned Operations Team) "I think it's really important that they're paying attention to privacy. That's to their credit," Calabrese said. "But I can't imagine they expect this to quell privacy concerns."
Calabrese added that ultimately even well-meaning guidelines from a private group aren't legally binding on public and private organizations around the country.
"I think Congress needs to step in. This is new technology. It's potentially incredibly invasive," he said. "People are profoundly discomforted by the idea of drones monitoring them."
Some law enforcement agencies have already purchased powerful drones.
So, drones....good, bad, or indifferent?
