According to the FAA, there are 1.3 million registered drones in the country. So, you’re not seeing something extraordinary if you notice one whirring overhead.
Perhaps you’re wondering if the hovering devices are part of a drone surveillance scheme. Seeing them has led you to wonder about what this technology does and what its capabilities are.
Here’s everything you need to know.
What is Drone Surveillance?
Unmanned aerial vehicles, also known as UAVs, take to the sky to capture photos and videos when they’re on surveillance. Their targets could be people or groups or specific environments. Either way, the overhead shots help to gather such information inconspicuously.
Drones make great surveillance tools because they can often reach spots where an investigator wouldn’t be able to go. And, with face-recognition technology, computer vision and other add-ons, they function with the same expertise as a robot would.
Are There Drone Surveillance Laws?
You might be wondering if a normal person can get away with surveillance with a drone. Indeed, citizens are allowed to own drones, but the laws for the types they can buy — and the things they can do with the technology — are regulated by the states. Formal laws are in the works, but nothing has been passed to regulate drone usage nationwide.
In most cases, though, you probably can’t use your drone to capture photos of private property. And it’s unclear whether you can defend yourself if you notice someone surveilling you with this technology — you may be the one that has to pay to replace a drone you destroy.
If you’re looking for other surveillance options, you have them. Check out https://www.theratt.com/ to see another option, which allows you to capture similar footage from the top of your car.
But if you want your drone for personal recreation or, say, filming weddings and family events, you should be okay to add one to your tech arsenal — no rules broken.
What About Military Surveillance Drones?
The military and other government authorities use drones for surveillance, too. Sometimes, they use drones for intelligence-gathering missions. They can surreptitiously find out what their competitors or enemies have accomplished with the help of a drone.
Authorities can use drones for spying or investigative purposes. They use them after a natural disaster to do overhead searches, which is a great resource to first responders. Drones make effective spies, too, protecting the lives of officers who might have to do the work instead.
Drones can also be used as weapons when used by the military. Of course, these types of drones aren’t available to average citizens — we only have to wonder about the devices being used for surveillance.
Drone Surveillance — A Look to the Future
What we do know about drone surveillance is that we have just tapped the surface when it comes to this technology’s capabilities. So, expect to see more drones in the future doing more than hovering overhead and taking pictures.
Want all of the updates on drones and other technology? Check back with our blog to keep up with the latest.
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