Posted and written by: Jacob Kim

In current society, technology is improving the way we live our lives. Drones are being used for recreational fun, aerial overview pictures, and even commercial package deliveries. With this increase of drone usage within companies and recreational drone flyers, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must increase regulations in order to ensure public safety and the prevention of potential crashes between drones and planes. Although advocates for fewer regulations will argue drones will not be used for illegal activities, the FAA must increase regulations to prevent any potential or current threats on U.S. citizens.

1. Flight Limitations

With an increase of drone usage, the FAA must increase regulations to protect citizens that are on land. Currently, only maximum speed and altitude is placed on drones for regulation. Drones are allowed to fly up to speeds of 100mph and reach a height of 400ft. To achieve a technologically advanced society with drones the FAA must implement new regulations on minimum altitudes and perhaps a regulatory software update on all drones to limit speeds. Since congress has given the FAA all control over drone regulations, as citizens we can ask our local congress members to push for more drone regulations.

2. Privacy

privacy Privacy PRIVACY! Not only is the fact that drones come in all different shapes and sizes making any location easily accessible scary, but the fact that they are equipped with CAMERAS adds onto the fear of these aerial machines. That being said, the FAA must increase regulations to protect the privacy of people from drone users. This can be done by asking our congress members to protect our privacy and to implement more regulations against unwanted recording and snooping with drones. Because congress has control over the FAA, congress will be able to push for increased regulations.

3. Criminal Activity

Drones are known for being a contributing factor for society’s technological advancements, however with every good comes a present danger. Drones have been used in the past to drop off packages containing weapons and/or illegal contraband in places where it is unlawful. They have also been used for espionage against the U.S. by spying on government buildings. In order to prevent future incidents and illegal activities, the FAA must add more regulations on drones, such as an anti-drone defense system, on top of the current regulations.

It is evident from past events, incidents, and data that there are not nearly enough regulations placed on drones to be prepared for corporate and recreational uses. As an agency under the executive branch granted powers by Congress, the FAA must take responsibility of drone usage whether they are being used for corporate uses or by citizens. With growing technological advances with drones, it is vital that the FAA takes the necessary steps to keep up with these advances to prevent any potential incidents.