The MFJS Reporter — Winter 2020 T-R

The drone sightings have also led to new discussions regarding policy and regulations surrounding drones and peoples privacy. The Denver Channel notes thatreporters have talked to people with serious concerns over privacy.

            Privacy especially around drones is not just a local issue but a common growing concern popping up all over the United States. Currently, the Federal Aviation Administrationregulations do not specifically address flight over residential areas and a vast majority of UAS violators are not caught. According to Dr. Ryan Wallace, many people are viewing themselves as potential victims ofprivacy violations.

            Additionally, under current law, almost anyone can operate or buy a drone. According, to Colorado law, there are two main types of drone uses: commercial and hobby. Commercial drones have more rules and require certification. Hobby drones can be owned by anyone.

            That makes the recent citing’s in Colorado skies even more concerning (to many people) because they can be operated by anyone at any time with no knowledge regarding if people’s privacy are being invaded. 

            At the University of Denver, there were different opinions about recent drone siting’s and whether or not they are concerned about their personal invasion of privacy there were mixed opinions being expressed. 

            Zora Opalka, a junior on the Swim and Dive team at DU said that, “I don’t mind drones in regard to my privacy as I think satellites already have video capability of us and privacy nowadays is already being violated. But, I do have an issue of civilians flying them around as they could use them for evil things so I think there needs to be some regulation.“

            This concern over a lack of regulation was also shared by DU student Mariah Matthews who agreed with Opalka.

             “I think it’s scary and people should have to go through a screening process before they buy a drone if you think about it someone could use it to creep on kids (pedophile) in Colorado springs the military stuff is there and I think they should even have a permit,” she said.    

Another aspect about current drone use is that the technology is so new that there is not much precedent to go off of when it comes to passing and implementing regulations. 

           When Molly Bocock a Junior at DU was asked about drones the first thing she thought of was their association with warfare. She admitted that this association could bring bias to her opinion on them as recreational toys. “I think that it is irresponsible to fly drones without you notifying someone,” she said. “We don’t have a lot of bureaucracy in place so the average person should not be punished but there should be some registration in place.”