Senator Proposes Law for Drones to be Embedded with GPS Tracking Technology
2 Nov 2015
Congress attempts to put a stop to unlawful usage of drones by tracking them with GPS tracking devices.
Drones encompass how far modern technology has come, but it also comes at a price. Drones are being used over sensitive and confidential areas where they should not be allowed. Due to this, Congress is hoping to track them so anyone using them for unlawful purposes can be tracked as well.
The intent to track drones comes shortly after drones have been found to be flying over the Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora and other highly sensitive areas. The proposed law is being introduced by U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer.
If the law passes, all manufacturers of drones would be required to put geo-fencing technology in all drones. This would limit the locations that the drones would be able to go, stopping them from flying through restricted areas. It would include GPS trackers, firmware and built-in software.
In a press release, Schumer told reporters:
“If a drone crashed into a plane by finding its way onto an airport runway or was able to do harm by flying near highly populated areas and buildings, like the New York State Capitol and the Albany FBI Headquarters, we could see immeasurable damage done.”
This is one of the main concerns of having drones with seemingly no rules about where they can and can’t go. Another concern in the past has been drones that get in the way of airplanes. Congress is hoping the bill is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration soon.
There was recently a report of a drone that crashed into the New York State Capitol building, hitting one of the chimneys. There have been several other incidents, including drones appearing at the FBI Headquarters in Albany.
Drones are currently meant for lobbyists and pure entertainment value, but having no safeguards puts everyone in danger. With GPS tracking, Schumer is hoping they can remove human error completely, allowing people to enjoy their drones while also remaining within the rules.
Another benefit to GPS tracking of drones is that pilots will be able to detect them, avoiding a potentially dangerous situation. This should help avoid a collision between an airplane and a drone, which puts hundreds of people in risk. There is currently a rule for drone safety, but it isn’t enough since it doesn’t have the most updated technology.
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