In “Drones” and the Future of Domestic Aviation, author John Villasenor, of the University of California Los Angeles, discusses Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), more colloquially known as “drones.” In particular, he describes the precarious ethical and legal issues drones present to society in the face of their increasingly rapid development. Initially, the author gives a brief, but detailed description of the advancement of unmanned aviation technology, including the vast numbers of applications, from both a domestic and government standpoint. For example, he describes that drones could be used to track and monitor wildfires, provide relief support and search for survivors during disasters, or even simpler things such as film making (Villasenor,
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The most frequently discussed concern, as Villasenor states, is privacy (Villasenor, 2014). In regards to debate over whether new laws specific to unmanned aviation are required, Villasenor posits that laws currently in effect may provide a greater deal of protection than many believe they do. Citing Kyllo v. United States, Villasenor states that frequent interpretations of the Court’s decision are too pessimistic, and that the decision is not as harmful as some may believe (Villasenor, 2014). He feels that new legislation may be unnecessary, and has the potential to restrict the good drones can do. However, he also acknowledges that some new laws may be beneficial, such as updating stalking laws to include UAS (Villasenor, 2014). Aside from issues of privacy, Villasenor mentions a less discussed issue, Airspace Safety. He feels the safety concerns presented by UAS are of great importance, and present a significant challenge to overcome. As an example, he explains that with the small size of common drones, it would be remarkably difficult for human pilots to identify it against the ground beneath them, increasing risks of collision (Villasenor, 2014). In all, however, Villasenor concludes that though there are a number of legal and ethical issues that must be handled with care, these concerns should not dampen optimism or the willingness to embrace the expansive benefits unmanned aviation can
The most frequently discussed concern, as Villasenor states, is privacy (Villasenor, 2014). In regards to debate over whether new laws specific to unmanned aviation are required, Villasenor posits that laws currently in effect may provide a greater deal of protection than many believe they do. Citing Kyllo v. United States, Villasenor states that frequent interpretations of the Court’s decision are too pessimistic, and that the decision is not as harmful as some may believe (Villasenor, 2014). He feels that new legislation may be unnecessary, and has the potential to restrict the good drones can do. However, he also acknowledges that some new laws may be beneficial, such as updating stalking laws to include UAS (Villasenor, 2014). Aside from issues of privacy, Villasenor mentions a less discussed issue, Airspace Safety. He feels the safety concerns presented by UAS are of great importance, and present a significant challenge to overcome. As an example, he explains that with the small size of common drones, it would be remarkably difficult for human pilots to identify it against the ground beneath them, increasing risks of collision (Villasenor, 2014). In all, however, Villasenor concludes that though there are a number of legal and ethical issues that must be handled with care, these concerns should not dampen optimism or the willingness to embrace the expansive benefits unmanned aviation can