Legal Brief: Drone Regulation in the Spotlight
January 27, 2025
Security Business Magazine
Types : Bylined Articles
A rise in unauthorized drone activity has captured America’s attention, but what federal, state, and local laws apply?
Drones, drones, drones – as far as the eye can see. Well, maybe that is an exaggeration, but federal, state, and local authorities have received thousands of reports of drone activity in the skies in the northeastern United States since November 2024. This has created some hysteria – with internet conspiracies and misinformation predominating.
Federal government officials have minimized the threat and repeatedly cautioned that the objects do not pose a public safety and national security risk. Indeed, in many cases, the drones are not drones at all but regular commercial air traffic. Nevertheless, complaints of inaction by government officials are growing, and the drama is heightening.
While politicians often promise to take action, what can they really do in these circumstances under current law? Who has the authority to do what? These are complex questions that cannot be fully resolved yet, and they are likely to become more complicated as the drone drama continues to unfold.