Drone policy privacy testimony
EPIC Asks Congress to Adopt Privacy Safeguards for Drones
Today's House Homeland Security Oversight Subcommittee hearing, "Using Unmanned Aerial Systems Within the Homeland: Security Game Changer?” examined federal use of drones in the United States. University of Texas Professor Todd Humphreys testified about how he gained full flight control of a drone operated by someone else. On the second panel, EPIC's Amie Stepanovich testified on the privacy implications of domestic drone use, alongside Gerald Dillingham and Chief Deputy William McDaniel. In February, EPIC, joined by over 100 organizations, experts, and members of the public, petitioned FAA to begin a rulemaking on the privacy impact of drone use. The Agency has not yet responded the EPIC Petition or addressed privacy concerns. EPIC recommended that the FAA develop privacy rules, that DHS conduct a privacy assessment, and that Congress establish new privacy safeguards. For more information, see EPIC: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Drones.