Busting Myths: Gaslighting Privacy in Drone Usage

Yesterday, on 27th July 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new ITPO Complex, ‘Bharat Mandapam’ in Delhi by flying a Drone and the event marked a symbolic dawn.
From tales of flying carpets carrying Aladdin to battery operated drones transporting food and medicines, we’ve come a long way.
“In a first, drones deliver blood bags in Delhi.”, Hindustan Times, 10th May 2023
“Dubai hospital completed successful drone medical delivery trial”, Business Wire, 19th June 2023
‘Tata 1 mg starts drone delivery for medicines in Dehradun’’ India Today, 02nd December 2022
It is not uncommon today to flip pages in newspaper and come across news pieces of the sort. Undoubtedly, Drones have become an area of interest with their increased usage from aerial photography to delivery services. This widespread popularity is however supplemented by overgrowing misconceptions and myth surrounding the use of drones and their potential impact on privacy.
The advent of new technology is more often than not accompanied with apprehension and fears of general public regarding their use, regulation and impact on their personal lives disrupting the traditional means of livelihood. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have also suffered the same fate in the country.
Myth: One of the most captured fear with use of drones is that because Drones have cameras, they are constantly spying and all information, a drone witnesses on it’s trail is being recorded.
Busting the Myth: The operation of Drones is regulated by the Drone Rules 2021 and amendment thereunder which divides the airspace into three zones, namely Red, Yellow and Green zones depending upon the Security and Altitude Restrictions, thereby limiting the access area of the Drones.
Credit: Drone Federation of India
Furthermore, Drones are flown after obtaining of permissions under the regulations and are to be used for the limited purposes such as commercial photography, mapping, or surveillance in authorized areas and the Pilots are bound by laws and regulations that prohibit them from capturing images or videos of individuals without consent in private spaces. In view of existence of Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Data or Information) Rules, 2011 (“SPDI Rules”) issued under Information Technology Act, 2000 (“IT Act”), the instances of breach of privacy may be adequately reported and resolved.
Myth: Drones have unrestricted access to private properties
Busting the Myth: The video of a recent girl capturing her images lying on her bed through a drone flying close to ceiling has raised doubts in the minds of masses if Drone could freely enter their private properties. As illustrated, the airspace of the Country has been divided into three zones which classifies the altitude a Drone may be flown in and the permissions to be obtained by the Drone Pilot. The airspace map is dynamic and every remote drone pilot is required to mandatorily verify Airspace Map available on the Digital Sky Platform for zone restrictions prior to every flight and to check any notification or restriction before commencing activities in a concerned area.
Myth: Drones may be used for carrying Ammunitions/Explosives
Busting the Myth: We are living in a world experiencing rise in the use of Artificial Intelligence and unmanned systems for the purposes of warfare and linked to the same is the fear of the public that unregulated drones may be used as Ammunition. As per Drone Rule 2021, except without a written permission of the Central Government or any other person authorised by the Central Government in this behalf, no person is permitted to carry or cause or permit to be carried any arms, ammunitions, munitions/implements of war, explosives and military in any unmanned aircraft to, from, within or over India and the same is further regulated by Aircraft (Carriage of Dangerous Goods) Rules, 2003.
While privacy concerns associated with drones are valid, it is important to separate fact from fiction. Myths surrounding drones perpetuate unnecessary fear and hinder the broader acceptance and benefits of this technology. By understanding the regulations in place, the limitations of drone capabilities, and the responsible practices followed by operators, we can ensure that privacy concerns are adequately addressed while embracing the numerous positive applications of drones in various industries.
Representing bodies like Drone Federation of India, we often are left in complete admiration of the magnitude of betterment and improvisation that the Drone Technology holds in our everyday lives, as Drones stations set up in North East are now able to deliver life-saving anti-venom vials/medicines in shortest span to remotest areas, grappling with cases of snake bites. Stories like these empower us to rbe better version of ourselves every day and look at the brighter side of the Sky, the side with a Drone.