The Age of the Drone

A revolution is happening overhead. Super-surveillance drones that can see objects as small as six inches across and track human movements are starting to appear in the skies, and companies are assessing the benefits of using drones to deliver goods to customers. In the United States, anyone can buy and fly their own remote piloted drone for a relatively small cost, and by 2020 the United States Federal Aviation Agency anticipates that more than 20,000 drones will be in the air in North America, not including those operated by amateurs. These drones raise many issues about privacy and safety: anyone can fly a drone in restricted airspace and although there are regulations governing drone use, they are almost impossible to police. Drones are overhead and here to stay, but who should be allowed to use them, and how?