Local Authorities increasingly using drones to 'spy on residents'

A freedom of information request has revealed that an increasing number of UK councils are amassing fleets of drones (UAVs) and training staff as pilots to monitor residents. Files released by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) show that more than 60 city, borough, and district councils now have authorised drone pilots.

The actual figure is likely higher, as the data only includes pilots whose training was sponsored by their local authority. A further 12 councils have contacted the CAA to inquire about drone usage laws. 

In a statement, contributing to the article, Jake Hurfurt, Head of Research and Investigations at Big Brother Watch, said: "There may be a role for drones in helping councils monitor flooding or conduct land surveys, but local authorities must not use the technology as spies in the sky.

"Britain is already one of the most surveilled countries on earth with CCTV cameras on street corners. We do not need flying cameras, too. Councils must make sure that they do not use this technology for intrusive monitoring of their citizens. Just because it’s possible, it does not mean it’s something they should do."

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