The rise and regulation of drones: Are we embracing minority report or WALL-E?

Abstract

The popularity of drones has increased exponentially over the last few years. The advance of technology has not only led to drones being used by a greater number of people, but also allowed for the technological capacity of drones to increase at a great pace. How drone technology can be used, and by whom, has in turn led to regulatory concerns. Is the current legal framework equipped for such technology and is it adapting with necessary changes at sufficient speed? The ways in which drones can, and have already, been used and misused have highlighted the need for certain regulatory development. This chapter will deal with legal issues connected to drones from a European perspective. It focuses on laws that are affected by the use of drones, specifically within the areas of surveillance, privacy and aviation. The underlying theme of the chapter is whether the developing legal framework manages to deal with the challenges surrounding the rapid rise in drone usage. The future of drones and the potential consequences of the legal framework being adopted will also be addressed.