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US Senator Warns Against Political Surveillance By Drone

Posted by Soulskill on from the eyes-in-the-skies dept.

cold fjord writes "Politico reports, 'Sen. Dianne Feinstein says she once found a drone peeking into the window of her home — the kind of cautionary tale she wants lawmakers to consider as they look at allowing commercial drone use. ... she used the episode to implore lawmakers to "proceed with caution." Feinstein said she encountered the flying robot while a demonstration was taking place outside her house. She said she went to the window to peek out — and "there was a drone right there at the window looking out at me." ... "Obviously the pilot of the drone had some surprise because the drone wheeled around and crashed ..." she said. ... Feinstein, who chairs the Senate Intelligence Committee, said Wednesday that she has seen firsthand the surveillance capabilities of drones and called civilian privacy concerns "significant." She ... recommended a search warrant requirement. Feinstein said she is working on legislation with the Commerce Committee and urged senators to move swiftly to create "strong, binding enforceable privacy policies that govern drone operations before the technology is upon us."'"

9 of 150 comments (clear)

  1. Isn't that cute by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    She doesn't like it when it happens to her.

    1. Re:Isn't that cute by erikkemperman · · Score: 5, Insightful

      So Feinstein

      urged senators to move swiftly to create "strong, binding enforceable privacy policies that govern drone operations before the technology is upon us.

      This is such undiluted hypocrisy, given her reaction to the Snowden saga. It would be funny, if it was not so very sad.

      --
      Gosh, thanks. That must be why the other ships call me Meatfucker -- GCU Grey Area (Eccentric)
    2. Re:Isn't that cute by operagost · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Just like her stance on gun control-- fine as long as she gets an exception.

      She's the master of special pleading.

      --

      Gamingmuseum.com: Give your 3D accelerator a rest.
    3. Re:Isn't that cute by Vitriol+Angst · · Score: 5, Insightful

      For politicos like Feinstein, their Party or their alleged philosophical beliefs are as illuminating to their decision process as the logos on a NASCAR jacket. She says whatever sounds the most reasonable and responsible and occasionally stamps her feet and waves her arms and does the least to trouble the status quo as possible.

      Meanwhile she makes money investing in military related stocks, and builds a portfolio based on insider knowledge (as is legal for all Senators) and retires much wealthier than when she entered office. Rinse and repeat with the next political opportunist.

      --
      >>"ad space available -- low rates!!!"
    4. Re:Isn't that cute by DigiShaman · · Score: 5, Interesting

      You forgot to mention her stance that only the government can define who a journalist is. So in her worldview, citizen journalism and blogging is not covered under the first amendment of freedom of the press. Ya, she's a real fascist piece of work! The more you research who this women is, the more worried you should be.

      http://watchdog.org/100682/feinstein-wants-to-limit-who-can-be-a-journalist/

      --
      Life is not for the lazy.
  2. Probably just a peeping tom by TWiTfan · · Score: 5, Funny

    She is pretty sexy, after all.

    --
    The cow says "Moo." The dog says "Woof." The Timothy says "Thanks, valued customer. We appreciate your input."
  3. Two sets of laws by Dunbal · · Score: 5, Insightful

    But Ms Feinstein, surely if you have nothing to hide then you have nothing to fear?

    --
    Seven puppies were harmed during the making of this post.
  4. Here It Comes Again by some+old+guy · · Score: 5, Insightful

    1. Federal licensing and "oversight" for businesses = tax$

    2. Exemptions for "national security" = hello FBI/TSA/NSA/DEA

    3. Strong, enforceable privacy policy = Private use prohibited.

    Watch for it.

    --
    Scruting the inscrutable for over 50 years.
  5. She wasn't surveilled.... by malakai · · Score: 5, Informative

    ... I don't see this covered in any of the mainstream media reports, but the 'drone' involved was a pink 'barbie' knockoff with no video capability. It's a $25 dollar think-geek type mini gyro. I'm amazed it made it to the 2nd floor window of a home outside. No wonder it crashed, those things have the stability of a paper airplane thrown into a fan.

    Example of it:
    http://www.amazon.com/33013-Concept-Alloy-Helicopter-Light/dp/B009VCHVJQ/ref=sr_1_3?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1389974986&sr=1-3&keywords=pink+gyro

    "Obviously the pilot of the drone had some surprise..."

    Obviously the pilot couldn't see you because there's no cameras on it, so I doubt she was surprised you looked out the window....

    ...because the drone wheeled around and crashed ..."

    They do that a lot.

    The irony here is Feinstein over dramatization of this event given what she authorizes on the SIC. Using this incident to call for stricter drone laws is like being hit by a paper airplane and calling for the FAA to investigate.

    --
    -Malakai
    A Dragon Lives in my Garage