Senate Passes Bill That Lets the Government Destroy Private Drones (engadget.com)

On Thursday, the Senate passed the FAA Reauthorization Act, which, among other things, renews funding for the Federal Aviation Administration and introduces new rules for airports and aircraft. But the bill, which now just needs to be signed by the president, also addresses drones. From a report: And while parts of the bill extend some aspects of drone use -- such as promoting drone package delivery and drone testing -- it also gives the federal government power to take down a private drone if it's seen as a "credible threat." The wording comes from another bill, the Preventing Emerging Threats Act of 2018, which was strongly supported by the Department of Homeland Security and absorbed into the FAA Reauthorization Act. In June, as part of its argument as to why it needed more leeway when it comes to drones, the agency said that terrorist groups overseas "use commercially available [unmanned aircraft systems] to drop explosive payloads, deliver harmful substances and conduct illicit surveillance," and added that the devices are also used to transport drugs, interfere with law enforcement and expolit unsecured networks. Video -- What Happens When a Drone Hits an Airplane Wing?

Comments

We need more drones taken down

[OrangeTide]

I'd like to see more drones taken down. I'd also like a new federal program for private citizens to apply for a drone hunting permit.

Re: "credible"

[lgw]

It's modded up because that moron is trying to make a story about drones into some statement about women falsely accusing men of stuff. You should be modded down because your post about "accusations without trial" or "burden of proof" has zero to do with the government shooting down drones.

Welcome to Slashdot! Go ahead and make an account, it doesn't cost anything. I hope you find your time here enjoyable. Don't worry, you'll get the hang of "not reading TFA" and "every thread has its own topic" and "the mods are on crack, and not the good crack either".