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| US regulators are seeking to require privately operated drones to have remote identification, a kind of electronic license plate, to open up more commercial opportunities and help law enforcement track illegal activities (AFP Photo/HO) |
Washington (AFP) - US regulators on Thursday unveiled a proposal to require privately operated drones to use remote identification -- a kind of electronic license plate -- as part of efforts to ensure airspace safety.
The Federal
Aviation Administration proposal for remote ID is now subject to a 60-day
comment period before a final rule is adopted.
Officials
said the new rule would help identify potential threats, and presumably enable
security officials to act against them.
"Remote
ID technologies will enhance safety and security by allowing the FAA, law
enforcement, and federal security agencies to identify drones flying in their
jurisdiction," said US Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, whose agency
includes the FAA.
According
to the text of the rule, the requirement would enable officials to remotely
identify any drone in real time and "assist federal security partners in
threat discrimination -- allowing them to identify an operator and make an
informed decision regarding the need to take actions to mitigate a perceived
security or safety risk."
The text
noted that the FAA wanted to be able to act against activities such as
smuggling of illegal drugs or hazardous substances, unlawful invasion of
privacy or illegal surveillance.
According
to the agency, drones are a fast-growing segment of the transportation sector,
with nearly 1.5 million drones and 160,000 remote pilots registered with the
agency. The requirement covers all private drones weighing at least 250 grams
(0.55 pounds).
The move
comes amid efforts by both large tech firms such as Google parent Alphabet and
Amazon as well as startups to use drones for delivery of food, medical supplies
and other items.
DJI, the
Chinese firm which is a large manufacturer of drones, welcomed the action,
saying it could enable drones to be used for complex operations, but added that
it would review the details.
"DJI
has long advocated for a remote identification system that would provide
safety, security and accountability for authorities," said DJI vice
president Brendan Schulman.
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