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Chuck Schumer Takes On The FAA Over Drone Rules

Nick Givas Media And Politics Reporter
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New York Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer is pushing back on the Federal Aviation Administration’s draft rules that would force private companies who use drones to constantly keep them in sight, The Hill reports.

Schumer said in a statement that the restrictions “could significantly hinder” commercial use of drones.

These regulations would affect industries such as “agriculture, mining, construction, land surveying, mapping, and infrastructure monitoring,” he said.

Schumer also echoed privacy concerns that have already been shared by many citizens and politicians.

“These guidelines should include stringent measures to prevent the use of [unmanned aerial systems] to spy on unaware parties, as well as other strong privacy protections.”

Schumer added that the FAA should mandate GPS tracking systems in all drones that would allow them to control where the machines can fly. This would create a system of no-fly zones and areas that would be restricted to commercial drones.