This weekend, the White House issued a Presidential Memorandum on privacy which accompanied a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) small drone rule released shortly after. The FAA small drone rule proposes to allow widespread commercial use for the first time, but with restrictions that would block companies like Amazon and Google from deploying huge fleets for package delivery. The proposed rule would prohibit automated flights, and require drone operators to remain within sight of the aircraft at all times, bar nighttime flights, and flights above 500 feet. They would also require drone operators to pass a written test on aviation rules. The rules apply to drones weighing less than 55 lbs.
The proposed rule includes requirements on oversight and transparency, as well as periodic review of those policies, and directs the Commerce Department and National Telecommunications and Information Administration to create a "a framework for privacy, accountability, and transparency issues concerning the commercial and private use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)" within 90 days. Additional information on the FAA’s Small Drone Rule can be accessed here. The White House memo can be accessed here.