You know the military is really keen on drones. It offers them unique possibilities to track (and kill) enemy combatants without putting any troops at risk. Of course, it also provide the opportunity to err and kill civilians. Or, to kill civilians who may be contiguous to the enemy the military wishes to eradicate.
I am not going to debate the finer points of this argument. I have had mixed emotions about this technique and technology since it was first used by Israel to track and kill enemy combatants. While these enemy combatants (terrorists?) were preparing their mortars and missiles to attack civilians.
But, we now have a new issue. State and local (and probably federal) authorities plan to deploy these unmanned aerial systems (UAS) across the US. To spy on US citizens- and perhaps a few illegal aliens while they are at it. So much for privacy and civil rights. (NASA and Boeing are developing a blended wing aircraft that will be unmanned and used for military freight needs. That is NOT a drone in the sense discussed here.)
As if that is not enough of a problem, our government is going to allow these drones to operate with little oversight. Oh, wait, the FAA (Federal Aviation Agency) is planning to develop safety standards for these drones and insure that they don’t interfere with normal aviation traffic. Right now, there are about 200 Certificates of Authorization for UAS (unmanned aerial systems) issued to more than 100 domestic entities (law enforcement, academia, and others)- and there will be a national deployment scheme for non-governmental drones by FY 2015.
I, for one, want our government to pass laws to protect us against this intrusion. Not only will police have the ability to spy on citizens (remember- even if they do obtain a warrant, these devices see LOTS of things- most of which will NOT be covered by any such warrant), but FAA is expecting private entities to run these devices, too. Really? Where’s our protection and privacy? (Please close your blinds- you might be arrested for acting in a pornographic movie…)
Moreover, there will be no security oversight. The Department of Homeland Security does not consider this to be part of its purview. Even though the General Accounting Office stated it should be. You see, the FAA is only concerned with aviation safety- not civilian safety, not civilian privacy, nor the security of the US homeland.
And, we have yet another situation with our government “protecting” us. Because they do not employ the imagination and creativity necessary to consider scenarios where the US citizenry is potentially at risk. Instead, they provide knee-jerk reactions to things the perpetrators have already tried- and failed to achieve. Like the shoe bomber- so we now must take our shoes off before boarding a plane. Or the liquid bombs, so that we are limited to 3 ounces of liquids. And, we can only have plastic utensils that don’t cut or handle our food, because metal utensils can be used as weapons. All after the fact responses. (What ever happened to considering “what if” scenarios?)
And, there are other problems. The military has its own GPS systems. One with codes and information they don’t share. (If you’ve never seen Deterrence, starring Kevin Pollack, you should. I don’t want to ruin the movie, but it makes this point very clear.) Civilian GPS, besides being less accurate, is less secure. So, that someone can hijack the codes and present information to a drone (or a car!) that is inaccurate, forcing the drone to land, change targets, or shoot at a target that is incorrect, since it thinks it is aiming correctly. This isn’t science fiction. It’s been done already by Dr. Todd Humphreys (U Texas, Austin).
And, terrorist are already trying to destroy America with drones. Just last week, Rezwan Fedaus, pled guilty to trying to destroy the US Capitol building with a drone. (He was convinced by various websites to start a jihad against the US; he is NOT an alien, but a US citizen- just like Timothy McVeigh.) And, Iran has already captured an American drone to learn how to copy it, Hezbollah and Al Qaeda are desperately seeking them for their arsenals.
Tick Tock. I don’t want us to wait until the clock strikes 12.
This is scary. It actualizes and symbolizes some not very good things about what is going on these days in the name of security. It kind of makes conspiracy theory folks who once sounded crazy seem less so. Fear does crazy things to people…
Thank you for the post, if you need me I’ll be covering my sky lights with black paint. 😉
Lisa Brandel recently posted..Heart A Glow by Lisa Brandel
I’m with you, Lisa. All my ex-friends with their conspiracy theories (I couldn’t stand hearing them incessantly) are going to be banging on my door with their “I told you so’s:!
Once again you’ve shared a disturbing erosion of our freedom and privacy in the name of “security” – thanks for the clarion call!
Tor Constantino recently posted..The Crippling Power of Pride
Yes, I doubt you or I want to know that our skylights are providing full views of our actions (with our spouses) for the entertainment of some spy drone, Tor.
Just what we need, more stuff spying on us. Just because we are paranoid, etc. You have already freaked me out about my computer and smart phone. Now I am going to be even less secure feeling when I go out. I could get shot by mistake by a drone. Thanks, Roy for another wake up call. But now what do we do?
Ann Mullen recently posted..Help for Seniors:10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s
We need to impress upon our legislators that this practice needs regulation. And, security. And, if a warrant WERE to be issued to spy on someone, the cameras and detection equipment need to be turned on only where the warrant specifies- not over an entire neighborhood, Ann.
This is beyond terrifying. It’s amazing that this procedure is allowed. It sure makes our government seem a bit paranoid. This seems to be a security system on steroids. It will be interesting to see what happens and whether the public will fight it enough to keep it from being implemented.
Lisa Kanarek recently posted..How Much Room Do You Need for a Home Office?
We need to have our Congressfolks and Senators write some regulations to protect us from overzealous police- and the private companies that are sure to follow, Lisa.
I’m still amazed at google earth (and the rotary phone)…. Aren’t we already beyond having privacy? Banks don’t want to send you statements, businesses encourage you to order on-line without the benefit of any human guidance, my daughter takes some high school classes on-line with practically a virtual teacher…. Automation just seems to be taking over everywhere…
Carolina HeartStrings recently posted..GRANOLA BARS
Automation is one thing, Alessa. Violating our rights is a whole ‘nother matter- and that is the real issue here.
Roy
I remember reading a story several years ago where law enforcement agency were barred from using equipment that would allow them to view through outside walls of houses to determine whether crimes were being committed inside. That was viewed as a violation of our Constitutional rights at the time; primarily due to privacy restrictions over what happens in your own home..
Is this now being viewed as “OK”, since it’s seeing what’s happening in your yard or neighborhood, but not within the “walls” of your residence? We’ve got way too many pieces of legislation being passed that don’t much the test of Constitutionality. Congress shouldn’t have to resort to trickery in order to pass laws that are not supported by a majority of the people.
Peggy recently posted..Are You Up To the Challenge?
Peggy…
You are right- I had forgotten about that case….And, I appreciate you reminding me of this antecedent.
I love your last sentence— a lot!
Roy
It’s quite amazing how far they are able to take this stuff and get away with it. What happened to detective work and being able to track criminals and terrorists the good old fashioned way? The government has gone way too far in the name of security. I’ve given up flying because I don’t support the TSA measures. If we could get a lot of people to have a no fly day in protest, maybe they would get the hint.
They don’t use these measures on trains or in the ports, so why only at the airport? We’re in far more danger of something treacherous coming in through our under protected ports.
Thank you for this thoughtful post Roy, even though it’s something I wish we didn’t have to think about.
Julia Neiman recently posted..What Can Your Teen Do to Earn A Million Dollars?
Julia:
Not only the police- but the government is planning to let private industry use these devices! And, to what end, other than to invade our privacy?
Thanks for reading and commenting upon the post, Julia!