Drone Aircraft Privacy and Transparency Act of 2013
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (2 Aug 2013): Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade.
What this bill does
H.R. 2868, the Drone Aircraft Privacy and Transparency Act of 2013, would amend the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 to add privacy safeguards as drones (unmanned aircraft systems) are integrated into U.S. airspace. It would require the Secretary of Transportation to study privacy risks posed by drones and report to specified congressional committees, and to build privacy protections into FAA's drone-integration rulemaking. Before granting an operating certificate or license, the FAA would need a "data collection statement" describing what data a drone will gather, how it will be used, stored, and destroyed, and how individuals can access or challenge their data; drones operated by law enforcement would also need a "data minimization statement." The FAA would have to publish certificates, operating details, and these statements online. Government use of drones for surveillance, law enforcement, or intelligence would generally require a warrant, with limited exceptions for emergencies.
The bill affects the FAA, other federal agencies, state and local law enforcement, private drone operators, and the public. It creates enforcement mechanisms through the Federal Trade Commission, state attorneys general, and private lawsuits, plus license revocation for violations. Model aircraft are exempted.
The bill was introduced in the House on July 30, 2013, referred to the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure and Energy and Commerce, and did not receive a vote before the 113th Congress ended, meaning it did not become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Drone Aircraft Privacy and Transparency Act of 2013 - Amends the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 to direct the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to study and identify any potential threats to privacy protections posed by the integration of unmanned aircraft (drone) systems into the national airspace system, including any potential violations of privacy principles.
Directs the Secretary to establish certain procedures to allow for civil operation in the national airspace system of small drone systems that do not meet expedited operational authorization requirements. Requires such procedures to ensure that the integration of drone systems into the national airspace system is done in compliance with privacy principles.
Prohibits the Secretary from approving, issuing, or awarding any certificate, license, or other grant of authority to operate a drone system in the national airspace system unless the application for it includes a data collection statement, meeting certain requirements, that provides reasonable assurance that the applicant will operate the drone system in accordance with privacy principles. Applies the same privacy principles requirement to any drone system to be operated by a law enforcement agency or a law enforcement agency contractor or subcontractor, except that the application for it shall include a data minimization statement, meeting certain requirements, instead of a data collection statement.
Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to make any approved certificate, license, or other grant of authority, plus other specified information, available in a searchable format on the public FAA website.
Prohibits a public agency, entity, or individual officially representing a public agency from using a drone system, or requesting information or data collected by another entity through use of a drone system, for protective activities, or for law enforcement or intelligence purposes, except pursuant to a warrant issued using the procedures described in the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure (or, in the case of a state court, issued using state warrant procedures) by a court of competent jurisdiction, or as otherwise provided in the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978. Makes an exception to this prohibition in exigent circumstances when a public agency, entity, or representative of the public agency reasonably believes: (1) there is an imminent danger of death or serious physical injury; (2) there is a high risk of a terrorist attack by a specific individual or organization, according to the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS); or (3) a search and rescue mission is appropriate.
Makes it unlawful to operate a drone system in a manner that is not in accordance with the terms of a data collection statement or in a manner violating any portion of the final rule for the procedures for civil operation of small drone systems required by this Act. Grants enforcement authority to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Authorizes a state to bring a civil action on behalf of state residents in state or U.S. district court for injunctive relief against violations of this Act or related regulations if the state attorney general has reason to believe that an interest of state residents has been or is threatened or adversely affected by a prohibited act or practice.
Creates a private right of action in state or U.S. district court for persons injured by a prohibited act.
Timeline
2 Aug 2013
Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 2868 do?
- H.R. 2868, the Drone Aircraft Privacy and Transparency Act of 2013, would amend the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 to add privacy safeguards as drones (unmanned aircraft systems) are integrated into U.S. airspace. It would require the Secretary of Transportation to study privacy risks posed by drones and report to specified congressional committees, and to build privacy protections into FAA's drone-integration rulemaking. Before granting an operating certificate or license, the FAA would need a "data collection statement" describing what data a drone will gather, how it will be used, stored, and destroyed, and how individuals can access or challenge their data; drones operated by law enforcement would also need a "data minimization statement." The FAA would have to publish certificates, operating details, and these statements online. Government use of drones for surveillance, law enforcement, or intelligence would generally require a warrant, with limited exceptions for emergencies. The bill affects the FAA, other federal agencies, state and local law enforcement, private drone operators, and the public. It creates enforcement mechanisms through the Federal Trade Commission, state attorneys general, and private lawsuits, plus license revocation for violations. Model aircraft are exempted. The bill was introduced in the House on July 30, 2013, referred to the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure and Energy and Commerce, and did not receive a vote before the 113th Congress ended, meaning it did not become law.
- Has H.R. 2868 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 2868. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 2868?
- H.R. 2868 was sponsored by Rep. Welch, Peter [D-VT-At Large] (D-VT), with 4 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 2868?
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade. (2 Aug 2013).
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