Drone Aircraft Privacy and Transparency Act of 2013
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (4 Nov 2013): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
What this bill does
This bill, the Drone Aircraft Privacy and Transparency Act of 2013, aims to establish guidelines and limitations for the operation of drones within U.S. airspace. It would require the Secretary of Transportation to study potential privacy threats posed by drones and to create procedures for their safe integration.
The bill would impact drone operators by requiring them to submit data collection or data minimization statements before receiving approval to fly. These statements would detail how data is collected and used. Additionally, governmental entities would generally need a warrant for using drones for law enforcement or intelligence purposes, with specific exceptions for imminent danger or high-risk terrorist attacks.
Introduced in the Senate, the bill has been referred to a committee. If passed by Congress and signed by the President, it would amend existing law regarding drone operations. Enforcement would be shared between the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general, and individuals harmed by violations could bring civil lawsuits. The bill exempts hobbyist model aircraft.
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 governmental entity 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 permitted under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978. Makes an exception to this prohibition in exigent circumstances when a law enforcement entity reasonably believes there is: (1) an imminent danger of death or serious physical injury; or (2) a high risk of a terrorist attack by a specific individual or organization, according to the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS).
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
4 Nov 2013
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Common questions
- What does S. 1639 do?
- This bill, the Drone Aircraft Privacy and Transparency Act of 2013, aims to establish guidelines and limitations for the operation of drones within U.S. airspace. It would require the Secretary of Transportation to study potential privacy threats posed by drones and to create procedures for their safe integration. The bill would impact drone operators by requiring them to submit data collection or data minimization statements before receiving approval to fly. These statements would detail how data is collected and used. Additionally, governmental entities would generally need a warrant for using drones for law enforcement or intelligence purposes, with specific exceptions for imminent danger or high-risk terrorist attacks. Introduced in the Senate, the bill has been referred to a committee. If passed by Congress and signed by the President, it would amend existing law regarding drone operations. Enforcement would be shared between the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general, and individuals harmed by violations could bring civil lawsuits. The bill exempts hobbyist model aircraft.
- Has S. 1639 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 1639. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 1639?
- S. 1639 was sponsored by Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA] (D-MA), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 1639?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (4 Nov 2013).
Related bills in Transportation and Public Works
SUN Act
Rural Disaster Fairness Act of 2026
Modern Skies Act
Aviation Medication Transparency Act of 2026
More bills from Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]
Facial Recognition and Biometric Technology Moratorium Act of 2026
Cybersecurity and AI Board of Investigations Act of 2026
Workforce Opportunities for Communities in Recovery Act
Civilian Climate Corps for Jobs and Justice Act
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.