Drone Aircraft Privacy and Transparency Act of 2017
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (17 Mar 2017): Referred to the Subcommittee on Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection.
What this bill does
H.R. 1526, the Drone Aircraft Privacy and Transparency Act of 2017, would amend the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 to add privacy and transparency requirements as drones (unmanned aircraft systems) are integrated into U.S. airspace. It would direct the Secretary of Transportation to ensure drone integration follows established privacy principles, require applicants for drone operating authority to submit "data collection statements" describing what information will be gathered and how it will be used, retained, and destroyed, and require law enforcement users to submit additional "data minimization" plans. The FAA would have to publicly post details about authorized drone operators, owners, and equipment capabilities. Government use of drones for surveillance or law enforcement would generally require a warrant, with narrow exceptions for emergencies.
The bill would affect government agencies, commercial operators, and law enforcement entities seeking to fly drones, as well as members of the public whose privacy could be affected by drone surveillance. It exempts drones used for constitutionally protected news-gathering. Violations could be enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, state attorneys general, or through private lawsuits, including damages provisions.
The bill was introduced in the House on March 13, 2017, and referred to the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure and Energy and Commerce. It did not receive a vote and 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 2017
This bill amends the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 to direct the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish procedures to ensure that the integration of unmanned aircraft (drone) systems into the national airspace system is done in compliance with privacy principles. Such procedures shall not apply to a drone system operated for news-gathering activities protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution.
DOT may not approve, issue, or award any certificate, license, or other grant of authority to operate a drone system in the national airspace system unless the pertinent application includes a data collection statement that provides reasonable assurance that the applicant will operate the drone in accordance with privacy principles. The same requirement shall apply to any drone system to be operated by a law enforcement agency, except that the application shall include a data minimization statement, instead of a data collection statement, that provides the same assurance.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) shall make any approved grant of authority, each such statement, and information about the drone's owner, operator, and technical capability available in a searchable format on the public FAA website.
A governmental entity may not use a drone system, or request information collected by another entity through a drone system, for protective activities or for law enforcement or intelligence purposes except pursuant to a warrant or as permitted under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978, except when: (1) a law enforcement entity reasonably believes there is an imminent danger of death or serious physical injury, or (2) the Department of Homeland Security determines that credible intelligence indicates there is a high risk of an imminent terrorist attack by a specific individual or organization.
It shall be unlawful to operate a drone system in a manner that is not in accordance with the terms of a data collection statement or that violates the rule implementing the procedures required by this bill. Any such violation shall be treated as an unfair or deceptive act or practice under the Federal Trade Commission Act. This bill provides for enforcement by the Federal Trade Commission, by a civil action brought by a state, or by a private action.
The FAA shall revoke the certificate, license, or other grant of authority of a drone system operated in a violation of this bill.
Timeline
17 Mar 2017
Referred to the Subcommittee on Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 1526 do?
- H.R. 1526, the Drone Aircraft Privacy and Transparency Act of 2017, would amend the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 to add privacy and transparency requirements as drones (unmanned aircraft systems) are integrated into U.S. airspace. It would direct the Secretary of Transportation to ensure drone integration follows established privacy principles, require applicants for drone operating authority to submit "data collection statements" describing what information will be gathered and how it will be used, retained, and destroyed, and require law enforcement users to submit additional "data minimization" plans. The FAA would have to publicly post details about authorized drone operators, owners, and equipment capabilities. Government use of drones for surveillance or law enforcement would generally require a warrant, with narrow exceptions for emergencies. The bill would affect government agencies, commercial operators, and law enforcement entities seeking to fly drones, as well as members of the public whose privacy could be affected by drone surveillance. It exempts drones used for constitutionally protected news-gathering. Violations could be enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, state attorneys general, or through private lawsuits, including damages provisions. The bill was introduced in the House on March 13, 2017, and referred to the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure and Energy and Commerce. It did not receive a vote and did not become law.
- Has H.R. 1526 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 1526. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 1526?
- H.R. 1526 was sponsored by Rep. Welch, Peter [D-VT-At Large] (D-VT), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 1526?
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection. (17 Mar 2017).
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