UN Proposes Global Drone Registry For Tracking UAVs Around The World
The UN's Civil Aviation Organization has proposed a global drone registry that would have drones from all over the world registered in a single database. This would represent a massive increase over the thus far limited registries that exist in some individual countries, though each country would have to make the decision over whether it is interested in participating in this global database. Such a plan could pave the way for more uniform regulations surrounding drone usage.
The UN's aviation agency proposed this global drone registry during a symposium in Montreal recently, according to Reuters. The database would be readily accessible to officials in participating countries in real time, and would result in a single place for authorities to figure out which drone belongs to which person, assuming it was properly registered and the need arises.
The finer details about this proposal, such as who would have control over the global database, wasn't specified and likely isn't solidified. It is suggested the Civil Aviation Organization itself could take on the role of operator. Should such a database be launched, it could result in global standards that make it easier for drone makers to meet requirements in different countries.
No doubt even the suggestion of a single global database will get heavily criticized by many drone users and non-drone users alike. Many are resistant to the idea of a global anything for various reasons, and private drone operators in particular have largely expressed annoyance at having to register their hobby drones with a government authority.
The FAA has dealt with its own push from hobbyists over this matter, ultimately rolling back some of its new drone rules earlier this year following legal issues. It remains a troublesome topic, one where hobbyists want the freedom to play with their drones without undue burden or cost while law enforcement, on the other side of the spectrum, wants a way to track down users who violate UAV rules.
SOURCE: Reuters