Law Yet to Catch Up With Counter ‐​Drone Technology

Matthew FeeneyA recent joint intelligence bulletin from the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and theNational Counterterrorism Center reveals what the agencies consider to be thefirst attempt to usea drone to target domestic infrastructure. The incident, which occurred last year, involved a small drone flown toward a Pennsylvania power substation. It highlights the regulatory headaches surrounding counter ‐​drone measures.According to reporting fromWiredmagazine, the attempted attack featured a DJI Mavic 2 carrying two pieces of nylon rope attached to a copper wire. The drone had been stripped of any identifying markings as well as its memory card and onboard camera. The lack of camera may have been a significant contributing factor to the attack ’s failure, as it seems that the pilot of the drone was flying it absent the aid of camera footage.News of the bulletin comesamid reports that prospective assassins used three drones to try to kill Iraq ’s prime minister, an attack reminiscent ofa similar attempted attack against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.Concerns over drone threats to public safety and infrastructure are not new. In 2016,Brookings Institution scholars outlined a number of methods to disable drones that pose threats to airports, power stations, and other sensitive locations.While undoubtedly capable of stopping drones, a number of these methods face regulatory and ...
Source: Cato-at-liberty - Category: American Health Authors: Source Type: blogs