Drone alert: Feeling spied upon?

A MEASURE to be introduced in City Council today could place tighter restrictions on local use of unmanned aircraft, also known as drones.

Not to be confused with the large, weaponized, military-type drones, these smaller, consumer-grade aerial devices are a potential problem for people's privacy, according to Councilman Jim Kenney, the bill's sponsor.

"We've seen international soccer games stopped because of a drone. We've heard of people using them to spy on people in their homes . . . These things are becoming more and more available to the average hobbyist," Kenney said.

Language in the ordinance would amend the Philadelphia Code by adding a chapter regulating "unmanned aircraft systems" and imposing penalties for improper use.

The measure would put both the people and the police in check. It would require law enforcement to obtain warrants before utilizing this type of surveillance equipment, for example, for a criminal investigation.

With some exceptions, it would prohibit use of the drones by any person or city agency to conduct surveillance on any person or dwelling without consent; or to operate the drone above or in proximity to a gathering of people in a public or private place.

"As technology moves forward, things are created and invented that push the envelope when it comes to issues relative to large crowds, sporting events," Kenney said. "People are doing things with technology that need to be addressed in an ordinance form so that the police and other authorities in the city have the ability to regulate this activity."

Penalties for violations of the bill, if it becomes law, would be a $1,000 fine or up to 30 days in prison.