The Aerospace States Association

Media

May 3, 2013

State Governments Partner to Address UAS Privacy Issues

Today, the Aerospace States Association (ASA) in partnership with the Council of State Governments (CSG), and the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) announced an initiative to begin an important and timely dialogue on privacy issues related to incorporating Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) into the national airspace.

Alaska Lt. Governor Mead Treadwell, Chairman of ASA said: “I believe we all view privacy as a serious issue that our constituents are concerned about, yet we also see the long-term benefits in the use of unmanned aircraft for carrying out missions that are otherwise dirty, dull or dangerous. Commercial use could also create high paying jobs and environmental benefits that could transform our economy”.

Many states have begun drafting legislation to address the privacy concerns related to UAS. ASA, CSG, and NCSL want to give thorough, thoughtful consideration to all sides of the issues in order to develop suggested legislation for consideration by the states.

UAS privacy stakeholders including the following associations along with academics specializing in privacy matters have been asked to submit their suggestions for state privacy legislation to an independent law firm, Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP, by June 1 for consideration by leaders of state government associations.

Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI),
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU),
Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC),
Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF),
Airborne Law Enforcement Association (ALEA),
National Sheriff’s Association (NSA),
International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), and
Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA).

Stakeholders have been asked to address civil, commercial, and personal use of UAS and submit their views on the “assumption of privacy” in UAS use.

A stakeholder roundtable will he held in Washington, D.C. on August 14, 2013 to discuss the draft suggestions for state privacy legislation developed from this process before it is finalized.

About ASA. ASA is a bi-partisan organization representing the grass roots of American aerospace and aviation. It is a 501(c)(3) scientific and educational organization of Lieutenant Governors, Governor-appointed delegates and associate members from the aerospace industry, academia, and non-profit organizations. ASA was formed in 1993 to promote a state-based perspective in federal aerospace policy development and to support state aerospace initiatives that enhance economic development opportunities and student/teacher education outreach including the Real World Design Challenge. ASA maintains direct ties to the executive branches of state governments throughout the nation. Learn more about ASA at http://www.aerostates.org/

Click here to download a PDF of this May 3, 2013 media release

Get Adobe Reader Button
Click here to download the latest version of Adobe Reader

The Aerospace States Association