TRI In The News
Rutherford Institute Urges Lawmakers to Regulate Drones
From NBC29
Original article available here
The Rutherford Institute in Charlottesville is cracking down on what some argue could become a Big Brother nightmare. The institute is calling on lawmakers to protect people against the power of drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles.
Rutherford President John Whitehead has sent a letter to both Charlottesville City Council and the Albemarle Board of Supervisors calling on them to urge the General Assembly to create clear limits on how law enforcement can use drones.
Rutherford argues drones do have legitimate uses, such as spotting wildfires or carrying out search and rescue missions, but also have the capability to become invasive. The institute says drone manufacturers have confirmed they can be equipped with automatic weapons, tear gas, and tasers. Some drones can even see through walls.
Whitehead is also concerned about smaller drones that mimic birds and insects and are almost undetectable.
"And what we're saying is, it's time for us to demand that Congress and the General Assembly pass some really strong language. My language is that they shouldn't be able to use any of it against you in court because if they can see you having sex with your wife, using the bathroom, or whatever you do in your home, let's say you're smoking a cigarette and it looks like a joint, should that drone be able to smash your door down?," said Whitehead.
According to the Rutherford Institute's fact sheet on this issue, there are at least 63 active drone sites around the United States. The Obama administration is calling for drone technology to become integrated into the National Airspace by 2015.
The issue is expected to come up under "other business" at Tuesday's city council meeting.
