As the use of drones rises in the community, recent encounters with the unmanned aerial vehicles in Douglas have left some people wondering who they can turn to seek advice if they think their privacy has been breached. 

A social media user started off what resulted in an interesting discussion about policies, rules and regulations that do or don’t exist relating the use of drones, particularly over people’s backyards.

“There’s a drone that keeps flying and hovering around our property, it did it yesterday afternoon and also a few minutes ago,” the post lamented.

“We have no bodies buried in the backyard but I like to dance naked in the back garden, you’ve been warned,” the writer went on to say.

But while some of the comments were perhaps tongue-in-cheek, there have been more serious concerns that drone operators, most likely taking video footage or still pictures, might be “misusing” their devices to breach people’s private spaces – or simply flying them over yards without permission from the owners or residents.

There is no knowing where the video or photographs from unidentified drones might be used for, or where it might end up.

“We had one hovering over our back yard a few weeks ago at nighttime as we sat out the back on a weekend. Port Pacific Craiglie. It flies around a bit which isn’t a problem but not happy about being hovered over in our own back yard either,” another concerned resident stated.

Drone laws – or the lack thereof 

Newsport checked out the site of one of the state’s leading commercial and industrial drone operators for some tips and advice.

According to the Queensland Drones website, it’s difficult for anyone to rest assured that there are adequate laws and/or regulations to cover the misuse of drones, especially when it comes to privacy.

“Quick Summary: There are essentially no privacy rules applying to drone use in Australia at this time,” Queensland Drones says.

“If you believe you are being ‘stalked’ or someone is using a drone to plan a crime, call the Police on 131444. If you believe a drone is being used illegally, report it to CASA.”

CASA

CASA (the Civil Aviation Safety Authority) does have a complaints portal, here: https://www.casa.gov.au/about-us/contact-us/drone-complaints .

But Queensland Drones says complainants do have to do a fair amount of research and evidence gathering.

“CASA has little power to act on alleged breaches of privacy or even allegations of trespass, unless the drone actually injures someone or causes property damage,” it says.

“However if you feel that a drone operator is invading your privacy or trespassing on your property, you can collect evidence (it would need to identify the operator and what they were doing) and provide it to CASA for investigation.”

Police

The Queensland Police Service is also limited in its powers when it comes to drones and their operation, Queensland Drones points out.

“Anecdotal experience indicates that police often feel they have little ability or scope to take action against allegations of breach of privacy by drone operators unless these actions clearly break other laws (e.g. harassment or trespass). 

“In most cases it is also very difficult to clearly identify the offender as they can often be a long way from the drone.”