Re: ISIS uses a Phantom...what does that mean/imply/forebode
<sarcasm>
First, I'd like to start by saying that ISIS had better watch out. The photo in the linked article looks like they're flying over 400 feet high. And I'd assume that their use of the drone would be deemed to be 'commercial' - so the crackpot FAA will likely be on their tails soon, sending threatening cease and desist letters...
</sarcasm>
But seriously speaking, I'm sure that we can all count on governments everywhere using the "doom and gloom, we all need to be scared" mantra to force manufacturers to place even more restrictions in future drone models.
I can see governments insisting that some sort of "kill switch" be placed in each drone which would allow them to send out a signal to deactivate them immediately.
I can also see governments insisting upon having some sort of more fine-grained control over the ability to create no-fly areas... perhaps publishing their own list and requiring that all models sold in the US be sold with the latest list installed.
I can also see a requirement for some sort of unique transponder to be embedded in each drone that's sold, along with some sort of mandatory registration system like some people have been pushing for firearms for quite some time - the argument being that if a drone is used in some sort of attack it can at least be traced back to its original purchaser.
All of the above would have its good and bad points. Initially I think I'd be opposed to all of them, and look to purchase drones from elsewhere if any of the "features" were pushed on me (or maybe try my hand at building my own if there was no other choice).
I might in a minority here (I probably am) - but I believe that people should be free to fly these drones anywhere (national parks, state parks, above neighborhoods - essentially anywhere that a private property owner hasn't expressly forbid) as long as they're being operated in a safe manner. Regulation and enforcement should be squarely focused solely upon individuals who operate them irresponsibly, while leaving the rest of us completely alone. There are already mechanisms in place to handle compensation for any damage that is incurred as a result of operator error; those have been sufficient for decades and should continue to be so.