FromAGBeat (via Hacker News)
New Hampshire bill proposes aerial photography ban
Neal Kurk (R), member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives since 1986 has recently sponsored HB 619-FN to make aerial photography illegal in their state, which many are considering a look into the future. States are currently struggling with how to deal with advances in drone technology, particularly mini-drones, fueled by fears not only that the federal government is using drones on U.S. soil, but are using them abroad not only to take out terrorists, but suspected terrorists, even if American.
Much media attention has been showered on the topic, bringing light to the full array of uses, not just the CIA’s implementation of the technologies. According to Fox News, the Federal Aviation Administration has already granted 327 licenses, and it projects as many as 10,000 licensed systems by 2017.
New Hampshire’s proposed aerial photography ban states the following:
"A person is guilty of a class A misdemeanor if such person knowingly creates or assists in creating an image of the exterior of any residential dwelling in this state where such image is created by or with the assistance of a satellite, drone, or any device that is not supported by the ground. This prohibition shall not apply where the image does not reveal forms identifiable as human beings or man-made objects. In this paragraph, “dwelling” means any building, structure, or portion thereof which is occupied as, or designed or intended for occupancy as, a residence by one or more individuals."Potential problems with this bill
Although the bill seeks to protect residents from being spied on or documented, it very clearly excludes government officials who may use drones for official business. Most protests against drones are not against hobbyists, Google Maps satellites, or aerial photographers, rather against the government’s use of the devices.
The aerial photography ban is unclear as to the very specific non-threatening uses of aerial devices such as aerial real estate photography for listings, or if a homeowner is photographing their own home, and while it states that “This prohibition shall not apply where the image does not reveal forms identifiable as human beings or man-made objects,” possibly implying that if no human is in any photo or video taken, it is acceptable.
Additionally, it is unclear the implications of this bill on existing Google maps or existing images that have been taken via aerial device, and videography does not seem to be clearly addressed in the bill.
Fines for violations of a bill that could spread to other states
Rep. Kurk proposes a fine for violating the aerial photography ban, costing $62.71 per case in fiscal year 2014, rising to $64.40 per case thereafter, with an estimated $10,000 burden on taxpayers should someone appeal, and of course the $35,000 per year prison cost per person that fails to pay and is arrested.
Real estate photographer Larry Lohrman said, “Based on the public discussion that I’ve seen on this subject, I’m going to go out on a limb and make a wild guess and predict that this is not going to be an isolated incident. My guess is that other states will be doing this too. Particularly since so many cities are resisting use of UAVs by law enforcement.”
The full bill is here.
Comments
A ban won't work against the people who actually intend harm. Someone should run a kickstarter for an open source version of Roman Abramovich's anti-camera lasers.
My god, if N-H think about that I really fear what will happen in Canada.
It would be great if Google did something like... for a day, or a week, block access to GE, etc. for NH IP's. Let people realize what they'd be giving up. See how much complaining there is. Make people ask themselves "Is this really what we want?"
but Google will be able to still use street view because those pictures were taken for a camera on a pole not from the air
loopholes got to love them LOL....
Outrageous.
If this bill passes Google will have to block access to GE and satalite view in maps for ip addresses in New Hampshire. A small price to pay for privacy.
Democracy: You can have anything you want as long as you can get enough votes. Welcome to USA 2013.
This country used to be so enterprising and not afraid to innovate, now, unless you have a multi-million dollar lobbyist on your side, you can forget it.
Looks all cellphones and cameras will have to be in checked baggage for all flights over or though NH ooops you can't do that TSA will steal them.......
There must be something in the water because it seem like all the politician are going insane
So if you throw your camera in the air with a timer running, that's a misdemeanor.
But climbing and hiding in a tree with a telephoto lens, no problem.
Obviosly this bill would be very difficult to enforce since almost everyone caries a cell phone with a camera in thier pocket. In order to protect our privacy and especially our US pattened freedom and liberty, I propose that windows be banned on all aircraft except for a small peep hole so the pilots can see stait ahead. They don't need to be looking at the ground and stealing our privacy.
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