States consider regulation of drones in U.S. skies

    Thousands of civilian drones are expected in U.S. skies within a few years and concerns they could be used to spy on Americans are fueling legislative efforts in several states to regulate the unmanned aircraft.

    Varied legislation involving drones was introduced this year in more than 40 states. Many of those bills seek to regulate law enforcement’s use of drones by requiring search warrants for gathering evidence and other information.

    Drones are typically operated by remote control and vary in size and shape. Many domestic ones resemble the small radio-controlled model aircraft and helicopters flown by hobbyists, and they can carry cameras. That worries privacy advocates.

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    Regulation opponents say privacy concerns are unwarranted and new laws aren’t needed.

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