Friday, March 13, 2015

SXSW Draws Attention For Drone Ban

SXSW has become the center of attention in the debate over drone policy and usage, after the event's organizers issued a strict no drones policy during the festival. According to SXSW, it put the policy in place due to the safety risks drones present to the public, and also due to the City of Austin's laws around drones. SXSW said the policy was developed with drone experts, user groups, municipal authorities, and aviation safety experts. In particular, SXSW cited congested airwaves/frequency spectrum used by drones. It also said that the Austin Police Department would seize drones flown at the event, and that those operators would be subject to fines or arrest for violating those rules. Photo of DJI Phantom drone via Bjorn @ Flickr.