Does Location Matter? The Concept of Privacy and Public Perceptions of UAV Use for Domestic Surveillance

• In Event: Technology and Policing

Abstract

Unmanned aerial systems (i.e., drones, UAV) have been used over domestic airspace by the Federal Government to assist first responders in a variety of operations. This assistance may have been requested, in part, because Federal Aviation Administration restrictions have slowed state and local agencies adoption of UAVs into their operations. However, recent changes in FAA policy allow non-Federal law enforcement agencies to more easily obtain FAA approval to operate UAVs. Despite this change, U.S. residents appear to have mixed feeling about the use of aerial drones within domestic airspace. Our previous studies suggest that public concerns about UAVs are strongly influenced by contextual factors (e.g., privacy concerns for the particular users of the technology and how it is being used). As an extension of this research, the current study employs a national survey to to examine the influence of location of UAV use on public perceptions and support for various domestic surveillance activities. The findings will be discussed in terms of their implications for future research and public policy.

Authors

• Mari Sakiyama, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

• Joel D. Lieberman, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

• Terance Miethe, University of Nevada, Las Vegas