Regulations for UAV Operation in Social Applications and Services: A General Perspective

Abstract

Drone technology has undergone dramatic changes in recent years due to advancements in information and communication technologies, the internet of things, and robotic process automation. As a result, various applications of this technology have emerged and affected many aspects of everyday activities. Considering the diverse areas in which drones are used, it is deemed necessary to develop legal controls over these uses in order to achieve national, regional, or international purposes. For legal regulation of drones to take place, there should be bodies or institutions in charge of the implementation of the legislation regulating drone uses, operations, and related activities, in accordance with international treaties and agreements. This paper argues that the diversity and development of the activities in which the drone is used require the establishment of legal controls to regulate its authorization including that of activities, types, designs, manufacturing, importing, selling, owning, registration, as well as protecting third party's right to data privacy and confidentiality. Drone legislation is needed to regulate issues related to compensation for damages arising from activities associated with drones, and to setting conditions, requirements, and procedures for the use of drone radio frequencies, systems, and remote control stations. Rules also have a significant role in monitoring the establishment of the infrastructure implementing the operation of these aircraft, their airports, the mechanism for supplying fuel and energy, and the issuance of an operational safety certificate. Finally, the regulation is required for maintaining control on safety issues such as airspace planning and routing, altitude and horizontal operation of operations, entry, and exit from airspace, designation of prohibited, restricted, or dangerous areas, and airspace use obligations.