The U.S. will reportedly unveil a plan to regulate drones more closely
The federal government is expected to announce a plan Monday requiring anyone buying a drone to register it with the Department of Transportation, NBC News reports. The measure, which would create a new task force to oversee the process, would reportedly be the biggest step yet in regulating the growing industry. It would also allow the agency to monitor drones more similarly to piloted aircraft.
Many drone advocates support additional oversight — especially if it's tailored to different kinds of drones individually — arguing it could lead to widespread innovation and commercial use.
"The frustration with us in the community is that [regulation] its not moving fast enough," Keith Kaplan, CEO of the Unmanned Autonomous Vehicle Systems Association, told BuzzFeed News.
The Department of Transportation could start enforcing regulations by Christmas. The Federal Aviation Administration has already started cracking down on drone use. In early October, it proposed a $1.9 million fine against SkyPan, a Chicago company that has allegedly flown drones 65 times in restricted airspace without authorization.