UK: Drone owners required to register devices under new rules

UK: Drone owners required to register devices under new rules

Drone owners must register their devices under regulations designed to protect privacy.

New rules require all drones fitted with cameras to be logged with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Failure to do so could result in a fine of up to £1,000.

Drones that weigh more than 250g already require to be registered with the CAA, at a fee of £9. The new measures extend this requirement to all drones.

The rules come amid privacy concerns, with fears that drones are being used to spy on people. The rise in drone ownership has also led to a sharp increase in near-misses between drones and aircraft.

In 2019, 125 near-misses were recorded.

Upon registrations with the CAA, an owner will be given an ID number, which must be displayed on the device in block capitals.

Christian Struwe, director of public policy at DJI, a drone manufacturer, said: “It streamlines different processes and allows customers to travel from country to country without having to worry about different rules in different foreign locations.”

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