On the heels of Amazon’s announcement that the company plans to deliver packages using drones, a Senate committee is preparing to hold hearings about integrating drones into “civilian life.”
Sen Jay Rockefeller’s (D-WV) office confirmed to Fox News a hearing is scheduled for 2014, although the hearing was planned before Amazon announced it’s plan to utilize the flying spies machines for fulfillment.
“Amazon’s plans for using drones to deliver packages is just one example of the potential this technology offers consumers, and a reflection of the ingenuity of American business,” said Rockefeller, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. “As we move forward toward integrating drones into civilian life and capitalizing on the economic opportunities they offer, we must make certain that these aircrafts meet rigorous safety and privacy standards.”
Sounds like an opportunity to impose some fees and taxes to me.
Jeff Bezos, Amazon’s CEO explained that most Amazon orders are packages weighing less than 5lbs so the drones would be delivering small, light packages rather than 60 inch televisions or Le Creuset cookware sets. But other problems with the drones will arise as “drone malfunctions” have been regularly reported. A drone could crash into a person, a vehicle, a building window just to name a few. Would the NSA have access to any other information the drone’s collect? Surveillance data, perhaps?
“This thing can’t land on somebody’s head while they’re walking around their neighborhood,” said Bezos, who admitted more safety testing is required.
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