D.C. Circuit Must Vacate a Drone Flight Restriction That Criminalized Recording Immigration Agents
Summary
The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) reports that the D.C. Circuit must vacate an FAA drone flight restriction that effectively criminalized recording immigration agents, by joining an amicus brief with civil liberties groups. The piece frames the restriction as a First Amendment issue—arguing drone-recording of law enforcement is information gathering protected speech—and highlights that the FAA rescinded the rule, though questions remain about potential reinstatement. It emphasizes the importance of drone journalism for accountability and the broader implications for surveillance tech and public oversight.