Editorial | Hong Kong police drones expected to meet high standards
Privacy issues need to be addressed as the Hong Kong force seeks to make greater use of the unmanned aircraft
Drone dreams could take flight sooner in Hong Kong if authorities decide to ease rules and open up the skies for wider police use of the small unmanned aircraft. However, amid anticipated benefits for the low-altitude economy there is a need to carefully address privacy issues so public trust in the force remains well grounded.
Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung said earlier this month that, regulations permitting, police would use drones for patrols on set routes and to collect images for artificial intelligence analysis. Tang told lawmakers all would depend on a relaxation of rules on drone weights and limiting pilots to line-of-sight flights.
He said departments developing drone technology would “exercise stringent control and supervision” to ensure safety and compliance with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance.
Currently, police use drones at remote sites and crowded events to collect evidence, detect suspicious people hiding in difficult terrain, and monitor crowd and traffic flow. Immigration officers use them to collect evidence and inspect security facilities.
The Correctional Services Department checks infrastructure and supports emergency response operations inside prisons with drones. Firefighters use them on rescue missions, create 3D models to help battle blazes or deliver supplies.