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12 Oct, 2014

UK govt use of surveillance drones is ‘probably illegal’ – The Independent

The use of surveillance drones by the British government is probably illegal, according to a highly critical legal opinion submitted to the Home Office.

Several government departments and police forces have increasingly used remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), however the legal guidance warns it is “probably unlawful” for security services to “retain or use surveillance data” captured by drones under current laws.

The release of the legal guidance comes as an influential House of Lords prepares to quiz government officials on drone use on Monday. The House of Lords EU Sub-Committee will question officials from the Department of Transport and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills over drone policy, including national security concerns.

However civil liberties and opposition MPs are demanding a fuller enquiry into drone use.

Read the rest: Government use of surveillance drones is ‘probably illegal’ – UK Politics – UK – The Independent.