ACLU URGES CALIFORNIANS TO ASK GOVERNOR TO SIGN BILL TO PROTECT PRIVACY, RESTRICT POLICE USE OF DRONES

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By Miriam Raftery

September 5, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) - The American Civil Liberties Union in San Diego is asking the public to urge Governor Jerry Brown to sign Assembly Bill 1327, which passed the Legislature with bipartisan support.  The measure would require police to get a warrant before using drones to conduct surveillance on you, your family, or others in your community.

Norma Chavez-Peterson, executive director of the ACLU of San Diego, says thatAB 1327 is a huge victory for personal privacy that could set a precedent for the rest of the country.

Law enforcement interests have lobbied against AB 1327.

However 76% of Americans surveyed believe police should get a warrant before using drones against citizens, according to a poll conducted by Monmouth University.   

The bill allows exceptions in emergency cases where there is imminent threat to life, such as kidnappings, but for routine law enforcement operations, a judge must authorize before a drone may be used.

The ACLU’s San Diego director concludes, “In California we understand innovation. And we also understand privacy and civil rights. California should lead, not lag, in protecting people’s privacy from intrusions by drones.”

Several other states are taking action to restrict use of drones. Thirteen states have already passed legislation to regulate drones, Reason.com reports, and several more have proposed legislation pending.

 


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