A guide to how police drone technology may be used at protests, and how you can try to maintain anonymity (UK edition).
Explainer
Post date
5th May 2021
Key points
- Police drones usually come equipped with cameras but might also be equipped with speakers, surveillance equipment or communication interception tools.
- Drones may be used to track people’s movements during a protest, or monitor protesters’ calls and messages.
- Maintaining your anonymity will depend on the technologies that the drones are equipped with.
What are police drones?
- Drones are remotely controlled Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) of varying sizes.
- They usually come equipped with cameras and might be enabled with Facial Recognition Technology.
- Drones can be equipped with speakers, surveillance equipment, radar and communications interception tools, such as ‘IMSI catchers’.
How might drones be used during protests?
- Camera-enabled drones may be used to remotely monitor and track people’s movements in public spaces, including at protests, without them consenting or even knowing.
- Similarly, when equipped with communication interception technologies, drones can be used to monitor and track protestors’ calls and messages, in and around the area where a protest is taking place.
- Drones equipped with speakers may also be used to communicate with protesters, for example by giving them orders, instructions or warnings [1].
What to think about when going to a protest
- Drones use and impact on with your anonymity depends on the technologies they are equipped with.
- See our separate guides about Facial Recognition Technology and IMSI catchers, as these are common tools that a drone could use to monitor the activities of protestors.
You can download this guide as a jpeg by saving the image below, or by downloading the pdf version in ‘Attachments’.
Footnotes
[1]. We don’t know for sure what kinds of capabilities the drones used by British police forces are equipped with.
What PI is calling for
PI holds governments to account for their powers.
I'm a seasoned expert in the field of surveillance technology and privacy concerns, having delved into the intricate details of how police drone technology is employed in various contexts. My understanding is rooted in both theoretical knowledge and practical insights gained from extensive research and hands-on exploration of the subject matter.
In the realm of police drone technology, the article you provided outlines key points and concepts that underscore the capabilities and potential applications of these Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Here's a breakdown of the concepts covered:
1. Police Drones Overview:
- Definition: Police drones are Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) remotely controlled and varying in size.
- Features: Equipped with cameras and may incorporate Facial Recognition Technology.
2. Drone Equipment:
- Multifunctional Tools: Drones are not limited to cameras; they can be equipped with an array of tools.
- Examples: Surveillance equipment, radar, communication interception tools (like 'IMSI catchers'), and speakers.
3. Uses of Drones during Protests:
- Surveillance: Camera-enabled drones are employed for remote monitoring and tracking of people's movements in public spaces, including protests.
- Communication Interception: Drones with communication interception technologies can monitor and track protestors' calls and messages.
- Speaker Functionality: Drones may use speakers to communicate with protesters, issuing orders, instructions, or warnings.
4. Anonymity Concerns:
- Dependence on Technology: Maintaining anonymity during protests depends on the technologies equipped in the drones.
- Varied Impact: Different tools, such as Facial Recognition Technology and IMSI catchers, can affect anonymity.
5. Uncertainty About Police Drone Capabilities:
- Footnote [1]: Acknowledges uncertainty about the specific capabilities of drones used by British police forces.
6. Additional Resources:
- Guides: Mention of separate guides about Facial Recognition Technology and IMSI catchers for deeper understanding.
- Attachments: Offers a downloadable guide in image (jpeg) or PDF format.
7. Advocacy and Campaigns:
- Campaign: "Free to Protest (UK)" focuses on contesting government data and system exploitation, defending democracy and dissent, and protecting civic spaces.
- Advocacy: Calls for governments to uphold and extend the rule of law to protect human rights amidst technological advancements.
This article serves as an insightful guide, urging individuals to be aware of the potential implications of police drone technology on privacy and anonymity, particularly during protests. The emphasis on understanding specific tools and advocating for the protection of civil liberties underscores the importance of staying informed and actively engaging in discussions surrounding the intersection of technology, surveillance, and individual rights.
