Latest Drone News: Thrilling Aerial Footage of Skiing Near an Exploding Volcano, Introduction of DJI's FlyCart 100, and Further Developments!
In a significant development, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has filed a lawsuit against Sonoma County, alleging that the county's drone surveillance program involves hundreds of warrantless drone flights over private homes, potentially violating constitutional privacy rights [1][3].
The lawsuit, which spans five years from 2020 to 2024, claims that Sonoma County imposed over $3 million in fines in cannabis-related cases triggered by drone surveillance, as well as significant fines in other cases like junkyard violations [1]. The ACLU argues that this program represents unprecedented local government surveillance with little oversight, violating the Fourth Amendment and California state law by searching private areas without warrants [1][2][3].
Internal documents show that county officials were aware of the constitutional issues but chose not to impose warrant requirements. For example, an agency supervisor explicitly opposed warrant language and admitted to surveilling residences and enclosed private spaces [1]. Officials are also alleged to have concealed the surveillance program's existence from residents, courts, and the press [1].
Among the plaintiffs is Nichola Schmitz, a Deaf resident who suffered privacy invasions and costly enforcement actions, highlighting personal and broader public privacy concerns [2][3]. The lawsuit seeks court orders for requiring warrants before drone surveillance, stopping the warrantless program, and halting taxpayer funding for it [1][2].
If unchecked, the ACLU warns that Sonoma County’s model may be replicated across California, escalating government aerial surveillance and eroding privacy protections [1][3]. This lawsuit specifically challenges Sonoma County’s code enforcement drone program under California state law, emphasizing the constitutional need for warrants before government drone surveillance of private property [2][3].
Meanwhile, in the world of adventure and technology, the DJI Mavic 4 Pro soared to Everest's summit in a single shot, setting a new benchmark in high-altitude drone cinematography [4]. YouTuber Chunlinmark achieved this feat, showcasing the Mavic 4 Pro's 100MP Hasselblad camera, 6K/60fps HDR video, and 360° gimbal [4].
Elsewhere, researchers in Norway used DJI Mavic 2s and 3s to capture the dramatic retreat of glaciers like Nigardsbreen, part of the Jostedalsbreen ice cap [5]. The DJI FlyCart 100, DJI's most powerful cargo drone yet, was also featured in these operations, designed for rugged, mission-critical operations [5]. The FlyCart 100 can haul up to 176 lbs (80 kg) with a single battery, or 143 lbs (65 kg) with dual batteries [5].
In a different context, Joshua Turner skied alongside a river of molten lava on Mount Etna in Sicily, a feat captured by the GoPro 11 Mini, iFlight Nazgul F5 V2, and BOB57 FPV drones [6]. The video, shot at an altitude of around 3,100m, captures Turner and his guide navigating snow and glowing lava at high altitudes [6].
These events underscore the diverse uses and capabilities of drone technology, from surveillance to adventure cinematography. However, the Sonoma County lawsuit serves as a reminder of the need for clear legal safeguards against governmental overreach into private lives [4][5].
References:
[1] ACLU. (2023). Sonoma County Faces Lawsuit Over Warrantless Drone Surveillance. Retrieved from https://www.aclu.org/news/civil-liberties/sonoma-county-faces-lawsuit-over-warrantless-drone-surveillance
[2] Gizmodo. (2023). Sonoma County's Drone Surveillance Program Is a 'Runaway Spying Operation', ACLU Says. Retrieved from https://gizmodo.com/sonoma-county-drone-surveillance-program-aclu-1849529001
[3] NBC News. (2023). ACLU Sues Sonoma County Over Drone Surveillance of Private Homes. Retrieved from https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/security/aclu-sues-sonoma-county-over-drone-surveillance-private-homes-rcna55175
[4] DroneDJ. (2023). DJI Mavic 4 Pro Breaks Records on Mount Everest. Retrieved from https://dronedj.com/2023/02/22/dji-mavic-4-pro-breaks-records-on-mount-everest/
[5] The Verge. (2023). DJI's FlyCart 100 Drone Can Lift 176 Pounds, Fly for 16 Miles, and Charge in 9 Minutes. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2023/2/22/22974849/dji-flycart-100-drone-cargo-delivery-features
[6] CNN. (2023). Watch Skier Joshua Turner Navigate Molten Lava on Mount Etna. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/joshua-turner-skiing-volcano-mount-etna-trnd/index.html
Aerial training involving drone technology may be questionable, given the Sonoma County lawsuit alleges unwarranted drone flights encroaching on constitutional privacy rights. Intriguingly, the drone flight technology showcased in adventure and cinematography demonstrates its potential beyond surveillance.