Despite the ugly subject matter, I suppose you could call this good news.
First off, in case you missed it, you might want to glance over my first post on spy drones.
I then started collecting articles for a future post, and here we are. But what's to note is that these aren't a bunch of whiny, bitchy rantings on some backwater blog site (like, you know, mine), but coming from the major news organizations.
I would also note that I mentioned the 'private sector' in the above post, and the first two links here are what I was referring to. All the rest have to do with our beloved imperial storm troopers trusted government officials.
To wit:
Beware the spy in the sky - Daily Mail
After those Street View snoopers, Google and Apple use planes that can film you sunbathing in your back garden. Software giants will use military-grade cameras to take powerful satellite images.
Google's, Apple's eyes in the sky draw scrutiny - Reuters
Big Brother’s all-seeing eye - Washington Times
Talk of drones patrolling U.S. skies spawns anxiety - Washington Times
Don't let drones invade our privacy - CNN
Drones over America: Are they spying on you? - MSNBC
Drones, computers new weapons of U.S. shadow wars - USA Today
Massive experimental drone takes to skies above Edwards AFB - LA Times
64 Drone Bases Located On American Soil - Slashdot
Is a Military Drone Base Coming to Your Hometown? - ABC News
So, as these things go, it's nice to see the major news organizations aren't backing away from the story. I suppose this is figuring that all the while they're planning on building up their own 'eye in the sky' fleets. As soon as one news organization scoops everybody with some really boss footage of some horrendous disaster using a drone, they'll all have to jump on board. Those are the rules.
And all of that just barely scratches the surface.
Still, the basic question is raised here:
The Age Of Drones: Military May Be Using Drones In US To Help Police
So, are they? Question asked, question answered:
First Man Arrested With Drone Evidence Vows to Fight Case
Okay, but what about the political scene? Say, here's some good news:
Pro-Drone Congressman Defeated at the Polls
And I'm sure our representatives — with emphasis on the 'represent' part — in Congress are stepping up to the plate. Yep, lookin' good.
Sen. Paul proposes bill protecting Americans from drone surveillance
Congress urged to secure drone law
Or, maybe not.
Kucinich Anti-Drone Amendment Struck Down
And think what a hoot it'll be when the next 9/11 is the result of one deranged terrorist.
Drones vulnerable to terrorist hijacking, researchers say
Okay, what about current technology? What's the next freedom we'll give up now that the formerly-friendly skies are gone?
Why, water, of course.
Scientists build robot ‘jellyfish’ fueled by sea water
Scientists funded by the U.S. Navy have developed a robot “jellyfish” — a foot-long submarine that runs on seawater and could be used on spy missions.
Okay, so you gave up your rights to privacy from above and below — big deal! All you have to do is simply make sure the doors and windows are locked tight and no one will be able to spy on you, right?
Well, assuming "no one" means "in person".
Is that really just a fly? Swarms of cyborg insect drones are the future of military surveillance
Bzzz-zzzz-zzzz-zzzz...
"Where's that damn flyswatter? Ah, here it is."
Bzzz-zzzz-zzzzt.
SWAT!
"Clank!"
But the real high-tech story of surveillance drones is going on at a much smaller level, as tiny remote controlled vehicles based on insects are already likely being deployed.
The military would like to develop tiny robots that can fly inside caves and barricaded rooms to send back real-time intelligence about the people and weapons inside.
In case you missed it, "barricaded rooms" translates to "crawling under your locked bedroom door".
The Orwellian future is nigh.
