Privacy concerns surrounding drones may be weighing people down but worry not as help is in sight in the form of NoFlyZone.org.
So what is NoFlyZone.org you're wondering? This is a new organization which has been established to help people secure the airspace above their homes as anti-drone sentiments continue to rise. It is the initiative of several drone makers who "want to take a leadership position on drone privacy issues." Participating manufactures at launch include Ehang, DroneDeploy, HEXO +, and YUNEEC.
NoFlyZone enables users to declare no-fly zones over their properties, negating the need for privacy seekers to shoot down the seemingly intrusive unmanned aerial machines.
Users can register their address online on NoFlyZone.org, this step basically lets manufacturers of drones - as well as the fliers - know that the machines are not wanted hovering over their residence or business.
Basically, once a user enters their details and address NoFlyZone.org will verify the information and register the address in their system. It will key in the GPS coordinates of the individual in its database and work in tandem with software and hardware manufacturers of drones to prohibit the machines from flying over the no-fly areas i.e. the registered addresses by sharing the GPS coordinates of the debarred home. This will ensure that privacy seekers who register have a drone-free zone.
"Many people are concerned about their privacy and safety. NoFlyZone.org offers these people a method to control the airspace above their property and to prevent drones from flying over. Our service physically prevents drones from flying over opted-out property by including areas in the drone's no-fly database," reveals the organization.
In case you're wondering if there is a fee attached - the service is free. The registration however, comes with a caveat from the organization that registering your address does not ensure that "no drones or other aircraft will fly over."
In the near term, users will also have the option of setting-up airspace access preferences that are customized. NoFlyZone reveals that these features; however, will be available as a premium service. Individuals who register in February will be able to avail of all services at no extra charge for two years.
However, with popular drone makers like DJI and Parrot yet to hop onto the bandwagon, it will be interesting to see if the initiative can help quell privacy fears surrounding drones.
Those interested in registering their property as a no-fly zone can sign-up at NoFlyZone.org. Drone manufacturers who would like to participate in the initiative can also register at NoFlyZone.
