Schumer calls for federal rules on drone use

PHOTOGRAPHER: The Associated Press

U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer says privately operated drone aircraft are posing a threat to safety and privacy and should be regulated by the federal government.

The Democrat says New York has become “the wild west” for private drones since a court case limited the federal government’s ability to regulate the use of the small, remote controlled aircraft.

Schumer says that while civilian drones have beneficial uses they can pose a hazard to other aircraft or pedestrians. He also says there have been incidents in which drones are used by private investigators to spy on people.

The senator on Sunday called for new federal rules on private and commercial use of drones. He says he also wants to see bans on the use of drones by private investigators.