Drones spark debate in New Jersey neighborhoods amid increasing sightings

For several weeks, residents of New Jersey have observed clusters of large drones navigating neighborhoods, hovering over backyards, and even near sensitive locations such as military facilities and private estates. These drone sightings, some described by residents as being the size of a car, have raised both curiosity and concern. Social media has been abuzz with questions about who is operating these drones and for what purpose.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy addressed the issue at a press conference, acknowledging that the origin of the drones remains unknown. He described them as "very sophisticated" but assured residents there was no immediate threat to public safety. "These are apparently … very sophisticated. The minute you get eyes on them, they go dark," he said. He emphasized: "The most important point to say is we don’t see any concern for public safety."

Despite this assurance, Gov. Murphy has sought additional federal support from President Joe Biden to help local authorities investigate further. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Murphy disclosed that he had written to Biden expressing concerns about unmanned aircraft systems in New Jersey airspace. “I wrote to @POTUS to express my concerns about reports of unmanned aircraft systems in and around NJ airspace,” he stated in his post.

While awaiting federal responses regarding the increase in drone activity, discussions continue nationwide about these unidentified flying objects' potential implications for privacy and security in New Jersey neighborhoods.

In terms of regulations, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) controls airspace management across the United States. Albert Fox Cahn, Esq., executive director of the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project, remarked on homeowners' limited ability to restrict drone surveillance: “When it comes to drone surveillance, the sky’s the limit.” Drones can legally fly over private property if they comply with FAA guidelines which include maintaining an altitude below 400 feet and avoiding restricted areas like airports or military sites.

Homeowners concerned about their privacy can take specific actions such as reviewing local ordinances or contacting authorities if malicious use is suspected. However, Cahn notes that enforcing rights against low-flying drones can be challenging: “While homeowners may have rights against low-flying drones, there are relatively few ways to enforce them.”

As drone usage becomes more common for various purposes including delivery or photography, staying informed about legal rights remains crucial for individuals seeking to maintain their privacy amidst evolving technological landscapes.

“The courts have upheld the right to fly over private property at higher altitudes,” says Cahn. “Until the law catches up, the best option for most people will sadly just be to lower the blinds.”