Policy · 1h ago
Over 1,000 US Police Agencies Clear FAA Hurdle for Drone-as-First-Responder Programs
More than 1,000 public safety agencies have received FAA waivers to launch drone-as-first-responder (DFR) programs as of February 2026. The FAA issued more waivers between April 2025 and February 2026 than in the previous seven years combined. These waivers allow autonomous drone flights beyond visual line of sight, expanding aerial surveillance capabilities.
Meridian48 take
The rapid waiver surge signals a major shift toward AI-driven police surveillance, but privacy and oversight concerns remain largely unaddressed.
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Hundreds of Drone-as-First-Responder Programs Could Soon Be Launched Across the Country →
EFF
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