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Amanda Losacco and Christopher Dodson
Presentation Title:
Eyes in the Sky: Privacy Law Challenges in the Future of Commercial Drone Operations
Amanda Losacco, Aviation Attorney, and Christopher Dodson, Member, Cozen O'Connor
Abstract:
From infrastructure inspections to urban mapping, drones are essential in collecting extensive visual, thermal, and geospatial data. As advances in sensor technology and AI-enabled predictive analytics enhance the capabilities of commercial drone operations, the legal frameworks governing privacy and surveillance are rapidly evolving. Recent litigation, emerging state law trends, and increasing public scrutiny have resulted in a complex compliance landscape for operators navigating the privacy law challenges associated with drone surveillance. This presentation will delve into these privacy law challenges in commercial drone operations, particularly focusing on aerial data collection and surveillance practices. Through real-world examples and enforcement trends, attendees will gain practical strategies for identifying and mitigating privacy risks while ensuring operational effectiveness. Participants will leave equipped with a practical framework for conducting ethical drone missions that minimize legal risk and foster greater community acceptance.
Losacco Bio:
Amanda Losacco is an aviation attorney with Cozen O’Connor in Washington, D.C. Her practice focuses on counseling aviation and aerospace clients on regulatory compliance, enforcement risk management, rulemaking, investigations, and litigation. She advises advanced air mobility operators, manufacturers, and uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) operators on matters before the Federal Aviation Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, Transportation Security Administration, and Federal Communications Commission, particularly concerning commercial drone operations. Prior to entering private practice, Amanda served as an attorney adviser in the Federal Aviation Administration Office of the Chief Counsel, where she advised industry and agency personnel on aerospace regulatory compliance, licensing, certification, and operational issues, including those involving new entrants, emerging technologies, and privacy law challenges. Amanda regularly counsels clients on legal and policy issues impacting uncrewed aircraft systems and other advancements in drone surveillance.
Dodson Bio:
As a partner in Cozen O'Connor's Technology, Privacy, & Data Security practice, Chris draws on his prior experience as a software engineer to address clients' concerns where technology, including commercial drone operations, intersects with the law. He advises clients on privacy law challenges, cybersecurity regulations, and handles matters involving artificial intelligence and drone surveillance. A leader in the area of technology, privacy, and data security, Chris has extensive experience advising clients on federal, state, and European privacy laws, including U.S. state comprehensive privacy laws, the EU GDPR, U.S. state biometric privacy laws, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, the NYDFS Cybersecurity Regulation, as well as FFIEC and FTC privacy and cybersecurity regimes. Chris works with a diverse range of clients, both large and small, that use or provide technology solutions across various sectors including financial services, financial technology, health care, online and brick-and-mortar retail, cloud services, software as a service (SaaS), software, mobile apps, blockchain, logistics, aviation, and more.