Introduction - Privacy and data protection
Drones with cameras or sensors may record personal data. As a pilot, this means you must respect privacy and data protection rules.
You must not only fly safely, but also handle images and information carefully.
Respect for privacy is part of responsible drone use.
Personal data and camera use
A face, licence plate or identifiable home may count as personal data. Once you record such information, you must think about purpose, necessity and proportionality.
Not every technical possibility is automatically permitted.
Use the camera only when it is genuinely needed.
Lawful processing
Data must be processed lawfully and carefully. This means you need a clear purpose and should not collect more data than necessary.
Professional operations may involve additional obligations towards clients or affected persons.
Transparency matters.
Storage and sharing of images
Images must be stored securely and shared only with people who have a legitimate reason to access them. Unnecessary retention or distribution increases privacy risk.
Use strong passwords and secure storage.
Delete data that is no longer needed.
Bystanders and local rules
Take bystanders, private property and sensitive locations into account. Inform people when appropriate and avoid unnecessary observation of individuals.
Some countries or municipalities may have additional privacy rules.
Always check the local context as well.