The International Organization for Standardization (IOS) released the first draft of a set of global standards for drone use. The draft suggests no-fly zones around airports and other restricted areas, and geofencing measures to keep drones away from certain sensitive areas (e.g., critical infrastructure). The draft standards also instruct drone operators to respect others’ privacy and the requirement for a human intervention fail-safe for all flights. Additionally, the IOS suggests that training, flight logging and maintenance requirements should be implemented as well as data protection rules. Public comment on the draft standards is open until January 21, 2019, and these standards are likely to be adopted in 2019. However, the industry and its drone operators should note that these standards are just that—standards, which means that they are not formal rules and more of a set of best practice for drone manufacturers and operators across the globe.

To view the draft standards, click here.