A startling 65% increase in government drone registrations in New York State since 2022 has raised concerns about unrestricted surveillance, according to a New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) report based on 2024 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) data.
With 127 agencies now operating 876 drones, including a massive expansion by the NYPD, the proliferation of advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) poses a threat to privacy and civil liberties, necessitating urgent regulation.
Unprecedented Drone Expansion in New York
The NYCLU’s most recent findings reveal a significant increase in government drone use. In 2022, 85 agencies registered 530 drones; by 2024, the total had risen to 876 across 127 entities, a 65% increase. Law enforcement dominates, operating 508 drones, with the New York City Police Department (NYPD) alone increasing from 19 to 99 registrations—a 421% jump.
“The dangers posed by these incredibly powerful spying devices are hard to overstate, and they’re being used with virtually no regulation,” the NYCLU warns.
Notably, some agencies, including Nassau County Police (previously 33 drones) and Yonkers Police, have disappeared from the 2024 data. The NYCLU is requesting clarification from the FAA on whether these departments failed to re-register or ceased operations, highlighting gaps in oversight.
Advanced Capabilities Fuel Surveillance Concerns
Modern drones are no longer just quadcopters. These UAVs, which are equipped with extremely powerful telelenses, thermal imaging, and AI-powered subject recognition, can track individuals or vehicles over large distances. Some include “follow-me” functions for autonomous pursuit, infrared sensors, or tools that allow for nearly unlimited flight times.
“Drones can be so small or operated from such great distances, you likely wouldn’t notice them if they peered into your home’s window,” the NYCLU notes, underscoring their stealth.
The integration of drones with systems such as ShotSpotter, which alerts NYPD flights in response to alleged gunshots, increases risks.
Although studies have called ShotSpotter’s accuracy into question, its alerts result in drone deployments, often in already overburdened communities. The NYCLU warns that such pairings may entrench systemic biases because drones collect data indiscriminately, potentially feeding flawed arrests.
Drones as First Responders: A Troubling Trend
A growing number of departments, including the NYPD, Yonkers, Schenectady, Syracuse, and Hempstead, have implemented Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs. These initiatives often deploy UAVs autonomously in response to 911 calls or alerts.
The NYCLU criticizes DFR as unproven: “There is no evidence drones provide meaningful benefits or work well as First Responders.”
Instead, they argue that drones prioritize surveillance, putting “mission creep” at risk by triggering aerial oversight for minor incidents.
In Hempstead, police collaborated with Flock Safety to integrate drones, license plate readers, and real-time crime centers. Flock’s data-sharing practices have been criticized for enabling widespread monitoring. “This fully integrated system threatens to create a state of total surveillance for Village residents,” the NYCLU claims, predicting a dystopian future in which movements are relentlessly tracked.
Privacy and Civil Liberties at Risk
The NYCLU investigates real-world abuses. Drones have been used to covertly monitor protests ranging from Black Lives Matter demonstrations to racial justice rallies. In 2020, U.S. Customs and Border Protection flew a Predator drone over Minneapolis protests, while Baltimore’s aerial program was declared unconstitutional due to its widespread surveillance.
“Constant drone deployment can negatively impact people’s quality of life, trigger trauma responses, and create chilling effects on their free speech,” the NYCLU reports, citing New Yorkers’ anxiety over drones hovering near homes.
While no New York drones are currently armed, the NYCLU warns that the potential for weaponization exists. The organization cites other incidents, such as Dallas police using a robot to kill a suspect, as a cautionary tale. Without laws prohibiting armament, the risk remains.
Regulatory Void and Legislative Urgency
New York’s drone policies are woefully inadequate, according to the NYCLU. The NYPD’s guidelines, for example, have not evolved to accommodate DFR or ShotSpotter integrations. When idle, NYPD drones patrol neighborhoods, breaking internal rules and recording incidental footage through windows or over backyards.
“The NYPD has not accounted for what it will do with the video footage,” the NYCLU notes, raising questions about data retention and access.
The NYCLU urges lawmakers to act quickly. Proposed measures include prohibiting drone surveillance of First Amendment activities, requiring warrants for investigative purposes, and banning facial recognition and weapons. They also demand public oversight and clear data handling guidelines.
“We can’t count on law enforcement agencies to police themselves,” the NYCLU insists, calling for state-level intervention to curb “sci-fi-inspired aerial surveillance.”
Industry Context: A Booming Market Meets Lax Oversight
The drone surge is consistent with market trends. Drones are less expensive—entry-level models cost under $1,000—and vendors such as DJI and Skydio run aggressive promotions. Governor Hochul’s budgets have provided millions to local police for surveillance technology, including UAVs, with no strings attached.
This financial pipeline, combined with market consolidation, drives adoption. Globally, the drone market is expected to reach $63 billion by 2030, with public safety being a key driver.
Nonetheless, FAA regulations lag. While commercial pilots must pass Part 107 tests, government agencies frequently operate with looser Certificates of Authorization, avoiding strict oversight. The FAA’s 2024 Reauthorization Act promises Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) rules by September, but privacy safeguards are lacking, leaving states to fill the void—or not.
DroneXL’s Take: Balancing Utility and Accountability
Drones provide undeniable benefits, such as search and rescue, infrastructure inspection, and disaster response, but their surveillance potential must be carefully considered. The NYCLU data reveals a regulatory blind spot: agencies are building fleets faster than lawmakers can respond.
For DroneXL readers, ranging from professionals to hobbyists, this represents a dual challenge. To maintain public trust, responsible operators must advocate for clear rules, while also opposing blanket restrictions that could stifle innovation.
The NYPD’s 421% fleet growth and DFR experiments demonstrate a rush to deploy without proper safeguards. Pairings with Flock Safety or ShotSpotter risk entrenching surveillance in ways that undermine liberties, particularly for marginalized communities.
However, banning drones completely ignores their value. The solution is targeted legislation—surveillance warrants, biometric bans, and transparent data policies—to ensure that drones serve, rather than control, the public.
New York’s drone boom is a microcosm of a global debate: how to maximize UAV potential while protecting rights. Without action, the skies could become a frontier of unrestrained power. The NYCLU’s call for reform is a wake-up call—lawmakers must act before surveillance becomes the norm.
