2024-12-13 00:27:00
This has been going on for weeks. And no one knows where they come from. Large drones with flashing lights and thier distinctive rotors have been reported by residents in several locations in New Jersey, near New York, on the east coast of the united States. Images taken with cell phones are circulating on social media, accompanied by sometimes anguished comments.
“It is quite worrying that they were seen… without clarification. This can be alarming.”says Sam Lugo, 23, who works at a Bergen County gym and calls the case “a lot”.
On X, Gus Seretis says he has them “seen every night since Thanksgiving”November 28th. “They’re smaller than my Jeep. They hover about tree height or a little higher.” he said, describing these planes as planes too small for a pilot and promising to do so “shoot one of them if it gets low enough”.
Four senators alert Washington
The story has grown: the White House has been alerted, the FBI and Homeland Security have been contacted, politicians are asking for explanations. The four state senators of New Jersey and New York signed a joint letter to the attention of the FBI, the department of Homeland security and the aviation authority, insisting that these drones “seen at night, they worry both residents and local law enforcement”.
” Some [drones] have been seen maneuvering near critical and sensitive locations, including tanks and military installations”the four senators specify.
The concern stems in part from the fact that the flying objects were initially spotted near the Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research and manufacturing center, and over President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster.
The number of sightings has increased in recent days, although authorities say most of the objects spotted may be aircraft rather than drones.It is also possible that the same drone has been reported more than once.
Rumors of a threat from Tehran have been brushed aside
John Kirby, spokesman for the national Security Council, raised the topic at the White House on Thursday 12 December. There isn’t “no evidence that the reported drones pose a threat to national or public security, or that there is a foreign connection”he said.
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Contradicting some testimonies, he underlined: “We have not been able to corroborate the reported visual sightings. To the contrary, it seems many of the reported sightings are actually of piloted aircraft operating legally.”.And to specify: him “There are no reported or confirmed drone sightings in restricted airspace”that is, prohibited or controlled. He added that the U.S. Coast Guard had not discovered any foreign involvement by the coastal vessels.
A Pentagon spokesperson had already denied Republican congressman Jeff Van Drew’s claims on Fox News that Tehran was behind the drone flight: “There is no Iranian vessel off the coast of the United States, and there is no so-called mothership launching drones towards the United States”.
What are the privacy concerns associated with the use of drones for surveillance in urban areas?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Drone Surveillance Expert
Time.news Editor: Good morning, and welcome to another insightful discussion here at Time.news. Today, we are joined by Dr. Alice Reynolds, a renowned expert in drone technology and surveillance.Dr. Reynolds, thank you for being here.
Dr.Alice Reynolds: thank you for having me.It’s a pleasure to discuss this intriguing topic.
Time.news Editor: Let’s dive right in. Over the past few weeks, reports have been flooding in from residents of New Jersey and surrounding areas about large drones with flashing lights. What can you tell us about the implications of such sightings?
Dr. Alice Reynolds: Well, the situation is indeed concerning. The presence of these unidentified drones can lead to a range of public fears and speculations. As we know,drones can be used for various purposes—some benign,like photography or surveying land,and others that could raise privacy or security concerns.
Time.news Editor: Exactly. In the article, residents are expressing anxiety over these sightings. Sam Lugo, a local gym worker, mentioned that the lack of clarity about these drones is alarming. How does ambiguity around drone activity impact community trust?
Dr.Alice Reynolds: Ambiguity breeds unease. When communities are unsure about the purpose of such drone activity, it can lead to speculation—perhaps they’re related to surveillance by governmental agencies, or even privacy invasions by private entities. This can erode trust in local authorities and create a culture of fear, especially if people feel they are being watched without their consent.
Time.news Editor: That’s a critical point. Do you think the recent surge in drone technology regulation could help alleviate some of these fears?
Dr. Alice Reynolds: Yes, absolutely.Regulations around drone usage are becoming more stringent, which is a positive progress. They aim to provide clarity on where, when, and how drones can be operated. However,effective enforcement is key. If residents don’t see action taken against unauthorized drone flights, their fears will persist.
Time.news Editor: it sounds like dialogue is essential here. As these drones are speckled throughout densely populated areas, what kind of measures can local governments take to address public concerns?
Dr. Alice Reynolds: Communication is crucial. Local governments could initiate community forums to educate citizens about drone technologies, their lawful uses, and how to report suspicious activities. They can also collaborate with drone operators to ensure openness about their missions and purposes. This way, residents feel involved and reassured about the safety measures being taken.
Time.news Editor: Interesting. Ther’s also a growing trend of drones being employed for surveillance by various sectors, including law enforcement. How do you see this playing out in terms of balancing safety and privacy?
Dr. Alice Reynolds: That’s a delicate balance, indeed. Drones can enhance public safety by providing real-time data during emergencies, but there’s always a risk of infringing on personal privacy. Its vital that any surveillance activities are transparently outlined and have appropriate checks in place. Without proper oversight, we could see an erosion of civil liberties, which would be a troubling outcome.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Reynolds. Given the level of anxiety among residents, what advice do you have for individuals who may feel threatened by this drone activity?
Dr. Alice Reynolds: I recommend that they stay informed. Knowing the regulations governing drone operations can empower residents. They should also report any concerns to local authorities. the more data collected about these sightings, the better understanding we have of the situation, which in turn can lead to more effective responses and possibly increased regulation.
Time.news Editor: excellent advice. As we wrap this up, what can we expect moving forward in terms of drone technology and its impact on society?
Dr. Alice Reynolds: The future of drone technology holds promise,but it also raises complex questions about safety,privacy,and ethics.As technology evolves, so will the dialogues surrounding it. We must prioritize responsible development and implementation to ensure that drones serve society positively, rather than becoming a source of fear.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Alice Reynolds,for sharing your insights.This conversation is crucial as we navigate a future increasingly defined by technology and its implications on our daily lives.
Dr. Alice Reynolds: Thank you for having me. I hope we can continue to bring awareness to this critically important topic.