2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UASs), commonly known as drones, are increasingly being integrated into commercial operations, particularly for product delivery. These uncrewed systems typically include the drone itself, a ground control system, a communication link, and supporting equipment to fulfill delivery requirements. Unlike traditional delivery systems, drone delivery systems are designed to provide expedited delivery services, especially last mile delivery. While drone deliveries offer many benefits to both companies and consumers, it also raises regulatory and ethical challenges- especially as these drones frequently traverse over private property.

Currently, apart from the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) oversight of navigable airspace, there is minimal coordination between federal, state, and local governments regarding drone operations. For drone delivery services to be adopted at scale, a comprehensive public policy framework is urgently needed—one that addresses airspace rights, safety, privacy concerns, and broader societal impacts. Public policy in this area must weigh the benefits of technological advancement against the risks, particularly regarding individual rights of privacy and property.

A guiding principle for drone related activity should be the right of people to be free from the intrusion of drones into their personal airspace. While the mission of FAA is to regulate an efficient and safe navigable airspace, it does not regulate privacy issues linked to drone delivery. The technology incorporated into a drone provides for the collection, storing, and securing of data including Global Positioning System (GPS) location, thermal information, cell phone data, and possibly facial recognition when fitted with a camera, raising significant privacy concerns.

This article examines how policy can guide the development of laws that both enable the efficiency gains of delivery drones and safeguard individual privacy and property rights.