Controversial bill allowing authorities to shoot down private drones heads to the president’s desk

The U.S. government will soon have authority to shoot down private drones considered a threat.

Following a House vote in April, the Senate this week passed the FAA Reauthorization Act, which renews funding for the Federal Aviation Administration until 2023.

It also aims to modernize aviation rules by making commercial flights more comfortable for disabled passengers and acting against privately owned drones.

Specifically, section 1602—protection of certain facilities and assets from unmanned aircraft—authorizes the detection, identification, monitoring, tracking, and takeover of drones “without prior consent, including by means of intercept.” Read more...