Picture Source: https://www.jumia.com.ng
The use of drones (UAVs) for recreational, commercial and professional application is a new and recent development in Nigeria. The need and possibility of having an eye in the sky (bird's view), and a vantage point of view creates a lot of possibility which before now were non existent or limited. The adoption of this technology for civilian use in the recreational, commercial and professional circles has thrown up a number of ethical issues with particular concerns for privacy, safety and security.
Like every other good technology, the potential for abuse is inevitable.
Governments of a few developing countries have restricted or banned civilian use of drones outright, a blanket action that is sometimes aimed at preventing their use in newsgathering. Many countries, however, have not taken a definite position on the use of drones for civilian purposes, which leaves the door open to journalists in those countries for now.
While it is the most discussed, the potential for government actions prohibiting civilian use of drones is not the only concern when it comes to drone journalism. A meetup of journalists, technologists and programmers in Nigeria recently explored other issues around the use of drones for newsgathering and offered suggestions on how to address the possible challenges on this new front. Babatunde Akpeji (https://www.icfj.org/news/potential-roadblocks-drone-journalism)
Some developing countries are in the process of enacting legislations in this area which is a long process and takes time, while other are not yet aware of the need for such legislations.
The power to decide and choose the path is individual, everyone must be clear on who he is and what he wants to do.
How futher does this power to decide break the thin line between ethical drone usage and non ethical usage especially when it violates privacy, safety, and security? Do we need a Code of Ethics for drones usage or do we deploy the Code of Ethics in each profession that makes use of drones or demand further requirements in professional code of ethics to adapt to ethical drone usage?
In my next article, i will consider ethical use of drones along privacy, safety and security perspectives. Also existing legislations will be considered.
Comments are welcome
