The Illinois Senate approved a measure intended to upgrade security at public, large-scale events. Under the plan, law enforcement could use drones as monitors.
But Democratic state Senator Kwame Raoul of Chicago says this could also be a pathway for invading people’s privacy – and wants officers to obtain a warrant first.
“I want to trust to utilize the drones to protect against a tragic incident at Lollapalooza or some other mass gathering at a park. I’m not left with the feeling of comfort by a reference to no legitimate law enforcement purpose.”
Advocates say Boston and other cities now use drones for security purposes. Lawmakers hope to use drones at the Illinois State Fair and other music festivals as early as this summer.