In a groundbreaking move, New York City has started deploying surveillance drones for routine monitoring of public spaces. The NYPD confirmed the rollout aims to curb rising street crimes, particularly in subway stations and major parks.
The initiative, launched under the “Safe Skies NYC” program, has already sparked privacy debates. While authorities claim the drones are equipped with motion sensors, not facial recognition, civil liberty groups are demanding clearer usage protocols.
“Technology can be a partner in public safety, but it must not intrude on civil rights,” said NYCLU director Anthony Romero. The drones will operate under strict time-bound schedules and are being trialed in areas with high crime rates.
Security analysts in Indian metros like Delhi and Mumbai are watching closely. Several South Asian cities are considering similar tech-driven surveillance systems in response to crowd control and emergency response demands.