CAA Drone Theory Practice Test

In which situation might you violate data protection laws while flying a drone?

1. Filming at a public event

2. Flying in a national park

3. Using a drone with a camera in a private property area

4. Flying above a school playground

The correct answer is: Using a drone with a camera in a private property area

Using a drone with a camera in a private property area can lead to a violation of data protection laws because it involves capturing images or recordings of individuals and private property without consent. Many jurisdictions have strict regulations regarding privacy, particularly concerning the collection of personal data. When flying a drone in private areas, there is a higher likelihood of unintentionally recording individuals who may not have given permission for their images or personal information to be captured, which could infringe upon their rights under data protection legislation. In contrast, filming at a public event or flying in a national park generally involves public spaces where the expectation of privacy is lower, and proper permissions may have already been granted for such activities. Flying above a school playground might raise some privacy concerns but can often be regulated or justified under specific guidelines or permissions from the school authorities. Thus, using a drone with a camera in a private property area stands out as the scenario that is most likely to conflict with data protection laws due to the potential for capturing unsolicited personal data.