Monday, April 27, 2015

Shadow of the Drones

Every innovation is accompanied with dark side. Cars made our daily life extremely convenient, but they kill thousands of people everyday. So dynamite, internet, and Bitcoin are.


Nowadays, the usage of drones has become real in many purposes. This flying object has numerous possibility. Amazon and Facebook are seriously considering to utilize drones in the near future. On the other hand, drone technology is also introduced in military. The US has killed several people with drone fighters.

My past entry: Drone delivery comes true

My past entry: Drones of Facebook, Balloons of Google

Very recently, a drone brought a tension in the Cabinet in Japan. It was found on the roof of Prime Minister's official residence. In addition, it equipped some radioactive material. The police became keen to find who was the controller.

Some days after, a man confessed that he had driven the drone to set it on the rooftop intentionally. He was arrested for the forcible obstruction of business. According to the media, his motivation was the protest against the policy for nuclear power of Abe administration.

ABC News: Japanese man arrested for landing drone on PM's official residence in nuclear protest

CNN: Arrest after drone with radioactive material lands on Japan PM's rooftop

I thinks his act is meaningless at all. In spite of my own opinion, I do not reject any ideas of anti-nuclear protest, as far as they are rational and feasible. In contrast, his behavior only made an image against anti-nuclear activists as destructive and untrustworthy.

My past entry: Long way to renewable energy

My past entry: Atomic power plant to restart in Japan

On the other hand, I am doubtful that his act deserves to be penalized. Japan has no definite regulation against controlling drones.  You can drive drone everywhere except near the airport. He was charged for the forcible obstruction of business. To be honest, this crime is often used arbitrarily by the police. For example, some persons were arrested for submitting unease comments on the internet such as "I got angered to kill someone tomorrow" as a joke. The legislation regarding such a rude act not inflicting any actual damage is still vague. In the US, it was argued by the Supreme Court whether threatening on the Facebook constituted a crime.

My past entry: Threatening on Facebook: US Supreme Court case

This case ignited the discussion about the security of important institutions against drone attacks. Driving a drone should be restricted at least around some areas, such as the Imperial Palace, Cabinet office, and atomic power plants. I expect politicians will soon establish a new legislation appropriately, not limiting beneficial usage of drones. Then, this incident will contribute to the improved security of the atomic power plants, ironically.

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