Abstract

The evolution of drones underlines the 20th-century scientific and technological progress. They evolved within the military context and remained within that circle for almost a century. The 21st century has increased the possibilities and opportunities of drones by incorporating Artificial Intelligence and machine learning technologies. Accordingly, drones are widely used in almost all fields of human interaction. Among them, the use of drones for surveillance stands out due to its advantages and potential risks. The built-in cameras of the automated drones used not only by law enforcement agencies but also by private actors can collect personal information, raising serious ethical concerns. Although drone surveillance is beneficial to society, as it can restrict illegal activities and violations of human rights, it poses apprehensions concerning the privacy and security of people. From this perspective, this chapter examines the vital ethical considerations essential for realizing a sustainable future while using the method of drone surveillance.