The government wants to destroy the drone prohibition

By: Thomas Ström 12/22/16

Finally the politicians make the right decision!

Earlier this fall I was horrified over those who make the decisions at the Administrative court.
It was concerning their insane decision to ban photographing with camera drones.
The fact that they made it possible for foreign companies to continue operations, while the Swedish companies had a total ban, did not only upset me.
Many have been contributing to the debate, not least considering that the camera ban was accompanied by sharp stock market drops in the Swedish listed drone companies. The worst example is Fastout (AktieTorget), which fell 22 per cent on 24 October.

In connection with the ban, I wrote the following blog post:
“No wonder you sometimes question who is making the decisions in this country… Maybe it’s relics from an ancient time, who have not kept up with the development of society at all? 
Regardless, this decision needs to be changed. Immediately!”

And now it seems there will be a change. But do not think for a second that it’s the Administrative Court who has changed its mind. 

No, for the first time in a long time, I actually think that our government has made a really good decision.

Earlier this week, the government sent out a press release in which Justice Minister Morgan Johansson (S) made the following statement:
"Today, we have sent a proposal for reviewing in which drones are exempted from the permit requirements under the surveillance law".
The new legislation can enter into force no earlier than the summer of 2017, according to Morgan Johansson.
Furthermore, the Government states in their press release that individuals’ personal integrity instead should be protected by the provisions of the Personal Data Act.
"This means that anyone who uses camera-equipped drones has to take measures to avoid privacy violations, for example by ensuring that the use is for legitimate purposes and in a transparent manner".

I did not foresee this a few months ago.
But now it is a fact. The government has helped to change the crazy decision.
They thought it through and made the right decision!