‘Drones, but: don’t panic’
Currently, there is a debate concerning the use of drones in war zones. Interestingly, and not even astonishing, the discussion is giving new impetus now is said that the USA might expand the use of drones for domestic surveillance. Micah Zenko wrote an article titled ‘Drone, Sweat Drone’ in Foreign Policy arguing we shouldn’t be too worried about the use of drones for domestic surveillance. The first sentence says it all: ‘The debate over domestic surveillance is heating up. But don't panic yet.’ Well, I do panic. The use of drones, whether or not for domestic use, is expanding rapidly and there are hardly any regulations to it.
Fortunately we have artists reminding us of the terrifying outcomes of these cool technologies (watch the buy cheap cigarettes
/” target=”_blank”>documentary ‘Remote Control War’ and see how cool it is). Think of the photojournalist Noor Behram documenting the aftermath of drone strikes in Pakistan, and James Bridle and Einar Sneve Martinussen in their project ‘Drone Shadows’ (see also picture above). For more artists creatively using drones in their work, click here.
One might say I am messing up two different discussions: The use of drones in warfare can’t be compared to the use of drones for domestic surveillance. Does it matter whether you live in the USA or in Pakistan? From an ethical point of view, in my opinion, it doesn’t. Obviously, others people’s opinion might differ from mine. And if you have some more time: listen to this interesting and sometimes stunning radio interview on ethics and technology in warfare.
treaty of utrecht 2013 website
