Amid concerns over drones' impact on air traffic, the United States Government is reportedly contemplating plans to require anyone who buys a drone to register it. NBC News said that an announcement on the matter is scheduled for Monday, and the expectation is that a drone registration policy will be in place by Christmas.
As you might expect, people are balking at the idea, but the increased oversight could be a result of recent close calls involving drones and airplanes. By requiring registration, officials may be able to better track down those who pose a danger, whether deliberately or through carelessness.
In August, pilots of at least two airplanes flying near the John F. Kennedy airport in New York reported spotting drones---in one case, close enough to almost cause a collision. This, even though drones are prohibited from flying within five miles of New York City airports.
The rumored registration laws are a sign that the government is taking the issue of drone guidance seriously. For a while now, people have been waiting for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to take action on the matter of privately owned drones, but with limited results. In fact, following a rule change earlier this year, data has shown a sharp spike in the number of commercial drones currently in flight with an FAA exemption (most are for photo/film/video use, but other industries using drones include real estate and delivery).
It seems that only newly purchased drones would be subject to a ruling, but we'll find out more on Monday.