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Tuesday, 8th March 2016
In General Japan News,
Japan expected to pass drone restriction law
Japan’s parliament, which is known as the Diet, is expected to put a law in place restricting the use of drones.
The new legislation will be used as part of counterterrorism measures, as the country readies itself to welcome world leaders to the Group of Seven Summit (G-7), reports the Japan Times.
This high-profile event is due to take place in May and many believe the law will be put in place by the end of this month (March) in preparation.
Drones will then be banned from flying over significant facilities, such as the prime minister’s office and the Imperial Palace.
The restrictions will also be extended to encompass anywhere being inhabited by a foreign dignitary during the summit.
Any drone found to be in violation of the law could then be destroyed by police without any warning.
The proposed legislation was passed by the Lower House last year and is waiting to be verified by the Upper House before it can be brought into law.
All parties have agreed to stage a question and answer session on the bill, which will then lead to the vote.
This move comes after the Civil Aeronautics Law was amended in September, which did put more restrictions on drones.
Many believe it did not go far enough, however, as it does not allow for the destroying of drones that are flying over important buildings.
Drones are an increasing concern for the government, especially as one was discovered on top of the prime minister’s office in April.
The tiny device could easily have gone undetected and the most significant thing of all is that it contained a small amount of radiation.
Prior to the G-7 summit kicking off in Mie Prefecture, ministers from both Japan and other countries will be meeting across the country.
The first of these scheduled is on April 10th and 11th in Hiroshima.
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