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Letters: Illegal or criminal? Richmond News reader questions drone activity

Privacy and safety was a reader’s concern when a drone flew past an open balcony.
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A News reader was concerned about privacy after a drone flew past. Richmond Newstead/The Image Bank/Getty Images

Dear Editor,

I live in an apartment on the sixth floor (top floor) in Richmond. Yesterday, after 12 p.m., the sunshine was very good, so I opened my balcony door. Suddenly, a drone flew over my balcony.

I thought the drone’s camera would take in everything in my room.

That made me feel very nervous and unsafe with no privacy.

I don’t know if that is illegal or even criminal.

Who controls drone activities?

Jianhua Li

Richmond

Editor’s note: Drones/Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) are not allowed in any Richmond parks. There is a no-fly zone in most of Richmond due to the close proximity to the Vancouver International Airport, unless given special permission by the city and/or Transport Canada. Film permits are needed to fly within the city and a drone-operation permit is required for any drones weighing more than 250g.