Droner og Sverige - Kamera forbudt uten tillatelse - UAS Vision

Sweden Bans Camera-Equipped Drones

The Supreme Administrative Court of Sweden has banned the use of camera-equipped drones without a permit, overturning a previous decision to not consider them surveillance equipment.

Aerial footage and photography professionals and enthusiasts have been dealt a heavy blow in Sweden. The Supreme Administrative Court has established that drones equipped with cameras are now to be categorised surveillance equipment, whose use require a special license. Although a court had previously ruled against such categorisation of drones in the past, this decision has now been overruled.

Users wishing to use camera drones in public spaces must now apply for a permit and pay a fee, just like with any other surveillance camera. Applying and paying does not, however, guarantee that the permit will be granted. Dashboard and helmet cameras are not affected by these restrictions, as they always remain within reach of the owner. In other words, the Swedish drone ban means you can put the new GoPro Hero5 on the Karma gimbal and you’re good to go. Mount THAT on the Karma drone, however, and things quickly become illegal.

Unmanned Aerial Systems Sweden, an industry group, reports that around 5,000 jobs could be in danger due to the new restrictions.