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Recent Discussions |
Welcome to the Drone Age?October 2015Andy Miah, Anna Frew and James Woudhuysen introduced a discussion on the ethics of drone flight
Commercial drone use has dramatically expanded in recent years, with an increasingly inventive set of uses. Drones have been deployed in fields as diverse as aerial photography and humanitarian relief whilst retailers in Japan have even started to use them to deliver products (Amazon’s much-vaunted Prime Air is still in prototype testing). While much attention has been focused on their military functions and use by law enforcement – Indian police have purchased ones which could be used to pepper spray protestors – yet their increasing affordability and commercial ubiquity poses numerous problems for regulators. Dutch feminist campaigners were able to fly abortion pills into Poland to circumvent its restrictions on reproductive healthcare, whilst there are increasing numbers of injuries created by their use: the singer Enrique Inglesias was one high profile casualty, with a drone nearly severing his fingers on stage. There have already been several near-misses with passenger aircraft.
Are we on the brink of a new Drone Age or will their impact be more niche and specialist? What economic and legal barriers exist to their development, and can they be overcome? How should the authorities balance the benefits of allowing the freedom to experiment with the potential hazards and risks new technologies create? Outside of military and security purposes, will they have a transformative effect on how we live, or are they more akin to advanced consumer gadget?
Some background readingsUnmanned Aerial Vehicles and Unmanned Aerial Systems, Big Brother Watch’s briefing note on drones Drones: time to reach for the skies, by James Woudhuysen, December 2014 Islamic State conflict: UK 'would repeat Syria drone strike', BBC News 08-Sept-2015
Venue and TimeIn the University of Salford Campus @ MediaCityUK Plot B4, Salford Quays, M50 2HE. Please arrive in plenty of time for a prompt 2:00pm start - expected to finish around 3:30pm. Tickets are free but need to be booked in advance via Eventbrite, or by Emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
This discussion, including audience comments, will be filmed and made available online as a reference resource.
Discussion PartnersThis discussion, including audience comments, and will be recorded, hopefully filmed, to be made available shortly after the discussion online as a reference resource. The Manchester Salon is joining the fabulous Manchester Science Festival for the sixth year running, itself celebrating its seventh year. With over 200 events for families and adults, you can expect an exciting nine days of cutting-edge research, the brightest minds and amazing events. You’ll have the chance to delve into immersive experiences, explore the science of the city by foot, join in the debate, enjoy hands-on activities, see awe-inspiring films and much more. Watch out for trailblazers throughout the year and join us at events throughout Greater Manchester during 23 October - 2 November 2015.
Sponsored byIf you would like to sponsor this discussion please look at the Sponsor the Salon page and email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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