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Armed Drones: Coming to an Airspace Near You

May 25, 2012
A Texas police department is just one of many local agencies across the country that has been granted permission by the Federal Aviation Administration to use unmanned aerial drones in the course of its operations, and its chief deputy wants to arm its fleet with rubber bullets and tear gas.

Killing Fellow Americans? Sure, Say Most of Us

Feb 9, 2012
A Washington Post poll found that 83 percent of Americans approved of the U.S. government’s use of flying robots to kill terror suspects overseas, while 65 percent found no fault even if those targeted were American citizens. Liberals and Democrats consented to the killings as well, with favorable showings of 55 percent and 58 percent, respectively.

Activists Fight Back With ‘Occucopter’ Drone

Dec 22, 2011
The worldwide uprisings of 2011 have seen ordinary people use surveillance and communication technology to protect themselves against oppressive governments. Now, New York City’s Occupiers are taking such tactics to the skies with the "occucopter," a lightweight, camera-mounted helicopter that can be controlled with an iPhone.

The Rise of the Machines

Sep 26, 2011
Improvements in the technology behind the predator drone are advancing at a rate faster than a half-naked Arnold Schwarzenegger fleeing extra-terrestrial assassins in an alien jungle. Two new books bring us up to date. (more)

U.S. Presses Covert Airstrikes in Yemen

Jun 9, 2011
Following Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh's emergency departure for medical treatment last week, the U.S. government has taken advantage of the resulting power vacuum to resume covert fighter jet and drone attacks that have killed civilians and suspected terrorists alike. (more)

Insurgents Hack Predator Drones With Cheap Software

Dec 18, 2009
The $4.5 million Predator unmanned aerial vehicle and its at least $10 million successor are considered the future of America's Air Force and a big part of the president's escalation in Afghanistan. Insurgents in Iraq (and probably Afghanistan) were able to track the planes and intercept video feeds using $26 software available on the Internet. (continued)