Legal Analysis
Drones and Criminal Law: Espionage, Damages, and Air Safety
calendar_todayDecember 21, 2025
Recreational and professional drone use has skyrocketed, but many pilots are unaware that they are operating aircraft subject to strict regulation. Recklessness can end up in criminal court.
The Eye in the Sky: Crimes Against Privacy
Recording the interior of a home or a private pool from the air without consent is a crime of discovery and revelation of secrets (Art. 197 CP), punishable by 1 to 4 years in prison. It is not necessary to disseminate the images; mere capturing consummates the crime.
Danger to Air Navigation
Flying near airports (CTR) or over crowds of people without authorization can constitute a crime against air safety. If the drone impacts a person, the pilot responds for injury by gross negligence.