Is the sanctity of the Aussie backyard under threat?

The recent case of a Darwin resident who had her privacy invaded by a drone when she was skinny-dipping in her backyard pool has raised concerns about what rights we have when it comes to privacy in our own yards.

Karli Hyatt told the ABC’s Law Report that she was swimming naked in her pool after a gym session on a hot evening when a strange noise alerted her to a drone flying overhead, which hovered at the centre of her pool and stayed there “for about 30 to 60 seconds”. 

Ms Hyatt described the realisation that someone was watching her as a “bewildering experience” and was concerned about the invasion of privacy. 

“I think images going on to social media, even just someone that could be a bit creepy or a bit of a perv, and it also opens up issues for illegal activity I suppose at well, people looking in your backyard at what property you may have”, she said. 

Last year the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) relaxed laws around privately operated drones, meaning that owners of drones under 2kg can fly them without a need for a licence. 

It must be operated in conditions which allow it to remain in the visual line of sight of the operator, may not be flown in heavily populated areas – a crowded beach for example – and must be kept at least 30 metres from other people.

There is no requirement for operators to avoid flying over privately owned property, and Australia does not have a tort of privacy like many other countries. This effectively means that privacy is up to the person who desires it. For example, to prevent a neighbour looking over your fence, you would be need to build a higher fence.

The introduction of drone technology makes obtaining a level of privacy all the more difficult.

Does it concern you that drones could potentially flying over your backyard?