Ride the Lightning
Cybersecurity and Future of Law Practice Blog
by Sharon D. Nelson Esq., President of Sensei Enterprises, Inc.
Amazon to Deliver Purchases via Drones: A PR Triumph!
December 3, 2013
Can Amazon use drones to deliver packages today? No. It doesn't have the technology nor does it have the legal authority from the Federal Aviation Administration.
What I believe it does have is terrific PR folks. You couldn't turn around on Monday without being besieged by TV, radio and online reports about Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos' "delivery by drone" announcement. And what timing – it all hit on Cyber Monday.
Truly, this was one of the best publicity stunts I've seen. The delivery date (optimistically) for the drones is 2018. The FAA anticipates issuing regulations for the commercial use of drones in 2015.
I predict we will continue to hear about these drones for days, including all the potential pitfalls. How do they deliver to the right person? What about all those who live in apartment buildings? What if the drones (maybe with the package) are stolen or shot down with some youngster's BB gun? What if the cheapest manufacturer is in China so the photos shot by the drones are all sent "home?" The possibilities for mishaps and misadventures are endless.
In all the stories I heard, reporters were taking the story very seriously. I began to wonder if I was the warped one. So thanks to The Guardian for its "don't believe the hype" post!
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