H.R.2939 - Drone Espionage Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 2939, the Drone Espionage Act, aims to amend Title 18 of the United States Code to prohibit the taking or transmitting of video of defense information. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on April 17, 2025, by Mrs. Kiggans of Virginia and was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. The core provision of the bill adds "video" to the list of prohibited items, alongside "photographic negative," in Section 793 of Title 18, which deals with gathering, transmitting, or losing defense information.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill, if enacted, would be to broaden the scope of existing laws concerning espionage to specifically include video recordings. This would likely lead to increased scrutiny and potential prosecution of individuals or entities using drones to capture video of sensitive defense-related locations or information. It could also impact news organizations or researchers using drones for legitimate purposes, potentially requiring them to implement stricter safeguards to avoid violating the law.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced National Security: By explicitly prohibiting video recording of defense information, the bill could deter espionage activities and protect sensitive military installations and technologies.
- Reduced Risk of Information Leaks: Limiting the ability to capture and transmit video of defense sites could reduce the risk of classified information falling into the wrong hands.
- Clarified Legal Framework: Adding "video" to existing espionage laws provides a clearer legal framework for prosecuting individuals who use drones for illicit purposes.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential Infringement on Freedom of the Press: The bill could potentially restrict the ability of journalists to report on defense-related activities, especially if they use drones to gather information.
- Overly Broad Application: The language of the bill might be interpreted too broadly, potentially capturing innocent activities or legitimate research.
- Increased Compliance Burden: Businesses and individuals using drones for legitimate purposes might face increased compliance burdens to ensure they are not inadvertently violating the law.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutional alignment is complex. While it aims to enhance national security, a legitimate government interest, it could potentially infringe upon First Amendment rights related to freedom of the press and speech. The key constitutional question would be whether the restrictions imposed by the bill are narrowly tailored to serve a compelling government interest, as required by First Amendment jurisprudence. The bill's impact on privacy rights under the Fourth Amendment also warrants consideration, particularly regarding potential surveillance implications.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).