Privacy policy

The Drone Privacy Guidelines were developed by the department to provide information about how drone users can ensure they operate in accordance with relevant privacy laws. The Guidelines were developed in consultation with states and territories, industry and other stakeholders, to support a shared understanding of how drone operations intersect with relevant privacy provisions. Operators should seek specific legal advice or contact relevant state or territory bodies if they have any concerns or questions about proposed activities.

A final version of the Drone Privacy Guidelines, and the accompanying submission summary document, can be found at the links below:

• Drone Privacy Guidelines (PDF)
• Drone Privacy Guidelines (DOCX)
• Drone Privacy Guidelines Submissions Summary (PDF)
• Drone Privacy Guidelines Submissions Summary (DOCX)

The department would like to thank all those who took the time to provide feedback. Public consultation submissions received for the guidelines can be found here. 

General information for individuals and organisations can be found at the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC). Individuals are also able to lodge a privacy complaint about an organisation potentially misusing personal information to the OAIC through their complaint form. Drone businesses and related operators should follow the Australian Privacy Principles.

Inappropriate drone use could also breach state and territory laws relating to privacy, trespass, harassment, intimidation, nuisance and endangering safety. These can differ between states and territories and may not specifically mention drones. In most legislative acts, drones are not specifically named, instead, they are included as surveillance devices, aircraft, or other similar descriptors. The table below provides a summary of legislative Acts that may apply to recreational drone users and their privacy obligations. These obligations are not limited to the below table.

Operators should seek specific legal advice or contact relevant state or territory bodies if they have any concerns or questions about proposed activities.