Regulatory Challenges and Future Perspectives for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Abstract

This article examines the complex regulatory challenges facing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with a particular focus on safety, privacy, and liability considerations. Through analysis of international best practices and emerging governance frameworks, the research identifies key regulatory tensions between innovation facilitation and risk mitigation across diverse jurisdictions. The study examines how safety regulatory approaches have evolved from prescriptive limitations towards performance-based frameworks, addressing the unique risk profiles of unmanned operations. Privacy challenges are analyzed through a comparative assessment of data protection frameworks in the European Union, the United States, and Asia, revealing significant governance gaps regarding aerial surveillance capabilities. Liability considerations receive special attention, highlighting the inadequacy of conventional aviation liability models for autonomous systems and the emerging approaches to risk allocation across the UAV operational chain. The article contributes to both academic discourse and policy development by proposing integrated regulatory solutions that balance technological advancement with legitimate public interests in safety, privacy, and accountability. Findings suggest that effective UAV governance requires multi-layered approaches combining international standards with contextual implementation mechanisms while emphasizing stakeholder participation and adaptive regulatory tools suitable for rapidly evolving technology.