/Drones for protest /
Drones strikes have been heavily criticised for their impersonal nature and lack of clear accountability. However, unmanned vehicles systems (UVS) have also been championed as an effective and safe alternative in hostile environments and conflict areas.
As their availability become mainstream, over the counter, tinkered devices could potentially be used by activists and as a countermeasure to the increase militarisation of police forces from around the world. Drones can play different roles: from broadcasting messages beyond the reach of authorities or in situations that might pose a risk to protesters' safety.
The project looks at how technology can work as a leveler between citizens and the police, and the military while playing a role when abuse of force takes place.
List of images in order of appearance:
1 [ Drone projecting messages from remote source ]
2, 3, 4 [ Drone broadcasting Riot Police activity ]
5 [ Drone highlighting safe routes, police kettling and other activities to protesters on the ground ]
6 [ Drone's live feed on social media ]
Highlights:
This project has been featured in Paul Cureton's "Drone Futures - UAS in Landscape and Urban Design" published by Routledge in 2020.
Year: 2012