Will the AUDIT channels RUIN the UK drone hobby?

[@Geeksvana]

PLEASE READ: This is a topic that many of the Geeksvana viewers have requested we discuss. In fact, I have had more requests about this topic than any other. It is a controversial and somewhat divisive subject and I look forward to taking a deep dive into it with you. Geeksvana is a channel open to all and I like to think we consider all sides of any issue. Everyone is reminded that this is intended as a healthy debate and discussion. Any attempts to derail it into name calling, personal insults, offensive statements or hidden agendas will not be permitted. I intend to leave all points of view open and will not change our comment moderation policy for this topic. However, anything offensive will be removed, so please keep to the topic. Be polite to each other and respect that two people can have opposing opinions and live happily together in a democracy. Any comments mentioning a channel or specific individuals by name, be it discussion, promotion or derogatory in nature will be removed by moderators. This video will discuss a very narrow part of the topic only and represents my personal opinion as requested by so many viewers. Thank you 😎.

[@mrb4971]

Well said and possibly. Having an interest in industrial estates and what goes on in them for instance can be quite interesting I find. The way 1 or 2 folk go about pursuing this makes me cringe sometimes and could be done better. The idiots that just launch and hover in areas that could be considered sensitive and just wait for confrontation should seek therapy of some kind imo. If your lucky enough to be able to afford one of these amazingly clever machines. Take a walk in the country with family or friends and create some wonderful memories you can show the grandkids one day instead of something they and probably yourselves will be embarrassed to watch back in years to come.

[@monkstandinglast]

if people just left the auditors alone and watched them instead like they should to make sure that nothing ilegal happens then these chanels would soon become boring, trouble is you do have jumped up security whonare easily triggered to reacting wrong and yes they are ignoring what their bosses are telling them to do, I had one at my work place and just said sorry pal you not allowed in here not open for the public but crack on filming outside, just watched the cctv and they were gone after 10mins after watching some staff who didnt mind been on camera get their breakfast from rhe sandwich van easy no fuss no police no problems. I don't see how difficult it is to just leave them alone really then their would be a rapid decrease in content without their interactions. but I do like watching people loose their cool over something so mundane sometimes its nature lol

[@PJAudits]

I never make any attempt to hide my face while I am making my videos, and some that do have small families they want to protect. In 99% of my videos you will see my face and while making my videos I always try the nice and friendly approach to what I do.

[@benjiviews4300]

You're one of the best PJ!

[@Aretec]

no but you still use the drone to try and get a reaction, so more views so more money, you mate DJ (Nigel) will do the same

[@michaelwheatland4565]

Absolutely they will, I refuse to watch and give them oxygen however the problem is the damage has been done in my opinion. They are pretty irresponsible narcissistic individuals too cocky by half.

[@woodydroneson]

I vote with my finger and don't click on these Audit Channels after watching 2 or 3 of them. In one they flew over a factory after first talking to and antagonising the security guard, office managers and then the actual manager saying they just wanted to tell them that they will be flying over their factory and there was nothing they could do to stop him from doing so. They could have approached it better by saying that they wanted to show the huge factory and promote how it provides work etc and ask for permission which would have been nice and maybe just maybe would have worked, but they just wanted the antagonistic and add click-bait drama for the video. I felt watching the video that the Audit Channel potentially broke privacy laws by flying very low over the enclosed and locked service yard with the camera aiming down and hovering while filming. I had a long debate after I commented about it on the video, not by the Audit Channel itself but by one of their viewers. We agreed to disagree in the end :)

[@bjowitt]

I recently contacted my local Police HQ to find out how they would react if my (rather difficult) neighbour made a complaint about my FPV flying. They don’t have a department that deals with drones but I spoke to an officer who just happened to know drones and the law. He advised that the police would be unlikely to intervene, advising the neighbour that it was a civil matter, unless there was hard evidence that a drone had been flown dangerously or irresponsibly. This seemed to me to be very sensible and pragmatic and I was reassured that the police were unlikely to interfere with my legitimate activities.

[@DeeJayEll]

So can you legally fly your FPV drone at home?

[@rukunman]

@@DeeJayEll you can fly with no issues due to the weight of fvp which tend to be under 250g. Hence considered a toy, so flying over people, parks, recreational areas etc you will have no problems

[@retroonhisbikes]

Rather than send police a poor educated PSCO why not educate despatch to inform the caller that photography in public is legal. Anyone making false calls should be charged with wasting police time. Many people see a camera as an Opportunity to promote their business. Yet others get all offended and promote their business in a very poor light. Forget the drone aspect people seem to be unformed about public photograph. Ive seen any street photographers being attacked simply for taking photos of building while stood on the pavement. The police chiefs even had to issue a memo to their staff informing them that photography is not a crime, Specifically mentioned auditors. This memo got ignored so the police chief had to issue that memo again.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Retro, I remember the memo very well. There was a lot of inaccurate information in the mainstream media at the time which did not help. Thanks for taking the time to comment and join the conversation.

[@zuluwarrior1648]

You can also provide your own privacy in a public space

[@elliottg.1954]

Fully agree with everything you say. Yes - I think confrontational auditors ruin the hobby when a bit of tact and co-operation would be more helpful. They will often wind people up and waste police time, which can't be good for genuine photographers doing their hobby or working their job, while following the rules. That said, it's time security guards and PCSOs brushed up on CAA rules as they change, and stopped (what is in my opinion) making things up.

[@unlokia]

I can never quite get my head around what they’re trying to “audit“; probably because it’s a load of hot air, and they’re trying to come across as “important”. The sheer volume of poor grammar and spelling mistakes is hilarious on these channels.

[@sidetrekked]

Well tackled for a difficult subject. I love using drone footage in my vids, but using it just to goad a reaction isn't the way to go in my opinion. Loving my DJI mini 3 pro, and loving your vids!

[@jamieprice23]

So you like drones but only if it falls into your agenda of being annoying.. thats tyranny

[@peteF776]

Flying a drone just to provoke a response from the authorities is irresponsible, flying these minis may not be illegal, but wasting police time is, if these idiots keep constantly posting their taunts online the police could have a case for prosecution

[@garybrindle6715]

Time wasting is caused by badly trained security lying to get police out.

[@Geeksvana]

I agree Peter. There can only be value in showing one police station flown over. Beyond that it becomes a prank show.

[@steveh3483]

usually rules, regulations, etc, come into force because of any change or nuisance, these guys are a nuisance....

[@lewisbrand]

The problem is so called auditors make money from their dirge, around £8.40 per thousand views from KZbin. Many of these harassment channels do one video per day, five days a week with around 50K views per video. My solution when dealing with these characters is to play, as loud as possible, copyright music when confronting them. This ensures KZbin will issue a copyright strike, and remove the video.

[@bobbobskin]

I have to admit, I regularly report audit channels to the Police, as they seem to regularly fly recklessly, overfly locations, breach of ICO etc. As someone who flies professionally (and who also works as a paralegal), I am very concerned that it their antics will cause issues.

[@ollieflj]

Before these self-appointed auditors started using Drones, they have spent years doing the same thing with photography or videography, using the argument that there is no legal barrier to their actions and often provoking similar reactions to drones. Years and years and years of this type of content hasn’t led to toughening of laws around public photography or videography. I write this as someone who enjoys taking street photography and does so with very little problems

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Ollie! Well said.

[@shadyproductionsinc.2931]

@Kens UK Adventures your not in people's faces with a drone, yer are with a smartphone, more invasive then, simple

[@gboulter]

When the Police get to the point of understanding even the very basics like VLOS applies to sub 250g. Most of the videos are being shot outside the CAA regulations. If you note the take off point in most videos that position is blind to the SUA at some point also the aircraft is so small there no way they can see the fly it LOS at the distances they are from themselves.

[@gmivisualsjason3729]

Hi Sean. Before watching this I had only heard about "Auditors" from a Scottish drone operators channel. You have clearly put a great deal of thought into this topic. The information you provided was excellent. Balanced and informative. Thank you. I think I agree completely with your personal opinion on this subject. One thing that stands out to me and for some reasons makes me uncomfortable is the fact that these "Auditors" hide their identity from onlookers. I don't like this. Personally I prefer on some occasions to put the feelings of others before my own "Legal rights" and don't always insist on having my rights exercised. Can't they "Audit" without a balaclava???

[@Geeksvana]

Spot on Jason! Thank you sir.

[@DMC888]

There are valid reasons they hide their identity. The police are not happy with what they’re doing, so will use all the dirty tricks in the book to disrupt their lives. For example one auditor had a marker placed on his car meaning he gets stopped frequently for no reason. Police confirmed the marker but wouldn’t say what the intel was.

[@billrankin]

If the police and security knew the rules around drones, then they would not need to attend or interfere with legal drone flying. I am a legitimate and profession photographer and drone pilot with PFCO and insurance and I still get grief off security, people and police. Education of police and security is a must with drone and photography laws and not assume or make up rules, I am pretty placid and a few times told security to fk off as they are clueless and think they can order people around.

[@Welshrobb]

Hey Sean, There defiantly giving us drone hobbyists and commercial fliers a bad rap.. I cringe at some of the audit videos and what they do with there drones. Left a thumbs up

[@Dius765RS]

Some are worse then others, but they aren't all bad. As long as they aren't Breaking-The-Law , then No its fine. 🚔 And in many cases they are normalising the hobby. 🚁

[@auditnerd8767]

@@Dius765RS Most ARE bad. There's less than a handful of responsible ones. Some are breaking the law. If you think their actions will "normalize" drone use, you're extremely naive. They are creating a disastrous public image of drone use. If that wasn't the case....we wouldn't be here..watching this video.

[@Dius765RS]

@@auditnerd8767 IMO snowflake, you need to read a few more comments in this thread....👍

[@auditnerd8767]

@@Dius765RS A well thought....yet myopic reply. Within 6 minutes.... Thank you.

[@aireboat7988]

@@Dius765RS So...? "If its legal..Its fine" Your in a minority, here to defend and possibly represent the attitude and behaviour that the majority of us see as a threat. That pretty much sums up what Sean strived diligently for months to express so eloquently.

[@231darren]

They are already RUIN the hobby

[@soarinuk]

You have hit the nail on the head here Sean. 'Auditers' are not there to fly their drone but to provoke a reaction. There is one particular chap (who doesn't have any drone content) that attended my local police station and decided to criticise officers for parking on double yellow lines. What he failed to take into account was the fact that the road in question was actually private and belonged to the police station - the double yellows are there to prevent the public from parking and obstructing emergency services vehicles. When I'm working, I happily attend any 'nuance drone' calls and 9 times out of 10 end up educating the informant as to the drone rules. The negative side to this is that my knowledge of the rules is 100% due to the fact that I'm a drone operator myself. I have had no legal input from the job whatsoever and the bosses seem very reluctant to roll out a training program. In the grand scheme of things, 'nuance drones' are below the bottom of the priority list! Most of the time, officers arent even dispatched to drone calls - they appear as a logged call and if an officer is available, they may well attend providing there are no other open jobs. Drones just aren't seen as a problem.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey soarinuk! Thank you for your insights, it is valuable information. I wonder if the fact that the rules are again likely to change could prevent forces from wanting to train based on information that will change? Although as you state, it is not a priority, which I agree with overall.

[@michaelmerry678]

Just wondering, police stations are paid for by the tax payer, so the private road that belongs to the police station is also owned by the tax payer, probably maintained by the council, so that would make it a public road and unless the police vehicles are being used in the line of duty i would have thought they were parked illegally, just wondering.

[@soarinuk]

@@michaelmerry678 with that sort of logic, the public should have a right of entry to every police operated premises.... ? Would you expect to walk into Scotland Yard without being challenged? The road in question is maintained by the estates team and has no council involvement at all. There is an implied right of way over the road for pedestrians in order for them to reach the enquiry office however this is not a a legal right of way as such and there is a secondary office opening out onto the public highway for times when the police need to shut the road in question.....

[@dazzpol]

I thankfully retired from the ‘job’ 5 years ago. The issue with drones is the general publics perception of what is legal and or not. Or more correctly IMO what they personally like and don’t like. If someone doesn’t like or agree with something it’s illegal, or should be. The police have been used - historically- to deal with matters that are nothing to do with them and are always the first port of call to an uneducated public. I fly drones, I shoot rifles and a few other perfectly legal pursuits that not everyone likes. What we have to get used to is it isn’t getting any better and probably worse. In todays world the voice of the loud minority will always be heard. Whilst certain activities are not illegal, continuing to flaunt it in front of people and authorities will only bring in legislation to stamp it out. So for the sake a “I can do I will” and winding authority up for clicks will backfire and they’ll only have themselves to blame.

[@dickietrickle]

This is just my opinion on the subject. The nub of the problem is the 'threat to security' argument to blown way too far out of proportion. And this is what is driving the whole audit channel phenomenon. If security/police just informed them to stay on the public side, and not to enter any restricted areas, and then just left them to get on with it without having childish arguments. Majority of audit channels would start drying up.

[@stevemcintosh5322]

WELL DONE.... Well Said.... Im a retired Police Officer after 27yrs service and a Fully qualified pilot for over 3 years. You have covered EVERYTHING I would have thought about myself. These Chanels (Audit Chanels) are damaging The Hobbyist & Commercial Drone community.

[@auditnerd8767]

Agreed, So what needs doing to make sure they ONLY damage themselves?

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Steve! Thank you for the kind feedback, appreciate it. Thank you as well for the 27 years service!

[@stevemcintosh5322]

@@Geeksvana Your very welcome, and please keep up the Fantastic work

[@marcandsebe]

The police and other owners could set up their own channel and film the auditors and make them famous 😂

[@Renegade1127]

How are the 'auditors' damaging anything? It's not them giving knee-jerk reactions to a lawful activity. No reaction = no audit video = no 'damage'. All police stations have been issued with memo's from high up telling them how to deal with 'auditors', with and without drones, but too many cops choose to either ignore those memo's or simply want to prove who's in charge.

[@orangeroughy8567]

Bottom line is its not illegal so they ARE NOT wasting anyones time. In fact this shouldn't even be a topic

[@PlayerWellKnown]

I have to say, this video is brilliant. I’ve no interest in drones as a hobby and I’m certainly not an auditor. But the way you approached this subject demonstrates how good you are at approaching a emotive subject, explaining both sides and having a common sense approach. Great video.

[@nickf6587]

Sometimes these channels are trying to force confrontation and that doesn’t help anyone in the community.

[@stevebird7265]

If there was no confrontation, the idiots would not make the video's!

[@Dius765RS]

As long as they aren't *Breaking-The-Law* , then *No* its fine. 🚔 And in many cases they are normalising the hobby. 🚁

[@Welshrobb]

They are stretching the rules to the uttermost limit using or abusing the sub 250g drone category as the comment below stated. Plus just because you could don't always mean you should.

[@Dius765RS]

@Welsh Rob You are either abiding by the *Law* or you are not. No legal precedent for 'stretching' the law my friend. To your second point, if you can legally then it is in fact, legal.

[@Dius765RS]

​@Kens UK Adventures Do you have a link for these supposed infraction, would like to see them for myself? And if they are criminal, forward them to the authorities / police! You can't hide from the law if you have posted the incriminating evidence on social media my friend lol, the Police can find you if they wish.

[@Geeksvana]

Please do not prevent others from discussing their views on this topic. Everyone's line of what is acceptable to them does not necessarily mean it is illegal/legal.

[@Welshrobb]

@@Geeksvana Apologies Sean.. Looks like you have picked a good topic lol

[@krisraggyknapton238]

I cannot wait for this. Feel it will be a very interesting video and topic to cover. Like many I have seen videos from these individuals that have made me cringe and worry about the future drone flying in the UK, stretching the rules to the uttermost limit using or abusing the sub 250g drone category. Most involve confrontation as let's face it it provides content and views, but at what cost? Tighter drone rules, more areas and airspace becoming overly restricted or that may just be me overthinking things so would be interesting to hear others views on these uses.

[@Welshrobb]

" stretching the rules to the uttermost limit using or abusing the sub 250g drone category." Exactly what i was meaning to say. Your 100% Right..👍👍👍👍

[@Dius765RS]

As long as they aren't Breaking-The-Law , then No its fine. 🚔 And in many cases they are normalising the hobby. 🚁 You are either abiding by the Law or you are not. No legal precedent for 'stretching' the law my friend.

[@Welshrobb]

@@Dius765RS But some times common courtesy goes a long way.

[@Dius765RS]

@@Welshrobb Common courtesy is 'subjective' my friend. What is courteous for some is abhorrent for others. Kinda the reason we have laws to cut to the heart of the matter. I could send an email to Google asking them not to photograph my house from space due to common courtesy, I very much doubt they will listen.

[@krisraggyknapton238]

There are many things that don't necessarily break the law, but does not mean it is the right thing to do. Look at MOT exemptions of classic vehicles. You can drive one that has never been maintained and a danger but can legally drive it in the road, does not mean it is right to do so.

[@endofdayz783]

New to drones all ive seen on youtube is childish idiots causing trouble its as simple as that attention seeking.......why try to get a reaction from people because your doing your hobby all i can say is bloody grow up . Top channel by the way keep up the good work alot of this channel has been very helpful for me 👍

[@tonylewis7660]

The problem as I see it is the police react to these guys instead of just ignoring them. The police, trying to fill what they see as a void in legislation that enables them to deal with these guys, then go to the extreme themselves. We’ve see auditors arrested under the Terrorism Act. This does nothing but put even more money in the auditors pockets in the form of compensation for unlawful arrest. If the police want to damage the auditors financially then simply ignore them, by getting lured into the video they become the story, instead, by ignoring them the auditors audience will lose interest and then the KZbin channels of these guys will fade away into obscurity.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Tony! I agree. Although in my opinion the situations are carefully setup to provoke and repeated until they get the reaction they want, I would 100% agree the best course of action would be to simply ignore them. A policy that requires no training or resources. Great point.

[@seymourbutts9364]

Great comment, then I can get my life back by not being hooked on audit vid's lol

[@SCAerialsSteveCarpenter]

Hello Sean, I agree. We, as drone pilots, are the first ones that should address situations and know the drone laws where we live and fly. We, the drone pilots, can educate law enforcement and the public. It's our job to keep up-to-date with the rules and regulations. Thank You for your open and balanced video.

[@stevebird7265]

Calling yourself pilots makes me laugh! It is like me putting a bandaid on my sons knee and calling myself a surgeon!

[@twrmoor]

Yup have to agree with your opinion, I'm not the drone police but please don't provoke them. Much better to try to have positive interactions with the authorities and show them that we are respectful and conscientious pilots, aware of the potential dangers and respectful of peoples privacy. I have less problem with ground based auditing sometimes authority does need to be challenged or investigated by the public. Using drones to "audit" in my opinion is almost weaponizing the UAV's something the civilian world should avoid at all costs.

[@jasondudgeon9510]

Auditors don't like to be identified and they seem to think that unless there's reasonable suspicion of them having committed a crime, they don't have to give any details to the police. In general, this is true, but not when they are flying or have been flying a drone. The police can ID a drone pilot in the same manor that they can a driver of a car, for any reason, so long as a drone flight has or is taking place. To refuse to identify is then a criminal offence for which they can be arrested. The problem is, most police don't realise they have this power, but if / when they catch up those auditors who like to maintain their anonymity might change their minds about using drones. For those who are interested, these powers are given to the police under subsection 2.2 of Schedule 9 of the Air Traffic Management and Unmanned Aircraft Act 2021 so before the usual responses of "You're wrong" please go and read it first.

[@legalactivity6977]

The officer must be spot on in respect of 2 1b. Most auditors have their Operators ID on the Drone and they also have Flyer ID as well. Then their is the leading case where the land owner does not own the air space. NPCC have given guide lines how the police should deal with bloggers/Auditors who are filming the police. Every interactions out side a police station is still a Stop & Account and the officers do not have any powers to detain. An auditor recently show two officers his operator ID told the officers why he was their and what he was going to do. The officers still wanted him to identify the reason was in case he commits an offence. I think most officers know exactly what auditors with drones are going they just want to move them on.

[@jasondudgeon9510]

@@legalactivity6977 I think you're missing the point. Yes, auditors have their operator ID on the drone, it's a legal requirement. For a sub 250g drone, no Flyer ID is required but because it's free and easy to get, most drone pilots also have that. Yes, the land owner does not own the airspace, as long as there are no flight restrictions in place and there are no major crowds around it's legal to fly a sub 250g drone pretty much anywhere. This is all about police powers when requesting drone details & ID of the pilot, something that neither the police nor the auditors seem to have a clue about. The police can request the operator ID & the ID of the pilot so long as a flight is or has taken place, they do not need a reason and it is a criminal offence not to provide those details. It seems to be a common thing with auditors that they think the police can only ID you or ask for the OID if they have reasonable suspicion of a crime, and while that is applicable for a standard stop & account it is not the case for drone pilots. The police can ID & demand details of a car driver for any reason, it's exactly the same with drone pilots even down to the 7 day producer if you don't have those details with you.

[@legalactivity6977]

@@jasondudgeon9510 I respect your comments I would respectfully ask that you read the act again. You cannot compare flying a drone being the same as driving a car. The relevant sections in the Road Traffic Act 1988 is quite clear when it comes to a driver of a motor vehicle. In my opinion an officer must have a reason for stopping you. Most recently in the case of the Athlete who was stopped (Forget all the media attention he received) the Police said he was stopped because they have reason to believe that he was using his mobile phone. You and I can have different opinions about Stop & Account. At the end of the day is flying a drone over a police building illegal? When you are approached by an officer do you have to account for your actions. I leave you with that thought.

[@jasondudgeon9510]

@@legalactivity6977 With respect, you're wrong. Try searching "Being stopped by police while driving" and our government website states "The police can stop a vehicle for any reason. If they ask you to stop, you should always pull over when it’s safe to do so. You’re breaking the law if you do not stop" - I don't provide direct links because sometimes YT removes comments that include them. Of course, in the majority of cases the police DO have a reason to pull drivers over, but the point is that they don't need one. No, flying a drone over a police station is not (in most cases) illegal, but neither is driving a car down the road UNLESS you do not have the necessary requirements in place. For a car, you need a license, insurance, tax & MoT and the police are allowed to check. Many drones need to be registered, and once again, the police are allowed to check. It's written down in black and white.

[@gb4ever]

Really good and fair video I think. Thank you very much and your views on the whole Auditor situation are very fair. The other point that auditors (and lawyers, solicitors etc) jump on (and you mention it briefly at approx 12:25 is that the Police etc may not be 100% on the legislation. We forget that the Police need to have a wide variety of knowledge of the legislation about a great many things. Where as Auditors (and lawyers, solicitors) specilise. So one may know everything about traffic law, another may know everything about Trespass etc (for example) and only goes after that content. Where as the Police have to have a wide knowledge of everything. Thats where they auditors etc get their wins on "technicalities" and shout about it over someone who deals with a little of everything.

[@MM0SDK]

I've been pondering this recently as i've started watching a few audit channels and have to say although it doesn't sit right with me as an introvert, i feel our rights are gradually eroding away which worries me for our future. I've been away from the RC hobby for about 12 years and have seen huge changes since i was last flying - i wouldn't be able to do what i used to do now. I feel we are losing our freedom but not sure i fully agree with auditing either. It's difficult as i see both sides but i wouldn't feel comfortable upsetting anyones day - especially at work. I also wouldn't be happy to see more restrictions as a knee-jerk reaction to a few auditors.

[@charlotteknowles1022]

I would just like to ask...when you say our rights are aroding away, I understand a right to an education, a right to clean drinking water or a right not to live in fear. I don't see how a basic human right is flying a drone over someone else's property and why that being banned would infringe on you as a human? Air spaces have been protected long before a drone was invented. Please don't confuse basic human rights with a hobby.

[@MikeSapiecha]

I have very mixed feelings and have watched many of these channels (they are addictive). One the one hand they are highlighting that photography with or without drones is legal and education or if you prefer understanding is always good. The other aspect is that they are generally deliberately provocative, using a combative and abuse manner and language to provoke a bad interaction. My opinion is that as everyone including non-flyers become more aware of legislation and there are less confrontations so interest will wane. As a flyer that wants to video myself and the beauty of the environment around me I believe that an open and civil interaction with all persons I come into contact with is an ideal outcome and many have shown a genuine interest in what I am doing, at which point I explain about the drone, it's capabilities and even show what it can see on the controller. There was only one occasion in a popular dog walking area where one gentleman angrily gestured for me to move the drone as his dog was watching it intently. I just moved the drone out of his and the dogs sight and therefore out of their interest. I feel that we need to raise awareness of legislation positively both within law authorities as well as the general public. I am currently living abroad but intend to return to the UK next year for good. (sorry for the long comment, but thanks for the work you do)

[@Cdr_Mansfield_Cumming]

If their desire was to fly a drone, why fly them explicitly over Police stations and government security sites? It's designed to provoke a response.

[@richardkille7256]

Coming back to this video after seeing your newer videos, after watching a lot of "audit"videos. I couldn't agree more. While they are technically asserting their rights in most of the channels I've watched, they do so in a provocative way. From a personal experience, my only encounter with authority so far was extremely professional and very disarming. Because of watching the audit videos I was very nervous, and prepared to defend my position against overbearing officers, and probably made my encounter worse in general. Not only have the auditors made authority figures more defensive, they have also made users such as myself more likely to put ourselves in a dangerous position. Thank you, as always, for your clear and factual videos!

[@Dan-qg1bq]

When I first got my drone I was obviously a victim of the algorithm and ended up with the audit videos in my feed. I didn't realise what they were and innocently watched along. I very quickly decided it wasn't a good use of my time. The use of a drone is contentious enough already. For some reason the general public don't understand it, and seem to fear it. I have been accused of all sorts while flying, from taking photos of kids, scaring wildlife and recceing for burglars. The general public need to see that there is nothing to worry about with regards to the hobby. This minority of auditors are not helping with that.

[@Dan-qg1bq]

@@organiccarla325 I don't disagree that they are standing up for all of our rights to fly. I do disagree with the way they do it. Their approach is to confront and insult, when they should be trying to educate and inform.

[@s3ra9h1m]

I know what you mean. I recently went camping on a popular loch and come evening, I took the drone down to the shore to get some good sunset pictures above the Loch. Mountains, reflection on the water, it was a beautiful setup. Suddenly some people came up and asked if I was spying etc. I calmly replied no I’m not but they’re more than welcome to take a look. They were amazed at the detail of the pictures and were generally not clued up about drones. I ended up doing a group picture for them on the loch shore and sent it to their email, they absolutely loved it lol. Unfortunately these auditors etc give us a bad name and that’s where the bad press comes from.

[@stevebird7265]

All possibilities!

[@Saint_Dan]

Auditors are to KZbin as Noel Edmonds was to Saturday Night 1990's TV.

[@dickietrickle]

Jeremy Beadle approves this message.

[@nxu5107]

I wasn’t aware of these channels until you shone the light on them some weeks back and thanks for that. Since then I watched a few of the audit videos and a piece by black belt barrister on this subject. I think the mainstream drone community need to keep everyone educated in our own way. The audit guys also do it in their own way that’s in the faces of authority rightly or wrongly. I don’t think they’ll ruin the hobby. I certainly don’t hope so either. May be we need to engage with a couple of them and have an honest conversation. Your platform is one of the best to do it Sean.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey nx u! I agree the solution is all about communication and hopefully videos like this one will if nothing else give a different dimension to the conversation. I have spoken to a few of the channels, many of whom have reached out with questions etc, and on the whole the desire seems to be one of wanting to know the rules etc. I think we do need to bring both sides together. However, when one of the sides is making money through the activity in a number of ways and continually repeats the same process to get the same result, it feels like a tough one to solve. Both sides need to evolve but I feel this will probably, eventually, be dealt with by officers not engaging.

[@NewsNowYorkshire]

Interesting 🍿

[@Dius765RS]

I agree - Geeksvana content is very informative when it comes to the drone hobby...👍

[@paulmabley9697]

Why not make police stations NFZ surly this would fix this Audit issue?

[@Geeksvana]

Hi Paul. It would seem a simple fix but as I understand it, police stations would not pass the required need. That was the answer last time I checked. Things change of course!

[@derrickknight4985]

Problem is there’s still lack of knowledge from Police, Security, public and some drone users. We get a bad name through ignorance of our work/hobby. Of course there are those who use a drone for illegal purposes and don’t care about the rules.

[@philgreen815]

This subject has been on my mind recently. Yes i believe the audit channels are giving drone hobbyists a bad name, and can only make things worse for us. Quite often the police are involved, in all fairness the police have enough to deal with rather than certain auditors causing issues and arguments around police stations. It seem some of these auditors are trying to gain fame at the cost of damaging relations and attitudes towards responsible drone flyers.

[@jamieprice23]

Just a point, you say the auditors go to argue, an argument wouldn't happen if the police didn't get involved, observe and if a law is broken then arrest, if the police stuck to this then auditing would be finished, but they are run on ego and love confrontation.... police and security need better training

[@krisraggyknapton238]

Awesome Content Sean. Thank you for covering this, very balanced with a great deal to take away. Like you I do not follow audit videos, but like you said with social media and the provocative nature of their actions and response by individuals, it quickly gets passed around and does make you worry about the hobby as it can only take a minority to ruin a good thing. Anyway thank you again for taking on such a deep topic

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Kris! Thank you for the kind feedback! Yes I agree it is a concern how accepted at face value the content seems to be.

[@UK.Music.History]

I have watched quite a few of these videos and find a lot of what there filming pointless but that is just my opinion it's not everyone's cup of tea, some of the creators do valid video's others just pick a place they know will create controversy such as police stations. Some are polite and some rude and aggressive clearly out to create problems. The problem I have is they all claim to know the drone laws and all use a sub 250g drone but more often than not they take the drone way over 400ft sometimes behind buildings clearly out of line of sight, as most drone users know even up to 400ft the sub 250g drones are very hard to see without high power led attached. So therefore breaking one of the biggest rules of line of site.

[@SEPK09]

There will always be these people looking to either damage or promote the drone hobby, the world is a changing place, which personally is changing for the worst.

[@TeamYankee2]

So .. has any "adutior" had any incidents when fly a sub 250 drone? The only issues I see is security and members of the public incorrectly calling the police and wasting their time!

[@D9742-y5z]

I would say yes definitely giving everyday drone users a bad rap .so called self appointed auditors will fly as close as they can to the geo fence point but zoom in and film witch totally defeats the point of having a no drone area .I have nothing against drones UAVs etc but when used in a way to antagonise people just because you can do something doesn't always mean you should

[@garybrindle6715]

The geo fencing is NOT to prevent filming but to protect airspace zones . I have filmed in detail from a fixed wing at 1500 feet legally.

[@D9742-y5z]

@@garybrindle6715 but these so called auditors flying as close to prison fencing as possible and then filming within the prison has no public interest but by deliberately filming within often sensitive security areas just puts the security of that establishment at risk

[@Geeksvana]

I think we certainly need a little social responsibility!

[@aireboat7988]

@@Geeksvana I think you've got social responsibility. Its those we see operating drones without it that are the worry.

[@squaddingquads]

If the system is so stretched after 12 years, maybe we have an issue with the government when it comes to the police numbers

[@steveplows9996]

Interesting topic, it's not often I scroll and fully read so many of the comments but I did so to gauge the opinions of other Drone users like myself, who have the qualifications Insurance etc but don't fly commercially. I have an unusual perspective in that I am a Drone pilot but also an Ex Police officer of nearly 30 years including 10 years in our force helicopter using it's massive camera system and also a like number of years in the force armed response car. I am from South Yorkshire so many of these so called auditors film in and around my area hence I have viewed some. The ones around Police premises I turn off as they always appear to be provocative in nature, some of the others I have seen less so, my opinions are my own hence as any good Police officer I will keep them to myself and sit on the fence so to speak. Good video though Sean

[@kevinshort3483]

It always makes me smile that some of these so called auditors quote the drone laws to landowners and police, whilst their drone is in the air and therefore breaking the drone laws by having a conversation whilst in flight. You call them auditors, I say bedwetters.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Kevin! Thank you for adding your thoughts to conversation, I appreciate it!

[@Geeksvana]

@@organiccarla325 You are wrong, sorry. The section of the Air Navigation Order you are talking about is Article 240. Sadly small drones, including anything that we fly as hobbyists and most commercial drone flights are specifically excluded from this Article. Here is the text from CAA ANO guidance: A person must not recklessly or negligently act in a manner likely to endanger an aircraft, or any person in an aircraft. The term 'Aircraft' within article 240 refers to any aircraft which is not a small unmanned aircraft, as set out in article 23. This is precisely what I discussed in the video. Often the wrong rules get repeated enough that they become almost 'folklore' but are not based on fact.

[@Geeksvana]

Again, distracting the pilot of a recreational drone is not an offence, Article 240 does not apply to small unmanned aircraft.

[@kevinshort3483]

@@organiccarla325 yes I know the law but it's seems you do not.

[@kevinshort3483]

The rule is VLOS, which if you are having a conversation with someone whilst flying, I would doubt you would have.

[@chrisstannard1323]

As is usual on Geeksvana a good solid piece of work. I was initially concerned with the negativity around Auditors and the content they create. Having researched the matter further, like you I am of the opinion that although there are elements I don’t like; overall I would defend their right to carry on. If it is to impact on wider drone use, it would be due to lack of critical thinking by powers that be. Reactionary rules / regulation are never good Rules / Regulations.

[@StuFliesAroundCornwall]

After searching “Drone idiots”, I was inundated with audit channels. Their actual drone footage is very jerky and not particularly clear. Lots of quick movements and sudden zooms onto bins.

[@SnaxMuppet]

How good it is to see an adult, sensible and informed opinion of this topic. Thank you. Like you I am actually not against auditing... nor am I against flying a drone anywhere where it is legal and safe to do so. However, I do feel that to use a drone to create a point of conflict for the purpose of getting clicks is wrong. Surely, as responsible and considerate flyers we should be looking for ways to reduce conflict, have respect for others (both individuals and commercial) and increase harmony between the flying community, the public and authorities. Many of these, so called, "auditors", do the complete opposite and I see no real benefit to the drone flying community. I do not want auditing banned. rather, I would like to see a set of accepted guidelines for auditors to which their behaviour could be held up to. I have not seen any guidelines anywhere and, like so much of the world of drones, it is left up to the individual to make their own interpretations of what is acceptable and what isn't... not everyone gets it right!

[@jamesalexanderbarnettdp9479]

I have had to block one of the popular audit guys you see on Facebook, he has been in the chat on one of your videos as well Sean. They really make my blood boil with their smarmy attitudes, they way they talk to people and just film in peoples faces, it’s totally un called for and un just, I could understand if the filming had a bit of public interest but most the time it doesn’t really have a point to it. They are just sad cases with a chip on their shoulders imo.

[@Dius765RS]

Some are worse then others, but they aren't all bad. They cover there faces because there is no reasonable expectation of privacy in public, you have to create privacy. And the police have been shown to be vengeful regarding this topic. *George Orwell - 1984* is a great book, you should read it

[@Dius765RS]

@Kens UK Adventures What is the difference between 'actual sentences' & sentences?

[@leathleyg5995]

@Kens UK Adventures You've hit the nail on the head Ken. One of the principal reasons UK auditing has morphed into trespassing film baiting is the inability to read and UNDERSTAND that section 33 thing. They believe it gives them "rights" to trespass and film, when in fact it does nothing of the sort.

[@garybrindle6715]

@Kens UK Adventures well at least one is a commercial rated pilot fixed wing, dont judge by what you assume their background is, a common mistake for many.

[@lozzzafilms]

@Kens UK Adventures that’s not a very helpful attitude

[@lousmaczylo7281]

Well bloody said. You represent 95% of drone creators. Audit drone flyers well, why fly over a prison? Why fly over a police station? Why p*&|s everyone off. You lot are in the buisness of click bait.

[@ejoneswales]

It's a misconception that auditors do not provide a service, the Gatwivk scenario led to a negative impact on drone photography. The hobby community is seen by many as spies, criminals, terrorists etc. The education for officers, guards and genetics public about legal activities is valuable. If you were walking down a street and a couple if officers came to you asking you to identify yourself, I'm sure you'd happily give your details, even though they don't have any rights to demand them. Erosion of civil liberties is on going, with new legislation based around "thoughts" and "legal but harmful". If someone thinks or is accused of thinking that will become an offence. Exercising you legal right is something to be commended, allowing rogue officers who don't act properly and professionally, they bring the whole civilian vs authority into an us and them mindset. Auditing in my opinion does highlight serious issues within some forces. Police making up laws that don't exist, or using out of date regulations, is far worse. As for wasting police time? They waste their own time. It's interesting how some officers do understand photography laws, and listen to auditors. There are, unfortunately, many who's egos won't let them listen or even check before pulling out anti-terrorism excuses to perform searches. The auditors are defending your rights.

[@Geeksvana]

I think overall the gap between police and auditors is shrinking, even in the short time since I published this video. I do not personally like Audit content, so I don't watch it but there is a misconception that such a tiny amount of drone flights could impact the hobby as a whole, which is possibly down to the fact that the confrontations get a lot of views so it is seen as a larger issue than it is, (in drone terms).

[@zappasmoustache23]

Hi, I can understand auditing in specific circumstances but simply showing up to a random small business or property, with no justifiable reason for being there let alone filming simply to elicit a response from the owner’s/guardians for internet clout is not helping anyone. I’m sure genuine auditors exist but the attention is being hijacked by a small number of narcissistic fools just poking wasps nests.

[@zappasmoustache23]

Also we exercise our rights everyday in many different types of situations and sometimes we experience genuine breeches of those rights. It’s not in the least bit necessary to contrive a provocative situation involving innocent people just going about their day, especially since as I say there are plenty of real, unjust situations to give attention to.

[@BikerBloke600]

I wouldn't even call these sad little exhibitionists "Auditors" as the name suggests they are Educated and Stand Up Members of Society which they are not. Just a matter of time before one of them wind up the wrong person and they end up in the Hospital seriously injured or worse. Now that would make a very interesting video. Mick 👍👌🍻

[@BikerBloke600]

@@ef7480 You took that really hard, did i hurt your feelings lol. It's amazing that these sad little excuses for men that love to wind up and waste precious Police Time don't exist in Northern Ireland, wonder why. Come over and have a go Mr EF 👍😂🤡

[@vincentciliberti5026]

To me you have been most fair about the uses of drones. BUT, and it is a big BUT, watch again from 20.42 and that is the core of the issue. I simply hate it when a drone pilot covers his face, (identity) but rest assured quite a number of officers make use of "their" authority and this is why they are seen as mostly disconnected.

[@SkyenetT999]

Well put together Video, I think you have covered the subject well and brought up many things to consider. Personally, I find most of the Audit Channels just create situations to get KZbin clicks and views. I do think that most ruin the drone hobby for purely selfish reasons. It is clear though that many Police and Security personnel are not aware of the rules and some just make up the rules rather than seek professional advice, so highlighting this is about the only positive outcome I see from Audit channels. If I ever need Police assistance I would be pretty pissed if nobody was available due to wasting their time on a hooded wannabe Auditor.

[@seymourbutts9364]

Or one of the dozens of other reason for their unavailability.

[@JohnnyBouchier]

Excellent video. Well thought out and put together. Thank you.

[@garylawsonmedia305]

They're just arseholes bringing this hobby into total disrepute . Don't give them the satisfaction of watching them stay away

[@andyburns]

I did get 'sucked in' to watching a few videos, but as KZbin does, that just fills your recommendations with more of them ... So I've now got KZbin not to recommend those channels.

[@petermillar24]

The Black Belt Barrister is good on the legal angle of this subject. As I recall, the rules people are stretching when auditing are to do with harassment and privacy, rather than the CAA stuff. These can then move into the idea of "hostile reconnaissance", which might be carried out as part of criminal activities such as theft, industrial espionage, and yes, even terrorism. People can get onto dodgy ground with harassment, even if the Police Officers dealing with it may not be fully aware of the exact legislation, as much of it is subjective. i.e. if a person "feels" harassed, then in some cases that means they are being harassed. And to drift off topic for an anecdote, years ago, a friend of mine had a boyfriend who was taken in for questioning because he had a load of photographs of a bank. He claimed it was for an Architecture project, but when the Police got a warrant and searched his place they found a sawn-off shotgun. Dunno what happened next - the relationship ended.

[@blackydon]

I’ve always said some of these auditors who use drones will get the CAA rules changed for decent drone pilots. Some of them are know it alls who really don’t respect people who have ask nicely not to fly over certain properties, They always say it’s under 250g so I’m allowed, Just because your allowed does not mean you should do it. I can name one auditor but won’t as I think most know who it is. They will ruin the hobby.

[@PaulJoy]

I think it's going to be up to the victims of the auditors to deal with it themselves. I watched one of the auditors videos where he took off from the entrance to a factory and was flying over the site describing what he could see. One part of the video showed him flying near a railway line at the rear of the site and a quick Google Earth Pro search showed that to be 650m from where he was standing. Theres absolutely no way he had VLOS on the Mini at that distance and to narrate what he could see on the screen in real time shows where his eyes were looking. The point is that if the victim or the authorities really wanted to do anything they could do so with the existing rules and the evidence uploaded by the auditors. Honestly I think they just take it for what it is, a mild annoyance thats best ignored.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Paul! I think you might have summed up a lot of my opinion on this in one comment. I agree this is not seen as a significant issue, especially with the numbers we are talking about. Thanks for taking the time to comment and share your thoughts.

[@keithvoller4424]

Can only impact negatively on our hobby, we have enough problems a it is. It does show however that a lot of the police forces do not train their personally about drones and often cloud the issue when someone complains about a drone flight. but flying right on the edge just to upset. doesn't help though. must be a better way to get info out there. We could do with a national body who will represent drone flyers. Much like my other hobby, amateur Radio, is represented by RSGB

[@Geeksvana]

Excellent point Keith. A national body would be very good.

[@Jo-br8td]

The main issues with these channels are that they provoke a negative response, then engage with others angrily prior too and or during the drone flight. ( the first thing we learn is concentration is paramount ) and not to engage when the drone is in the air.. The other issue is some quite happily say but I am insured, the question here is If your insurance is for recreational flight. Would the insurance cover a major incident when flown in an audit scenario.. I doubt it ! ( However Only Time Will Tell ) Keep up the good work 👏

[@garylinnane917]

Audits make me angry, especially one's that anger the police and working professionals, especially big companies which could make companies contacting the caa and making our hobby rules harder against us. But then it handy to know what rights we do have when approached by the police.

[@MickeyFKNMouse]

There was one the other day that flew within the limits of RAF Wittering. He was well within the aerodrome. I agree with you and I personally think this so called auditing is harming the hobby. It was the few that spoilt it before and resulting in current and changing legislation. I’ve been stopped whilst flying both aircraft and drones by police and public. I’ve always been co operative with them and I’ve always had good responses. Even those that didn’t know the rules were always decent towards me and we had a good chat about what I can do and can’t do. Problem is the more the auditors di this the more people that will complain leading to tighter rules and it’s unfair and not representative of the hobby as a whole

[@julianguffogg]

How did he get past the geofence?

[@grahampenfold6121]

No question, yes they will. What serious drone flyer wants to film prisons, warehouses ,they are just intimidating these people involved for the sake of their ridiculous channel.

[@CharlieB3723]

I love watching audit channels and the drone shots can be very informative. If anything, audit channels have peaked my interest in buying my own drone.

[@eadjh98]

Sean, I’d just like to add .......turning back the clock a couple of years ago, when all hell let loose at Heathrow and Gatwick with drones flying in those areas scared the shit out of the UK public!! There was no real evidence of the drone activity, yes some photos ( that may have been anywhere) one arrest that from memory didn’t come to anything! ....so yes the public were scared shitless! Now I’m a law abiding citizen pay my dues do what I’m told etc! etc! ........ I’ve been flying drones for about 3 years and fixed wing radio control model aircraft for around 25 years and a member of SMAE..... I sold my Mavic Pro 2 years ago and because of rules and new regs I decided to go for the sub 250 gms drones, had the mini 1 then the mini 2 and recently bought the mini 3, ......which I was testing out in a lane that separates my road with an adjacent rd!...... just testing!!! And from a rear gate of the adjacent rd this Thug! Came out and said to me “ I don’t want you flying over my house” I said “ I’m not flying over your house” which one is yours ? He said I’m not telling you!! I explained that this is a sub 250 gms drone and I can basically fly it where I want as it is allowed! He started to get a rage on and started to walk towards me! I said if you don’t believe me ring to police go on get them ! We as hobbiests can do with out shit like this as it’s very intimidating,unnerving and bloody frightening! So it needs to be made public to the public that we have RIGHTS, get back to me please with your Thoughts, as I believe our hobby was doomed from the start!!

[@brionrjames]

In the years I have flown, piloted drones I have only ever once been aggressively attacked about where I was flying, and that was an uninformed member of the public who was upset because I was flying near my home, after explaining that I was not in fact recording, and had not been recording properties, and was merely taking pictures of a sun set behind my house. I believe so called auditors are just people with nothing better to do than wind others up, and cause problems, and will eventually make it mote difficult for those of us who wish to follow the rules, and fly respectfully. Auditors channels should be blocked from being able to broadcast , their views are not those of us who enjoy the hobby of flying, and those who use their drones for useful reasons. My use of drones is for my own purposes, and is not broadcast, I often use mine for taking pictures from a different perspective, or of things I can not actually get to, I recently flew my fldrone directly above me, and was able to take a picture of a monument on a cliff edge, which I could not climb up to, so from the beach below I was able to fly straight up and take pictures, still within line of sight, and below 120m, at no point was anyone in danger, and I did not break any rules. Anyone deliberately flying in sensitive places, not being open about who they are, what they are doing, and hiding identity, deserves to have their drone removed, and their liberties, unless they have been hired by the relevant authorities, they have no right to do what they are doing, and it makes a mockery of us who have taken steps to comply with the laws, I believe that these so called auditors should be tracked down through their channels, and punished for their actions. These people will in time damage the reputation of drone pilots, owners, and could impact how we are able to fly in the future, I have only seen part of one so called auditors video, and was appalled, confrontational self indulgence, and has absolutely no value, no wonder people are becoming more upset about drone use. I will always take a moment to talk to people who ask questions, and even show them what I am looking at, and in most cases the people are intrigued, and walk away happy that I am not up to no good, and not filming them, some have even asked if I would send them a copy of pictures i had taken. Leaving them with a positive interaction makes me happy too. I would say most people I encounter are more curious than worried, the neighbour who was aggressive, well they moved to the country from a city, and generally have a higher view of their status than reality allows, probably a money thing always having to outdo the neighbours, here in the country it matters not, I don't care if he owns a ferrari, or a suzuki, I am still a human, the same as him, and will end up in a box just like him. That aside I treat h8m no different to anyone else, with respect, and understanding.

[@martyndeyoung8207]

Excellent analysis, thanks! I have watched a number of so-called audit channels and whilst a few are much better than many others, even the better ones do seem to stray too far at times. They all seem to know and understand their rights, but many don't understand their equal and opposite responsibilities!

[@johnh9243]

Great video this topic was on my mind, yet still people in the comments pretending like the police should not be at least asking.. im a drone flyer and I completely understand why they'd ask..seems like common sense to me 🤷‍♂️

[@WeLikeGoPro]

I feel the audit videos just wind people up. Yes legally you may be allowed to do something but if you know it’s ‘annoying’ and you can avoid it, why bother. I feel flying with respect for people, privacy, pets etc. is best policy. Stop oil have a fair message but they went about communicating it in a way that turned the public against them. As soon as drones become annoying to the general public, flying will become more of an issue.

[@nxu5107]

Thanks a lot. I didn’t know what an Audit channel is until you explained it.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey nx u! No problem. Appreciate you taking the time to comment.

[@robertbosek3362]

Very very good video . Content is spot ON! 👍🏼👊🏼

[@Geeksvana]

Thank you Robert! Appreciate the kind feedback.

[@garybrindle6715]

You have totally missed the point, only by highlighting the absurd ignorance of some police ,security and ground dwelling species can a difference be made to the negative attitudes of many. UAV flying is just a small aspect and highlights shortfalls in a survellience society. Just because the uAVs are operated by civilians on their own and not by a business all sorts of concerns are wrongly claimed.Within the hobby flyers are many good pilots BUT even before audits there were cowboys posting vids on line which had displays of poop airmanship. Its a numbers game and auditors are a tiny number ( about 25 max) so dont aim your attacks on them, just accept that theres always going to be poor pilots either by design or mistake.

[@Geeksvana]

My point was to answer the requests from my audience to express an opinion on the use of drones by auditors, which I did. The wider issues and topics are for another conversation.

[@bowman4275]

The auditors are not really about drone flying. It is more to do with the right to public photography. The problem as I see it is that being deliberately provocative gives a false impression of a "normal" police response to your actions. I want to walk the UK filming anything I can see in public without being stopped by police and that is different to filming a police station while wearing a hoodie and face covering. You have to expect a different response in those circumstances.

[@reciprocating]

I am in fear of commenting on here because I watch "Audit" channels, two in particular that have two letters and Audits. They are polite with the people they confront and I know I must be sad because I do enjoy watching the response they get. You are right Sean about the choice they have in what public place they take off from but it seems that right outside the gate or security office gets a better reaction. KZbin is a platform to make money and more views = more money therefore I can't blame them for doing it.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Graham! Everyone is welcome here and I thank you for taking the time to comment. Nothing sad about watching the content and I completely understand the appeal. I have thoroughly enjoyed this topic because it has shown how everyone can come together and discuss things. I appreciate hearing your view on it.

[@s3ra9h1m]

Thanks for covering this, much appreciated

[@harrychana1161]

I think the audit videos are stupid individuals. Just a utter waste of time. They are just out there to cause issues. I’ve watched one or two vids and they just piss me off.. it’s like they want to cause an issue.

[@glongmate3565]

I was just thinking the same. Will they ruin it foreveryone else. They do seem to be a little antagonostic.

[@All-the-gear-no-idea-uk]

I think when you are trying to do an audit allegedly why do you need to cover your face and try and provoke the people that you are trying to audit most of these people including the place in some circumstances do not know the drone laws and why should day the police probably should put the general business users really don't need to know the one thing that someone else suggested which would be useful for these people are getting audited they should send two people to the drone user one playing music on his phone and the other one trying to talk to the drone user this would interrupt their footage because they probably couldn't use it because of copyright for the music once the chat is finished and the drone user sensor drone up there should stand by him or her carry on playing the music when they move around their premises they should carry on and follow them playing the music all the way round this might discourage them from carrying on their audit after all it would make it harder for them to then publish their findings.

[@Dius765RS]

Some are worse then others, but they aren't all bad. They cover there faces because there is no reasonable expectation of privacy in public, you have to create privacy. And the police have been shown to be vengeful regarding this topic. *George Orwell - 1984* is a great book, you should read it👍

[@Dius765RS]

@Kens UK Adventures Or maybe that 'is' the reason - 'There is no reasonable expectation of privacy in public, you have to create privacy.' We can go on all day about hypotheticals... 'Likely this', 'Some might' that... I am surprised you didn't bring up aliens honestly. You can assume what you wish, but the privacy statement still has obvious merit my friend.

[@leathleyg5995]

@@Dius765RS one of the biggest problems with auditing is all the myths and misconceptions they believe in. They don't know the laws quite as well as they think they do....but ask any auditor, and he's an expert..! They deny the concept and legal status of private property. They truly DONT understand (apart from a handful) where they have a "legal right" to film..and where they don't. Their primary motives are provocation and confrontation, - the more drama = the more views.

[@thefletchuk]

DJ Audits is my favourite KZbin channel, and whilst I think that auditing channels are great entertainment, I'm not likely to be flying over police stations myself anytime soon 🙂

[@wegder]

I think you're under estimating how people will abuse the right to fly a drone, I see videos where the drone operators are openly harassing the public with the drones.

[@tazzy3469]

Great topic and perspective on the subject Sean. I have disagreed with you on other subjects and that is my right.... Just because you are on YT, that doesn't mean you are right either, which I am sure you appreciate (more so with subjective conversations than factual law and regs etc). However, many of these self-appointed 'auditors' not only flex the bounds of law and regulations, but also step over them. Whilst trying to keep it 'droney', I feel sorry for many of their victims having a camera slapped in their face, often inside their own buildings. With one of my hats on, I have to be prepared to be recorded and live streamed, but many of these people they prey on are sitting at their desks...so wrong on many levels. Bringing it back to drones, I always fly legally, and make every flight as safe as possible. Unfortunately, having seen so many of these poor interactions, in the past couple of years I have now taken to proactively engage with local people and also authorities. I probably register 50% of my flights with the local police to get a CAD reference, and have no issues if they turn up to where I am flying..... Even flying for recreation, I create a flight plan and RA to the standards needed for an OA.... So, why do I do it - for several reasons, least not that If I have planned the flight properly, the risks become lower, and therefore safer. However, since the start of Covid when many of these self-appointed auditors started growing legs, mouths and wings, I feel that I have a duty to show the local community where I fly and the police that I register flights with, that 'we are not all bad'... I have been thanked more than not for being transparent, considerate and respectful by public and police alike. Yes, I know (and have seen) that there are some poorly trained police officers, security etc, and that not all members of the public will embrace drones under any circumstances.... but, I have always made my flights often with positive curious interactions.... and how? by not be confrontational, argumentative, disrespectful or inconsiderate. On the livestream the other night, an auditor stated, ‘I don’t cover my face’… Whilst they may not cover their face all the time, they do most of the time (in their ‘content’). I can understand content needs editing, especially when they are standing there for so long narrating nonsense whilst waiting for an interaction, but the majority (not all) employ tendentious editing. I would ask each and every one of them that have balaclavas on, or scarves wrapped round their faces, baseball caps or beanies on their heads with just their eyes visible, often holding a selfie stick of some sort - ‘How would you feel if someone like you (or even a group of you) walked up to your mum or nan dressed like that and behaved the way you do’. The livestream really did highlight the mentality behind some of them, “I can, so I will”. I am not sure if it is just arrogance or lack of respect to a fellow human being in the way they behave. They justify their actions mainly by their subscribers that egg them on… I can guarantee (no, I am not providing evidence!) less than 1% actually care what happens to them. I am sure some of the content creators are deluded enough to think that their 20-30K subscribers, of which about 100 actually comment are their friends! There is bad in every part of society - we see it on the news every day… but the self-appointed auditor’s portrayal to the average Joe leaves a nasty aftertaste. It is good to see other KZbinrs and also some of the victims starting to stand up to these ‘content creators’. I believe the police will get smarter at putting the laws already in existence to a better use without the need for the CAA to drastically change regulations. I haven’t overly thought about the ‘how’, but a better way to stop some of these (and some are vile) self-appointed auditors may be with data protection law, which in turn would affect their uploads on social media… albeit a thumb screw one everyone, I cannot see an issue with tweaking privacy law to ‘everyone has a right to privacy INCLUDING in public’, although not entirely… just limiting to having a phone or camera shoved in your face or a drone hovering by an open door or a window…. Another option is for those of us that don’t like the uneducated or defiant self-appointed auditors (in terms of drone law obviously!) is to be like the godly clan and spread the ‘good word’ of drones and drone pilots… or perhaps it has already started! Possibly the most emotive subject for me…. I don’t normally waffle this long! Tazzy - Out

[@carlburton2375]

Totally agree! We recently had a "youtube audit" at our work. He was more of a nuisance and became a waste of time. Coming onto private property wearing a balaclava with a DJI pocket 2 in your hand & DJI OA 2 as a body camera is just asking for problems. Then ask/tell them you're going to fly your drone "DJI Mini 2/SE", yet they'll fly either way after being told no. They are a waste of time.

[@timlong7289]

Its because of all the unnecessary camera angle changes. Arrrrrgh. Stop it. Its distracting.

[@twdroneadventures]

Hi, another great video. Great info, professional and informative

[@Geeksvana]

Thank you! Really appreciate your kind feedback.

[@leathleyg5995]

We NEED this vid and discussion like the farmers need rain in a heatwave...! It's gonna be emotive, heated, and hopefully....enlightening.

[@clifffield1]

Thanks so much for this Sean. Brilliant, balanced, fair and reasoned. All the stuff that you don't normally get on KZbin...

[@Geeksvana]

Appreciate the kind feedback Cliff!

[@maxv77]

Off subject...Not keen on your camera side shots. Looks like who are you talking too. Never understood why the BBC do the same. Very distracting from what your trying to say. Please keep it to straight on view. Much better

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Max! Yes it didn't work l and won't return 😂. Appreciate the feedback though 😎, thank you.

[@darrensutton5940]

As long as advertising companies are prepared to pay these auditors, they will continue to provoke confrontations to boost the views and likes.

[@ekim3380]

you smply shouldnt have addressed this subject ....police are there to uphold the laws not feelings if the auditors are not breaking laws then let them be ...photography is not against the law.... and it is a fad why bother if its short lived.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Mike! I covered this story after many requests from viewers. Beyond the fact that Audit channels are often clearly breaking laws and in breach of the drone code in their videos. Despite this, my main concerns were laid out in the video which are just as valid as any legal issue. Just because something is legal, still doe not mean you have to do it.

[@lindsayheyes925]

The PLEASE READ made me laugh 😄

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Lindsay! There have only been a couple of videos I thought it might be necessary for 😂

[@alan-yh9by]

You don’t see the difference between flying a drone legally and driving your car illegally?

[@mikegrigg11]

Well balanced arguments....well done !!

[@testpilotian3188]

Yes because unfortunately the regulators are not interested in whether a risk comes from a tiny minority, it is the risk itself that is their focus. But also it’s not just auditors that are causing problems, anybody that is devoid of common sense will cause the hobby problems.

[@budgetnuclearweapons7858]

That's very true. I've had a couple of serious pastimes/hobbies wiped out through the selfish actions of a few.

[@Salty3439]

Interesting, but very few Channels use them...