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Emergency

Drone over the property: privacy and defense

A drone that flies over your property and possibly films it can violate your personality rights and your privacy. Recordings of the enclosed property without consent are as a rule impermissible. You can demand cessation and, depending on the content, initiate further steps.

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Your chances of getting your money back

Flying over and filming your enclosed property without consent can violate your personality rights and your privacy. You can demand cessation and the deletion of the recordings (§§ 823, 1004 BGB).
Covert image recordings from the most private sphere of life can be punishable (§ 201a StGB). In addition, drones are subject to aviation-law rules (take-off bans over residential properties, distances).

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Document the incident

    Record the date, time, flight behavior, and, if possible, the operator (photos/videos of the drone).

  2. 2

    2. Speak with the operator

    If the operator is known (often the neighbor), demand in writing cessation and the deletion of any recordings.

  3. 3

    3. Have recordings deleted

    Demand the deletion of images/videos of your property and your person.

  4. 4

    4. Escalate

    In the case of covert recordings from the private sphere, a criminal complaint comes into consideration; you can report aviation-law violations.

How to spot the scam

  • The drone hovers deliberately over your garden or in front of windows.
  • There are indications of covert recordings.
  • The operator does not respond to the cessation demand.

Frequently asked questions

May a drone fly over my property and film?

Flying over and especially filming your enclosed property without consent can violate your personality rights and your privacy. You can demand cessation (§§ 823, 1004 BGB). In addition, aviation-law restrictions apply to drone flights over residential properties.

Can this be punishable?

Yes, covert image recordings that violate the most private sphere of life can be punishable (§ 201a StGB). Where there are concrete indications of such recordings, a criminal complaint comes into consideration.

What specifically can I do?

Document the incident, speak with the operator if known, and demand cessation as well as deletion of any recordings. In the case of repeated or covert recordings, you can file a criminal complaint and report aviation-law violations to the responsible body.

Take action now

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.