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It's fascinating how rapid the rate of our technological advancements had become nowadays. I remember discovering the concept of drones from a 2009 Bollywood movie called 3 Idiots.
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The drone featured on the film was supposedly a project of a college student. It's contraption made up of remotely controlled device with four propellers for stable flight. It was also equipped with a camera for surveillance purposes. Fast forward a decade later and we now see practical uses of drones everywhere. Drones that can extinguish fire, cut trees, and even as a transportation, the practical uses of drones seemed endless.
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But during these most recent conflict between Russia and Ukraine, a darker side of this technology became apparent - military applications.
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It's a no-brainer to use drones for warfare. First, they can be remotely piloted through lengthy distances, keeping soldiers way behind the danger zones. Second, when equipped with payloads, they can be a cost-efficient way to eliminate multimillion dollar apparatus of the enemies such as tanks, supply depots, radars, etc.
But what really horrified me was how it can be used as a kamikazee devices against soldiers on foot. Many footages of these scenarios are currently circulating the internet and it shocks me how easily lives are lost using these devices. Drones have really changed how modern conflicts are fought.
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So what are its possible implications for the near future? There are many negative things that may happen. First off, it can be used as surveillance. Drones are becoming smaller and quieter as new models are released. Soon, I wouldn't be surprised if it will in the size of a small coin or more. You might think it can be a good hobby, but at the hands of criminals, it can be used for stealing, blackmailing, and even perversion.
It can also be used as an assassination tool when equipped with small explosives or even just poisoned needles. If trained soldiers find it hard to detect and evade drone attacks, what chance does a normal citizen have? Another thing would be arson. All it takes is a small attachment that produces fire like a lighter. If ignited at a critical part of a home, it could cause total destruction.
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So how can we prevent such catastrophes from ever occurring? I believe strict drone regulations should be in place. The process of buying and selling drones should be as strict or close to buying firearms. Having permits and registrations could come a long way when it comes to accountability.
But then again, these are just my speculations. Who knows, it may or may not come true. All I know is that human beings are capable of the noblest things and the most vile acts as well. It's better to be safe than sorry.
