I'm really hoping as drones become mainstream people will be made aware of their right to privacy and where they have it. I spend a fair amount of time watching clips of ignorant people attacking cameramen and drone operators in public.
This irks me. Like somehow you can claim this public space because you're in it? Every kid should be enrolled in a Civics class.
Just because something is legal doesn't mean it is socially acceptable.
Drones are normally really loud and annoying. In addition, the sound tends to radiate because it's above the things that would absorb the sound. If I'm out to enjoy some quiet on a trail, and I've got a gaggle of "Drunk Go-Pro Drone Bros", I'm going to be upset, and I'm going to have words with them (been there, done that).
The threat of a physical altercation is a good check on people who don't seem to get that, yes, you are causing problems for other people.
Charming. Let's all try to solve problems by being kindergarten bullies.
This is what happens when you raise a generation of kids with nothing but the WWF for role models.
And the reason why we have regressed to needing to threaten someone physically is because an entire generation has been raised to believe that they are "special little flowers" who don't have to pay attention to the fact that what they do has an impact on other people.
While, yes, it is technically illegal to shoot a drone out of the sky over your own property, there is a reason why nobody has been willing to push the point in court.
Seriously wtf.
Anyway - people who attack cameramen very often say "What you're doing is illegal - I didn't give you permission to record me." - not, "Please don't record me, I would appreciate not appearing in your video." There's a HUGE difference here. They have every right to record you in public view, and you can ask nicely to avoid being caught in their view. This does NOT include threatening violence. What gets me is you only care about the 1 camera out of hundreds because there's a person behind it you can immediately see.
You are exactly the type of person who needs Civics.
Side note: If drones become a problem for hikers I expect to see certain areas like state parks adopt rules about drone usage to curb bad behavior. Hopefully such bans on drone operation will be carefully enacted, as drones have done a LOT to enable new perspectives on tired landscapes.