Updated Guidance On Police Use Of Drones Issued

On August 17, 2026, The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (IPC) released  updated guidance on police use of remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), commonly known as drones (the “Guidance”). The Guidance is intended to assist police services in meeting their obligations under Ontario’s access and privacy laws when implementing or operating RPAS programs.

The IPC first issued guidance on drones in 2012. Since then, RPAS technology and police applications have evolved significantly. Ontario police services use drones for purposes such as crowd monitoring, first responder’s operations and search and rescue missions, among other things. Drones are now available at lower costs and have improved capabilities, including thermal sensors and automated tracking, raising new privacy considerations. In response to these developments, the IPC issued the updated Guidance to replace its 2012 version. 

This Ontario-specific Guidance addresses privacy and transparency obligations under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA). It outlines considerations and recommended steps for police to take, before, during, and after implementing an RPAS program.

Among other things, some of the key recommendations outlined in the Guidance with respect to the design and governance of an RPAS program include:

• Establishing lawful authority and operation before deploying drones;
• Establishing a set of guiding principles that addresses the delivery of fair, effective, and equitable policing services, while protecting and advancing privacy, transparency, accountability, and human rights;
• Defining the scope and purpose of the use of drones;
• Conducting privacy impact assessments where required;
• Consulting with the public on how the RPAS will be used;
• Ensuring operators are appropriately trained and authorized; and
• Limiting the collection, use, disclosure and retention of personal information.

The Guidance is not legally binding and should not be relied upon as a substitute for the relevant legislation or legal advice.

For more information, see the full Guidance available here.

Summary By: Victoria Di Felice