Austin police say drones aren’t going to be allowed at SXSW

South by Southwest has always been a place for embracing future technology and new ideas but, according to the Austin Police Department, drones won’t be among the things people will be embracing. The police will be seizing any drones it finds in crowded and/or public areas during SXSW and operators of these drones could face fines or even be arrested. 

Austin police will be seizing drones and possibly fining and arresting their operators at SXSW, organizers warned festival-goers this week. Organizers issued the alert ahead of SXSW Interactive and Film, which begins Friday, according to Noise11. “SXSW has a strict no-drones policy due to the safety risks drones present to the public, and pursuant to City of Austin Ordinance, Chapter 13-1,” the music quoted SXSW officials as announcing to festival delegates. “The Austin Police Department will also be watching for drones in crowded and/or public areas where the drones could pose a risk to public safety. Drones flown in the City of Austin are subject to seizure by the Austin Police Department and the operators are subject to fines and/or arrest.” Still, the gathering attracts a mix of technology and alternative culture lovers to the Texas capital, Noise11 noted, for many of whom “showing off your new drone is an essential part of business.”