A Sydney woman has lashed out at Endeavour Energy after claiming a drone operated by the company hovered over her property in what she describes as a blatant invasion of privacy.
The incident, which occurred recently, has sparked outrage among locals who fear their homes are being monitored without consent.
"It Felt Like a Violation"
The woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, told reporters she was shocked to see the drone lingering above her backyard. "It felt like a violation," she said. "There was no warning, no explanation—just this machine staring down at me."
Endeavour Energy, which provides electricity to thousands of households in New South Wales, has defended its use of drones, stating they are primarily for inspecting power lines and infrastructure.
Company Defends Drone Use
A spokesperson for the company said, "Our drones are strictly used for maintenance and safety checks. We adhere to all privacy regulations and do not record or store unnecessary footage."
However, the woman remains unconvinced. "If they’re just checking power lines, why was it hovering over my garden?" she questioned.
Growing Privacy Concerns
The incident has reignited debates over drone surveillance and the lack of clear guidelines for their use by corporations. Privacy advocates argue that stricter regulations are needed to prevent misuse.
"This isn’t just about one drone," said a local privacy campaigner. "It’s about setting boundaries before this becomes the norm."
Residents are now calling for greater transparency from energy providers regarding drone operations in residential areas.
