Remote identification of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) is becoming increasingly important since more UAVs are being widely used for different needs in urban areas. For example, in the US and in the EU, identification and position broadcasting is already a requirement for the use of drones. However, the current solutions do not validate the position of the UAV but its identity, while trusting the given position. Therefore, a more advanced solution enabling the proof of location is needed to avoid spoofing. We propose the combination of a permissioned blockchain managed by public authorities together with UWB-based communication to approach this. Specifically, we leverage the identity management tools from Hyperledger Fabric, an open-source permissioned blockchain framework, and ultra-wideband (UWB) ranging, leading to situated communication (i.e., simultaneous communication and localization). This approach allows us to prove both the UAV identity and also the location it broadcasts through interaction with ground infrastructure in known locations. Our initial experiments show that the proposed approach is viable and UWB transceivers can be used for UAVs to validate both their identity and position with ground infrastructure deployed in known locations.

The Federal Aviation Administration announced new rules Monday that would ease restrictions on the use of drones and will likely expand commercial uses of the technology down the road. The Federal Aviation Administration announced new rules Monday that would ease restrictions on the use of drones and will likely expand commercial uses of the technology down the road. Federal regulators have issued new guidelines allowing drones to operate at night and over people -- a change in the rules that could expand the use of the machines for commercial deliveries. The new rules from the Federal Aviation Administration will also require remote identification technology so that the machines can be identifiable from the ground. The FAA said this standard will address security concerns and make drones easier to track.

WASHINGTON – All but the smallest civilian drones would have to broadcast radio tracking data to ensure greater safety and prevent terrorism under a sweeping proposal unveiled by U.S. regulators Thursday. The long-awaited draft rules call for a massive new tracking network for everything from toys to larger commercial drones so that law enforcement can spot the devices flying anywhere, from congested urban areas to the most rural zones. The controversial measure by the Federal Aviation Administration, which is subject to public comment and could change before it becomes final, is a key foundation to advance drone-driven commerce, including deliveries of consumer goods by companies such as Alphabet Inc.'s Wing and Amazon.com The rules would come into full force three years after being finalized. "Remote ID technologies will enhance safety and security by allowing the FAA, law enforcement and federal security agencies to identify drones flying in their jurisdiction," Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao said in a press release.