North Texas Drone Delivery Privacy Information: What To Know

https://www.dallasobserver.com/news/how-to-protect-your-privacy-from-delivery-drones-40655108/

Publish Date: 2026-03-23 10:31:00

A commercial delivery drone carries a package.

Adobe Stock

Have you heard the buzz?

To be clear, we’re not asking if you’ve caught the latest movie or listened to the latest record that’s catching a bunch of online praise. We’re talking about the literal buzz being heard by North Texas residents now that delivery drones are soaring through the skies with increasing regularity.

We reported on how Richardson city leaders are looking into complaints they’ve received regarding noise coming from Amazon delivery drones. Amazon isn’t the only company deploying delivery drones in North Texas, as Walmart also has also begun a drone delivery service. But it’s not just the incessant buzzing that residents are starting to feel concern over.

Delivery drones can legally fly over private property, including backyards, patios, balconies and other areas that one might usually have a reasonable expectation of privacy. As a result, privacy concerns have also been raised along with the noise complaints.

In 2023, an estimated 352,000 commercial drones were in operation in the U.S. According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, there were more than 1 million commercial drones in operation by the end of 2025 being used for deliveries and other uses including land surveying. It’s not a stretch to suggest that as drone delivery continues its substantial acceleration across the United States that complaints and concerns of various kinds will become more prominent as well.

As it happens, the various drone operators have ways for residents to protect their privacy should they feel the need. But be careful what you wish for. You may be granting permission or leaving yourself without the option of drone delivery without even realizing it. Here’s what to know about commercial drone delivery and your privacy.