Amazon has confirmed that its Prime Air delivery drones may record images of individuals, pets, and vehicles located near delivery or landing sites. This admission contrasts with previous assurances from Richardson city officials, who stated that the drones operate autonomously and utilize low-resolution sensors exclusively for safety and navigation purposes.
The issue has drawn attention in Richardson, Texas, where Prime Air has operated since 2025. A local resident reported to the City Council in February that she observed 122 drones over her property in a single day. She later counted 52 drones on a Friday she described as having low activity.
While FAA regulations set a maximum altitude of 400 feet, with an average operating height of 225 feet, the resident noted that three of the observed drones flew between 150 and 170 feet above the ground.
The MK30 model used in these deliveries weighs approximately 80 pounds and carries packages up to five pounds. The drones typically fly about 7.5 miles from their base, which is located in Richardson. Amazon plans to expand this service to additional cities within the Dallas-Fort Worth area this year.
Cait Freda, an Amazon spokesperson, previously told The Dallas Morning News that the company is exploring ways to provide customers with faster speeds and a wider selection of items.
Noise from the flights prompted dozens of residents to attend a City Council meeting in March to request local restrictions on flight hours. Current city rules limit delivery operations to between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. However, residents seeking shorter hours have indicated that federal aviation regulators have not provided a mechanism for local control over these schedules.