Calls Media Reports That It Had Applied For A Permit 'Bogus'

It was certainly plausible, but the celebrity news site TMZ insists that it has not applied for an FAA permit to operate a UAV. The site has a reputation for publishing less-than-flattering photographs and news stories about celebrities and others.

According to The Blaze online, the San Francisco Chronicle first mentioned that TMZ had applied for a drone permit in a weekend article on privacy concerns related to the use of UAVs, particularly by organizations other than law enforcement. The article quoted "FAA officials" who said "TMZ "does not have a permit" yet."

TMZ said in a statement posted on its website that the FAA released a statement saying "TMZ does not have FAA authorization to fly an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), and we have no record that TMZ ever requested or inquired about an authorization." They go on to say that the SF Chronicle story is "bogus," and that "we don't want a drone." To drive the point home, the statement says "Truth is ... while drones are, in fact, awesome ... it just ain't true."

So for now, at least, there won't be a TMZ drone buzzing around celebrity compounds trying to catch a glimpse of a starlet sunbathing topless behind a high wall or privacy fence. And perhaps a recent story concerning what happened to an animal rights group's octocopter flying over a private Pennsylvania hunting club might serve as a cautionary tale to paparazzi who may be considering it.

The origin of the TMZ story remains unclear.

(Image from file UAV helicopter with camera)

FMI: www.tmz.com, www.faa.gov