France has it right: drones and privacy don't go together

Our readers have their say on surveillance, TikTok encouraging anti-social behaviour, distance seating in planes and whether dogs can sniff out the virus

France’s highest administrative court ruled on Monday to ban Paris police from using ‘Big Brother’ drones in the capital to monitor people to ensure they adhere to coronavirus social distancing rules. AFPShow less

With reference to Jack Dutton's report Coronavirus: French judges ban use of drones in Paris to spy on people breaking distancing rules (May 18): this issue of invading privacy requires serious consideration. World over we have allowed drones to interfere in our private lives. They want to establish surveillance of our every step. Tomorrow there will be cameras inside our houses, bedrooms, cars, our most private spaces – 24/7 monitoring under the guise of safety. If people could only see where this is going.

Armen Marati, Dubai

The right to “privacy” while being in “public”. Talk about an oxymoron.

Gianmaria Vidale, Abu Dhabi 

Almost all big cities in Europe have become unsafe. I am not talking only about Covid-19, but in general.

Bernard Simonet, Abu Dhabi 

Promoting acid attacks on social media cannot be allowed

In reference to Sophie Prideaux's story Calls to ban TikTok in India after video said to be 'glamourising' acid attacks goes viral (May 18): if this man's glorification of acid attacks works then it is society that is broken not the app on which he glorifies it.

Shah Jalal Md Mujahid, Dubai 

To beat the virus we must continue to act responsibly 

With reference to the report Coronavirus live: UAE announces new procedures allowing residents abroad return home (May 19): these cases could be going up because of the irresponsible people who insist on getting out of the house. To beat this together we must act responsibly. We need to stay home unless absolutely unavoidable.

Mikael Schonberg, Dubai

More recoveries than new cases, finally. That's good to see.

Yulia Hulia, Dubai

Distancing in flights unnecessary if screening at both ports 

I write to you in reference to Hayley Skirka's report Are flight prices set to rise after the pandemic? (May 18): once prior screening at airports is complete there may be no need to follow safe distance in flight seating. Both arrival and departure ports are to follow the screening procedures, as well as the passenger who is supposed to self isolate for five days before travelling.

Guru Shankar V, Dubai 

The law of supply and demand will apply in this case, as in most. There is no use of raising the price if you cannot convince customers to travel.

Eugene CG, Abu Dhabi

Can dogs sniff out the virus? 

With reference to your video on Facebook UK trial to discover if dogs can sniff out coronavirus in humans: my 7-year-old is thrilled to hear this. She floated this idea some weeks ago!

Josa Karre, Stockholm, Sweden