Legal

Legal Disclaimer

This page provides general legal information for Project Universal. It is intended as a straightforward public-facing disclaimer covering normal website use together with the legal and compliance position for drone-based filming, photography, and related aerial content activities.

General Information

Information published on this website is provided in good faith for general informational purposes only. Project Universal makes reasonable efforts to keep information accurate and up to date, but does not guarantee that all content will always be complete, current, or free from error.

Drone Operations and Compliance

Where Project Universal carries out drone operations, the intention is that all flights are planned and conducted lawfully, safely, and responsibly in line with the applicable United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority framework in force at the time of flight.

This includes following the UK Drone and Model Aircraft Code, operating within the relevant Open Category rules where applicable, maintaining Visual Line of Sight, not exceeding the applicable legal height limits, and complying with any airspace, location, or operational restrictions affecting the flight.

Where required by law for the aircraft and operation involved, Project Universal intends to ensure that the appropriate Flyer ID, Operator ID, aircraft labelling, and commercial drone insurance arrangements are in place before flight.

No drone flight will be intentionally undertaken unless it is considered safe, lawful, and appropriate to proceed on the day, at the specific location, and under the exact operating conditions present at that time.

Journalistic and Public Interest Content

Project Universal may publish news-style updates, commentary, filming, photography, and other material concerning matters of public interest, including construction, development, infrastructure, public-facing projects, and related events. Where personal data is processed with a view to publication for journalistic purposes, Project Universal may consider whether the UK data protection “special purposes” framework is relevant.

Under current ICO guidance, the journalism exemption is not a blanket exemption and does not apply automatically. It depends on the circumstances of the processing, including whether the material is being processed with a view to publication, whether there is a reasonable belief that publication is in the public interest, and whether applying the exemption is genuinely necessary in the particular case.

On the basis of that ICO guidance, Project Universal understands the exemption to be purpose-based rather than dependent on formal press accreditation or employment by a traditional media organisation. In other words, a person does not necessarily need to be a professional journalist in the conventional sense for journalistic-purpose processing to be relevant, but the legal test must still be satisfied on the facts of the case.

Project Universal does not claim that the journalism exemption applies in every case. Any reliance on it would need to be assessed reasonably, in good faith, and by reference to the specific material, the public interest in publication, the likely impact on the individual concerned, and the applicable law and ICO guidance at the time.

No Professional Advice

Nothing on this website should be taken as legal, financial, engineering, regulatory, or other professional advice. Visitors should obtain independent advice where they need to rely on information for a specific decision.

Flight Limitations and Operational Judgement

Even where a flight is proposed for commercial filming or photography, Project Universal reserves the right to delay, refuse, modify, relocate, or cancel an operation where weather conditions, public presence, technical concerns, airspace issues, land access, wildlife activity, privacy concerns, or any other safety or legal factor make the flight unsuitable.

Aviation compliance is only one part of lawful operation. Drone activity may also require consideration of landowner permission, privacy expectations, data protection, nuisance, local site policies, and any restrictions imposed by public authorities or site managers.

External Links

This website may include links to third-party websites or platforms, including social media services. Project Universal is not responsible for the content, availability, privacy practices, or terms of those third-party services.

Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Project Universal excludes liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of this website, reliance on its content, or temporary unavailability of the site.

Where drone filming, photography, or related services are carried out, no statement on this website should be interpreted as a guarantee that every requested flight, location, shot, or output can or will be delivered in every circumstance.

This disclaimer is a basic general-use document and is not a substitute for solicitor-drafted legal wording tailored to a specific company or regulated activity.

Updates

Project Universal may update this page from time to time to reflect changes to the website, linked services, or legal requirements.

This area of law and regulation may change. The ICO has stated that parts of its exemptions guidance are under review following legal changes that came into force on 19 June 2025, so this page should be kept under periodic review.

Contact: Use the contact page