On Monday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released recommendations from its Unmanned Aircraft Systems Registration Task Force. The task force included a variety of stakeholders, including drone makers; businesses and trade groups representing law enforcement, pilots, and other aviation experts; as well as companies like Google, Amazon, Wal-Mart and Best Buy. 

If implemented, the recommendations would require all drones weighing 250 grams or more (a little more than half a pound) to contain an identifying number that can be traced back to an owner. Other information, such as the owner's email address and phone number, and the drone's actual serial number would be optional.  The report recommended free registration through a website or app, which would generate a certificate and the identification number which would have to be affixed and visible on all drones flown by the individual.

The task force also recommended that the drone registration data be exempt from Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. 

Some regulations already apply to commercial drones - the recommendations released by the task force would expand regulation to drones flown by hobbyists. 

None of the recommendations in the report are binding. As with any rulemaking activity, the agency may incorporate all, some, or none of the recommendations.