ST. LOUIS – SMS Novel, a drone live streaming company, allegedly launched a program to surveil neighborhoods like Gravois Park without permission from the city or residents.

“It feels very scummy. That they’re like, ‘were going to do this anyway,’ even though no one wants it,” Violet Hoekzema, Benton Park resident, said. “The city doesn’t want this.”

SMS Novel claimed its goal was to “show each city’s beauty while also being a means of communal security.”

As a result, Alderwoman Alisha Sonnier (Ward 7) introduced Board Bill 199, which would regulate the commercial use of drones.

“If we are talking about public safety, I don’t understand how recording instances that are happening in the community and selling it back to folks; what that does for public safety,” she said. “Does that deter time? Does that prevent crime?”

Residents are annoyed over the launch of the drone program.

“Lord, Jesus, please don’t! That’s an invasion of my privacy,” resident Florence Moore said. “I know the crime area is bad. Do it for that, but not for my privacy. Who’s coming out of my house? Please don’t send no drone over my house.”

SMS Novel announced via X that its Drone Stream TV launched in six cities, including St. Louis, on Monday, February 5.

“Seems like when he has [gone] to these other places, the same response has happened. It’s one of the reasons why I don’t care to mention the name or mention the name of the company, because I am not sure if this is an attempt to sensationalize something or an attempt to raise your name, profile, or awareness,” Sonnier said. “But to do that at the expense of people’s peace of mind and them feeling exploited and fear-mongering, it’s really unfortunate.”

FOX 2 reached out to the founder of SMS Novel several times for a comment and we are still awaiting a response.