Swarm of Artificial Flying and Cooperating Robotic Insects

Looks like The Guardian has a few peaceful usages I asked about for the artificial insects from my blog a few months back. This link here talks about autopilot airplanes, but the use can be similar: Monitor the environment, find shoals of fish (does not sound "environmental" to me), "aid the police in controlling crowds and traffic" (crowds, excuse me?) - well I will stop there, read it, it all sounds a bit lame, but they are trying. The article talks about such drones needing flight clearance etc. I wonder if insect-size drone would still need a flight clearance ....