Act Would Ban New DJI Tech From U.S. Operations

On September 9, the House of Representatives passed H.R.2864: the Countering CCP Drones Act. This would add future equipment made by DJI technologies to the FCC’s Covered List on the premise that it poses a risk to U.S. national security.

The Countering CCP Drones Act would essentially ban UAS and related tech produced by DJI from operating on U.S. telecommunications infrastructure. This trails several “inaccurate and unsubstantiated” claims against the company regarding sensitive data sharing with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). This would not directly affect customers, at least for now, though it is guaranteed to have a massive effect on DJI’s U.S. presence.

“DJI poses a real national security risk to the U.S. given its deep partnership with the Chinese military, its expressed allegiance to the Chinese Communist Party, and its surveillance technology operating across U.S. soil,” explained Rep John Moolenaar.

The act is not yet in place; it has only made it through one chamber. Supporters have plenty of work to do before it can become a law. Even then, existing DJI drones would not immediately become illegal to operate, and the government has no way of making working UAS into bricks.

Still, putting DJI on the list allows the FCC to revoke authorizations for its drones with no additional acts of Congress… if they wanted to. However, with the significant application of DJI tech in law enforcement and the consumer market, it is unlikely that this change would be made without more compelling evidence against the company.

Before the bill was passed in the House, DJI posted an official blog defending its position in the American market:

“DJI supports the creation of grant programs that empower greater public safety use of drone technologies, but restricting their access to the best products in the market - solely based on protectionist politics and unsubstantiated allegations - will only hinder their operations and damage the drone programs they have built and strengthened over time.”

The bill is sponsored by Elise Stefanik, the U.S. representative for New York's 21st congressional district and fourth-ranking House Republican.

FMI: www.dji.com