DJI evades US ban but has one year to prove its products are not a threat to national security

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) spending bill was just released and gives DJI a year’s grace before it is potentially banned in the US. The edge reported. It was expected that DJI and its rival Autel could be banned by the end of 2024 due to the CCP’s Anti-Drone Law provision. However, the bill gives DJI an additional year to demonstrate to an “appropriate national security agency” that its products do not pose a national security risk in the United States.

Otherwise, the bill authorizes the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to place DJI drones on its covered list by 2026, meaning retailers would no longer be able to import them. It also means that the products (including drones and cameras like the Osmo Pocket 3) would be prohibited from connecting to US networks and their internal radios would no longer be authorized by the FCC. That would technically prohibit the use of DJI products already owned by consumers, although the United States would probably not prevent consumers from doing so.

In a response about his Viewpoints BlogDJI said it is “good news” that the ban is not included in this year’s budget. However, he noted that “Chinese-made drones are subject to scrutiny and the legislation does not designate a specific agency to conduct the required study.” This last point could hurt the company “simply because no agency decided to take on the job of studying our product,” he wrote.

The main reason DJI is still alive is thanks to the support of drone enthusiasts and content creators, along with law enforcement and search and rescue organizations. “In the event that a bill like this were to pass fully and potentially ban the use of Chinese drones for public safety, it would be catastrophic for the public safety drone industry.” saying Law Enforcement Drone Association spokesperson Brendan Karr in a letter to Congress.

However, US representatives believe they are a risk. “DJI drones represent TikTok’s national security threat, but with wings. This Chinese-controlled company cannot be allowed to continue operating in the US.” saying Republican Representative Elise Stefanik. “These Chinese-made drones allow the CCP, the Chinese Communist Party, to access data through a back door and ultimately surveil Americans,” added Democratic Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi.