The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) has just been released, and it gives DJI a one-year grace period before it is potentially banned in the US. Edge reported. It was expected that DJI and its competitor Autel could be banned by the end of 2024 due to a provision of the CCP Counter-Drone Act. However, the bill gives DJI an additional year to prove to the “appropriate national security agency” that its products do not pose a threat to US national security.
Otherwise, the bill would allow the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to include DJI drones on its 2026 schedule, meaning retailers would no longer be able to import them. This also means that these products (including drones and cameras like the Osmo Pocket 3) will be prohibited from connecting to US networks, and their internal radios will no longer be authorized by the FCC. Technically, this would prohibit the use of DJI products already owned by consumers, although the US is unlikely to prohibit consumers from doing so.
In response to my Blog of points of viewDJI said it was “good news” that the ban was not included in this year's budget. However, it noted that “drones manufactured in China are subject to careful review, and the legislation does not designate a specific agency to conduct the necessary research.” The latter point could harm the company “simply because no agency has chosen to undertake the work of studying our product,” it said.
The main reason DJI is still around is to support drone enthusiasts and content creators, as well as law enforcement and search and rescue organizations. “If a bill like this were to pass outright and potentially ban the use of Chinese drones for public safety purposes, it would be disastrous for the public safety drone industry.” said Law Enforcement Drone Association spokesman Brendan Carr in a letter to Congress.
However, US officials believe they pose a risk. “DJI drones pose a national security threat to TikTok, but with wings. This Chinese-controlled company cannot be allowed to continue operating in the US.” said Republican Party Representative Elise Stefanik. “These Chinese-made drones allow the CCP, the Chinese Communist Party, to access data in a covert manner and ultimately surveil Americans,” added Democratic Party spokesman Raja Krishnamoorthy.