OriginalDobo Slams Skydio’s Controversial Marketing Mailer

DroneXL readers will be glad to see that our article about Skydio’s Tracking Mailers to Police Spark Privacy and Security Concerns was also picked up by OriginalDobo. Ken created this video titled “Skydio Drones Marketing Blunder | Not Smart,” and it takes aim at Skydio, a prominent U.S. drone manufacturer, for sending high-tech marketing mailers to law enforcement agencies—mailers that secretly tracked recipients’ locations and interactions. Building on our earlier coverage, OriginalDobo’s critique has further reignited discussions about privacy, ethics, and Skydio’s standing in the industry. Go ahead, grab a beer, it’s Friday afternoon after all, and watch this video below.

OriginalDobo Shows the Mailer’s Hidden Features

In his video, OriginalDobo showcases the Skydio mailer’s impressive tech: a 720p display, volume controls, and a rechargeable battery lasting up to nine months. But the real shocker, as he points out, is the built-in 5G AT&T SIM card that enabled Skydio to monitor the device’s location and usage without recipients’ consent. “This is data harvesting on a whole another level,” OriginalDobo says, stunned by the mailer’s ability to track whether it was moved to a recipient’s home or another sensitive spot. Ken notes that one law enforcement agency, wary of the device, even tore out the SIM card to stop the tracking.

Law Enforcement Fires Back in Video Comments

OriginalDobo’s video doesn’t just critique Skydio—it amplifies the voices of law enforcement officials caught off guard by the mailer. One of the comments from an LEO (Law Enforcement Officer) drone operator reads:

“As an LEO drone operator, I cannot stand this. I haven’t encountered this mailer myself but my department had meetings with Skydio and their reps came out to put their product on display. They had some impressive obstacle avoidance but honestly nothing that a drone a 10th of its price point wouldn’t have. And I have heard nothing good about their support after the initial purchase.”

This officer’s frustration, highlighted by OriginalDobo, underscores a growing distrust of Skydio’s tactics. An additional comment from Vic Moss, who was attending the Drone Responders Conference, adds even fuel to the fire:

“Skydio also didn’t include the normal warning and agreement sticker on the outside of the package. Agencies here are NOT happy about this. I also had a cop friend tell me their Chief secretary didn’t know what it was and threw it away.”

These reactions, in response to OriginalDobo’s pointed video, reveal a tangible impact: some agencies are rejecting the Skydio mailer outright, confused or angered by the lack of transparency.

Privacy Takes Center Stage in OriginalDobo’s Critique

OriginalDobo doesn’t hold back on the privacy implications, calling Skydio’s move a “marketing blunder” and pointing out the irony of a privacy-focused company engaging in such practices.

“If this was a Chinese company like DJI, there would be an absolute uproar,” he argues in the video, a sentiment that we at DroneXL see as a sharp jab at Skydio’s double standards. Ken also questions the legality of Skydio’s tracking, noting the absence of opt-in consent or a user agreement—key ethical missteps that could breach privacy laws depending on jurisdiction.

Industry Ripples: Skydio’s Strategy Under Fire

OriginalDobo’s video also takes a swipe at Skydio’s market position, and DroneXL sees this as a pivotal moment for the Blue sUAS drone maker. Known as the go-to American alternative to DJI for government clients, Skydio has leaned on Blue sUAS certification and legislative lobbying to secure its edge. But OriginalDobo warns that this incident could backfire, especially as law enforcement—Skydio’s core audience—expresses discontent.

DroneXL agrees that OriginalDobo’s commentary raises valid questions: can Skydio maintain its credibility when its actions alienate the very agencies it courts?

OriginalDobo wraps up his video with a call to action, urging viewers to confront Skydio about its practices—a move DroneXL views as a rallying cry for accountability. Reporting on this video, DroneXL sees a broader lesson for the Drone Industry: cutting-edge marketing can’t come at the expense of TRUST. Skydio’s mailer misstep may push regulators and companies alike to tighten standards around data use.