US House Bans New DJI Drones: A Closer Look
The US House of Representatives has just approved the Countering CCP Drones Act (H.R. 2864), a bill aimed at banning the operation of new drones from Chinese manufacturer DJI in the United States. This move is part of a broader series of measures targeting China that lawmakers are reviewing this week.
The Bill and Its Impact
The bill, introduced by Representative Elise Stefanik, requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to include DJI’s telecommunications and video surveillance equipment on a list of communications equipment posing an unacceptable risk to US national security.
If passed by the Senate and signed into law, the bill would prevent future DJI drones from operating on US communications infrastructure. However, it would not affect DJI drones already in use within the country.
“With this action, Congress will ensure that future versions of DJI drones cannot be imported, marketed, or sold in the United States,” said Representative Frank Pallone, the top Democrat on the Energy and Commerce Committee.
DJI, which sells more than half of all drones in the United States, opposes the bill.
The Chinese drone maker argues that the legislation “restricts the ability of U.S. drone operators to buy and use the right equipment for their work, solely on the basis of the equipment’s country of origin,” according to Reuters.
DJI’s Dominance and Allegations
DJI’s dominance in the US drone market is undeniable. The company’s drones are widely used in various sectors, including photography, agriculture, Search and Rescue, and law enforcement. However, this dominance has also raised concerns among US lawmakers.
“Over the last seven years, the US government has publicly confirmed time and time again that DJI drones are being used to collect information on US critical infrastructure and pose significant risks to US national security,” Stefanik said in her speech.
Moreover, DJI is on the US Department of Defense list of Chinese military companies because it directly advances the modernization efforts of the People’s Liberation Army. Not only does DJI improve the equipment of the US’s strategic adversary, but it also actively aids the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in carrying out alleged genocidal crimes against ethnic minorities, Stefanik argued in her speech.
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DJI’s Response
DJI has consistently denied these allegations, asserting that the company does not share sensitive data with any government.
In a statement, DJI said, “There is no evidence that DJI systems have ever transmitted sensitive user data to DJI, the Chinese government, or any other unauthorized party.”
The company argues that the bill limits US drone operators’ ability to choose the best equipment for their needs, potentially impacting public safety operations that rely on DJI drones. For instance, DJI drones have been used in search and rescue missions, helping to save lives.
The Broader Context
This legislation is part of a larger trend of increasing congressional attention to China-related issues. The number of China-related bills introduced in Congress has increased significantly since 2018. Other measures being considered include restrictions on Chinese batteries and tightening of US electric vehicle tax credits to exclude Chinese content.
Another bill approved this week seeks to deter China from invading or imposing a blockade of Taiwan. This bill includes measures to publish the assets of top Chinese leaders and cut them and their family members off from the US financial system if Beijing takes action against Taiwan.
The Future of the Bill
While this legislation has passed the House, its future remains uncertain. The bill still requires approval from the US Senate to become law. With the 2024 elections approaching, it’s unclear whether this or other proposed measures targeting China will become law this year.
“It is past time we end Communist China’s role as the world’s drone factory,” Stefanik said. “My legislation, the Countering CCP Drones Act, will place DJI on the FCC’s Covered List, which will prohibit new models of DJI drones from operating in America.”
Implications for the Drone Industry
The potential ban on DJI drones could have significant implications for the Drone Industry in the US. Many businesses and government agencies rely on DJI drones for their operations. If the ban goes into effect, these entities may need to look for alternative drone providers.
READ MORE: DRONE INDUSTRY’S OUTRAGE OVER STEFANIK’S ANTI-CHINA LEGISLATION
This could open up opportunities for other drone manufacturers, including US-based companies. However, it remains to be seen whether these companies can fill the gap left by DJI, which has a strong reputation for producing high-quality, affordable drones.
DroneXL’s Take
The potential ban on DJI drones is a complex issue with far-reaching implications. As we’ve reported previously, public safety experts have warned of significant consequences if this ban goes into effect. The lack of readily available alternatives could severely impact First Responders and other critical users of Drone Technology.
Moreover, as discussed in our recent article, many of the features that lawmakers cite as security risks were initially implemented in response to U.S. Government pressure and regulations. This irony underscores the need for a more nuanced approach to addressing security concerns.
We believe that fostering a competitive and innovative domestic drone industry is essential, but this should be done through proactive investment and support for U.S. Drone Companies, rather than reactive bans that could do more harm than good in the short term. Any policy decisions should be based on comprehensive research and expert testimony from a wide range of stakeholders to ensure that regulations enhance security without stifling innovation or hampering valuable work being done with drone technology across the United States.
What are your thoughts on this article? Leave your comments below. Let’s discuss the potential impact of this bill on the drone industry and the broader US-China relations.
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