DJI says bill advocating new US drone restriction could ‘harm public safety and economy’

The US House of Representatives bill aims to put DJI on a national security blacklist under the Federal Communications Commission

Reading Time:2 minutes

The proposed US drone restriction adds to the challenges DJI faces in one of its biggest markets. Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 9:05pm, 10 Sep 2024Updated: 9:06am, 11 Sep 2024

The United States House of Representatives has passed a bill that would prohibit new drones from Shenzhen-based DJI from operating in the country and accessing domestic communication infrastructure, part of a series of China-focused measures that American lawmakers are considering this week.

The bill, known as the Countering CCP Drones Act, aims to put DJI on a national security blacklist under US regulator the Federal Communications Commission. The bill, which does not cover existing DJI drones used in the country, will need approval from the Senate before it goes to the desk of US President Joe Biden to be signed into law.

“While it’s disheartening to see public policy discussions once again being swayed by political considerations rather than facts, DJI remains committed to actively engaging with lawmakers to dispel misconceptions about our brand,” a DJI representative said on Tuesday in a statement to the South China Morning Post.

The DJI representative said the proposed restriction – based solely on the country of origin – “would not only undermine American interests, but also harms the very industry Congress intends to support”.

A variety of DJI drones are showcased with pricing information at a US retail electronics store. Photo: Shutterstock

The company pointed out that its drones are widely used by federal agencies, local law enforcement, emergency responders and small businesses in sectors like real estate, agriculture and transport.