Drone maker DJI hits back at US bill to ban products, citing commitment to data security
- Shenzhen-based DJI, the world’s biggest drone maker, said its products have helped small US businesses in industries ranging from real estate to agriculture
Chinese drone maker DJI has blasted a bill that would ban sales of its products in the US as “baseless allegations and xenophobic fear”, as it reiterated its commitment to user data security.
The US House of Representatives passed the annual National Defense Authorisation Act on Friday, which included a Countering CCP Drones Act that could limit future sales of DJI drones in the country.
The bill is advancing to the Senate for amendments and final approval before it goes to the desk of US President Joe Biden, who would need to sign it into law.
“The proposed bill sets a dangerous precedent for allowing baseless allegations and xenophobic fears to drive public policy decisions that could negatively impact public safety and the US economy,” a DJI representative said in a statement on Tuesday.
The drone bill, introduced by Congresswoman Elise Stefanik last year, seeks to limit the US operations of DJI by adding it to the Federal Communication Commission’s Covered List, which would bar the company’s drones from using the communications infrastructure in the country.
