What is the countering CCP drones act?
The “Countering CCP Drones Act” is a bi-partisan bill introduced to Congress in June 2024. It seeks to add DJI drones to a list of equipment and services banned by the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019. The bill is a part of the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA FY25), a funding bill for the National DefenseIf the Countering CCP Drones Act passes in its current form, new DJI drones will be banned from obtaining licenses in the United States. It would also block DJI drones from communicating with U.S. infrastructure, making it impossible for unlicensed drones to fly in the U.S.
Before you panic, it’s important to note that this proposed ban would only apply to upcoming DJI drones, not DJI drones currently approved by the FCC. So, you’d still be able to fly any DJI drones you already own or purchase before the ban – like the DJI Inspire 3 or Mavic mini.
Do DJI drones have privacy or security concerns?
The DJI drone ban is based on the belief that the brand’s drones pose a national security risk due to the potential for the drones to collect and send data to China.In reality, you can fly a DJI drone without allowing it to access any of your user data. You need to opt into data collection under DJI’s current policy, and even if you do, your data is transmitted to servers located within the United States. Additionally, any signals shared between the controller and the drone during a flight are encrypted to prevent hijacking.
DJI drones have a “local data mode” that allows you to fly them without being connected to the internet at all. If you ever want to close your account, you can also request that all your data stored with DJI be deleted entirely.
What would the DJI drone ban mean for the industry?
Ultimately, losing new DJI drones would severely limit American access to cutting edge drone technology. DJI drones currently make up 70% of the global drone market. Right now, few competitors can offer the same combination of easy-to-use controls and high quality camerasIt’s why DJI drones are for professionals in construction, law enforcement, firefighting, real estate, photography, videography, and more industries. According to Drone DJ, more than 6,000 police and fire agencies with drone programs submitted a letter to the Senate Armed Services Committee opposing the ban.
What’s more, U.S.-based drone competitors may have a harder time accessing DJI’s drone technology after a ban, which could stifle innovation and make it tougher to improve new drone tech for American professionals and hobbyists.
Will DJI drones be banned in the United States?
As of July 2024, the Countering CCP Drones Act has passed the house, but not the Senate. In fact, the Senate version of the NDAA FY25 bill excluded the DJI drone ban section. But the DJI drone ban bill could still be reintroduced at another point.Members of the Senate Armed Services Committee will need to introduce their version of the bill to the house to come up with a final version that both branches of congress agree on. If the Senate committee needs to bargain with the House, it’s possible that the Countering CCP Drones Act could still end up on the table.
So, if you care about your rights to purchase new DJI drone models, it’s essential to act and let your voice be heard before this bill becomes law.
What can I do to stop the DJI drone ban?
If you’re opposed to banning new DJI drones in the U.S., it’s important to let your representatives know how you feel. The Drone Advocacy Alliance offers an email template you can use to contact your senators, or you can call or email your senator directly.Conclusion: Potential DJI Drone ban
The Countering CCP Drones Act would effectively halt the sale of new DJI drones in the United States. While the proposed ban wouldn’t prevent you from flying currently licensed DJI drones, it would prevent you from accessing any new drone technology and innovations from DJI – like upcoming Mavic 4 or Mini 5 models.At McVeigh Media, we believe that DJI has implemented ample measures to address potential DJI privacy concerns. DJI drones are a staple in professional industries all across the nation, and shouldn’t be barred from American drone pilots who depend on them for work or fun.
Learn more about drone technology on our blog.
Posted by Sean McVeigh