The future of DJI (Da Jiang Innovations) drones is metaphorically up in the air as the Countering CCP Drones Act, introduced by Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY), gains more support in Congress, raising the possibility of a nationwide ban in the U.S.

Proponents of the bill cite national security concerns, alleging DJI drones are providing data on critical infrastructure in the United States to the Chinese Communist Party. If passed, the bill could significantly impact the drone industry in the U.S. and potentially affect consumers who rely on DJI drones for recreation, commercial applications and public safety initiatives like search and rescue missions. DJI is fighting the ban through lobbying efforts and more.

In a nutshell:

• The U.S. government may ban DJI drones, concerned that China is collecting information through them.
• This would impact several areas of the consumer market and commercial drone market.

The legislative effort to ban DJI drones

Following unanimous approval by the House Energy and Commerce Committee, the bill is making its way through Congress and could later land on President Joe Biden’s desk. The legislation proposes adding DJI to a list maintained by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019. This would block DJI’s drones from running on communications infrastructure in the U.S., according to “The New York Times,” effectively rendering them unusable. While the bill has received wide bipartisan support, DJI has vehemently voiced its opposition.

DJI’s opposition

In a blog post titled “Get the Facts,” DJI denounced what it calls “inaccurate and unsubstantiated allegations” against its operations. The company argues that such measures not only stifle competition but also perpetuate xenophobic narratives while hindering innovation in the drone industry. The company claims users can opt out of a feature that allows DJI drones to collect flight logs, photos or videos. It also suggests operators turn on a Local Data Mode feature, disconnecting the flight app from the internet.

DJI has also insisted it “follows the rules and regulations in the markets it operates in,” adding that it’s “not a military company.” “We remain one of the few drone companies to clearly denounce and actively discourage use of our drones in combat. DJI does not manufacture military-grade equipment, nor does it pursue business opportunities for combat use or operations.”

DJI’s dominance of consumer and commercial markets

Over the past decade, DJI has solidified its position as the leading global manufacturer of consumer drones, boasting an estimated 58% market share as of 2022, according to “The New York Times.” The brand’s ascent to prominence can be attributed to a strategic blend of affordability, accessibility and cutting-edge features, making it easy for beginners to learn how to fly a drone. This combination has empowered DJI users to capture breathtaking aerial perspectives in both photography and videography. Consequently, DJI drones have become the go-to choice for travelers, event organizers and real estate agents, offering an experience you can’t get from even the best mirrorless cameras.

Beyond the consumer market, DJI has become indispensable in industries like construction, energy and agriculture. Their drones, equipped with some of the best professional cameras available, enable faster and safer assessments of buildings, infrastructure and crops. These drones are also routinely employed to help generate detailed maps and surveys of land, buildings and construction sites, providing invaluable data for urban planning and environmental monitoring initiatives.

Additionally, search and rescue operations benefit from the capabilities of DJI’s drones, enabling teams to cover large areas and navigate challenging terrain when locating missing persons.

Concerns about data security

Despite their popularity among consumers and in commercial sectors, DJI is still considered a security threat. According to Irina Tsukerman, a geopolitical analyst and president of Scarab Rising, Inc., DJI drones may be used for espionage.

“Recent intelligence reports point to a high possibility that Chinese technology in UAVs, automotive technology and other types of widely used tech could be used for espionage,” says Tsukerman. “Collection of private and public data could assist Chinese efforts in achieving technological and military dominance against the U.S. and could also be used to target American citizens and industries in various areas, ranging from more advanced intelligence gathering, profiling for recruitment purposes and industrial espionage or sabotage.”

Previous legislation regarding DJI drones

DJI has come under increasing scrutiny from the U.S. government in recent years. In 2020, the Department of Commerce added DJI to its Entity List, preventing U.S.-based companies from exporting technology to DJI. The following year, the Department of Treasury raised concerns that DJI drones were being used to surveil China’s Uyghur Muslim minority. Most recently, in 2022, the Department of Defense added DJI to its own blacklist, further limiting the company’s ability to do business with the U.S. government.

Modern drones are critically dependent on communication infrastructure for core functionalities like GPS navigation, control signal transmission and a real-time video feed. Denial of access to this infrastructure for DJI drones would effectively sever their ability to receive the continuous flow of data and instructions necessary for stable flight, precise control and real-time visual feedback. This critical connection serves as the lifeblood of these drones, and its severance would render them largely inert.

DJI isn’t the only Chinese company raising concerns in Washington, of course. President Biden recently signed a bill that would ban TikTok from operating in the U.S. unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, sells the app entirely within a year.

DJI’s efforts to avoid the ban

To counter attempts to prohibit its products, DJI has invested heavily in lobbying efforts and has sought grass roots support from drone operators. The company has financed the Drone Advocacy Alliance website, which aims to collaborate with industry players and lawmakers, while empowering end-users to select the drone of their choice. Additionally, the website offers resources for contacting elected officials to further advocate for these goals.

The pros and cons of a DJI drone ban

“Simply banning Chinese-made drones is not enough,” says Tsukerman. “The U.S. still remains helpless if a portion of its tech industry and UAV ownership sinks with the ship. An economic sinkhole would serve China’s geopolitical strategy just as much as handicapping or controlling U.S. businesses and entire sectors of technology through active surveillance.”

DJI’s dominance in the drone market means a ban could potentially stifle innovation. With less competition, there may be less pressure for companies to develop new features and improve existing technology. A ban could also make it harder for U.S. companies to access DJI’s advanced drone technology, hindering their ability to develop new products or improve upon existing ones. Conversely, a ban could push companies to invest more heavily in developing advanced alternatives.

Ultimately, a ban will mean fewer drone options for consumers overall — at least in the beginning. This could potentially limit a customer’s ability to find a drone that meets their needs and budget. With fewer options available, companies might have less incentive to offer competitive prices, potentially leading to higher costs for consumers. Meanwhile, a ban could disrupt several businesses and organizations that rely on DJI drones for agriculture, construction and search and rescue.

There are those who believe otherwise, of course: Representative John Moolenaar (R-MI) argues that a DJI drone ban will foster a more robust and competitive drone industry. Skydio, an American company based in California, is one of the strongest alternatives to DJI and makes some of the best drones on the market. The company’s products are designed, assembled and supported in the U.S., according to its About Us page.

DJI drone alternatives

The AP Buyline roundup:

The U.S. government has introduced a law that would ban DJI drones to prevent data collection by China, but could have an impact on public safety initiatives, commercial applications and more.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Are DJI drones getting banned?

While nothing is concrete yet, DJI drones may be banned in the future. A bill named the Countering CCP Drones Act is making its way through Congress, which would effectively ban the use of the company’s drones in the U.S. moving forward. The bill previously passed a committee vote and could be voted on by the House of Representatives this summer. If it passes there, it would then go to the Senate and could eventually be signed by the president.

How probable is a U.S. ban on DJI drones?

The future of DJI drones in the U.S. remains uncertain. While the Countering CCP Drones Act, which proposes a ban on these drones, has gained significant support from lawmakers, it faces several hurdles before becoming law. The bill must pass through both the House of Representatives and the Senate before reaching the president’s desk. If enacted, the legislation would likely include a transition period, potentially lasting three years or more, to allow for adjustments before the ban fully takes effect.

How will a ban affect consumers outside the U.S.?

It’s unclear what the larger implications will be on consumers outside the U.S. A ban in the U.S. is unlikely to directly restrict consumers across the globe from buying DJI drones due to existing drone laws in their own countries.

However, the ban could have some indirect effects: The global supply and demand might be disrupted, leading to price fluctuations. It could also impact DJI’s ability to innovate without revenue from the U.S. market, although this could create an opportunity for alternative brands to fill the gap.The bigger question is whether a U.S. ban will inspire similar bans in other countries, since a U.S. ban could set a precedent and influence other countries to consider similar restrictions.

Has DJI faced other government bans in the U.S.?

As mentioned above, the U.S. government has previously taken steps to restrict DJI. In 2020, the Department of Commerce placed DJI on its Entity List. While it doesn’t completely ban DJI products, it restricts U.S.-based companies from exporting certain technologies to DJI without a license. This limits DJI’s access to potentially sensitive U.S. technology. The following year, the Department of Treasury added DJI to its “Chinese Military-Industrial Complex Companies List.” This list restricts U.S. investment in entities it deems to be involved in human rights abuses. Finally, in 2022, the Department of Defense implemented other internal restrictions on DJI. These actions highlight a cautious and layered approach by the U.S. government.

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