The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced on Monday that it is banning new foreign-made drones and drone components over national security concerns. The move could disrupt the drone industry as it aims to keep popular Chinese brands out of the U.S. market.
The FCC said the ban follows a review that determined drones and drone parts made outside the U.S. pose “unacceptable risks to the national security of the United States and to the safety and security of U.S. persons.”
As a result, foreign-made drones and components have been added to the FCC’s Covered List, which includes communications services and equipment that are prohibited in the U.S. over security risks.
In a fact sheet, the FCC pointed to potential dangers at upcoming major events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the America250 celebrations, and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, as reasons for taking additional steps to safeguard U.S. airspace.
The ban does not apply to drones that have already been purchased, nor does it prohibit retailers from selling models that were previously approved. The fact sheet also states that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Defense could grant exceptions for specific new models if they are determined not to pose a security risk.
The new ban stems from a defense bill that passed last year that called for a review of the national security risks posed by foreign-made drones, with a particular focus on Chinese companies such as SZ DJI Technology and Autel Robotics. The deadline for that review was Dec. 23.
Still, efforts to restrict Chinese-made drones in the U.S. stretch back nearly a decade. In 2017, the U.S. Army banned the use of DJI drones over cybersecurity concerns. DHS also warned in an internal memo that Chinese-made drones could be stealing sensitive flight data and sending it to their manufacturers.
The decision is already stirring backlash in the U.S. drone community. In recent years, drones have exploded in popularity among hobbyists, law enforcement agencies, and businesses. They’re now commonly used for filming, real estate, security, agriculture, and mapping.
DJI accounts for an estimated 70% to 90% of commercial, local government, and hobbyist drones in the U.S., The Wall Street Journal reported. According to the newspaper, some drone users have already begun stockpiling DJI models in anticipation of the ban.
A DJI spokesperson told Gizmodo in an emailed statement that the company is “disappointed” by the decision and said concerns about DJI’s data security practices are not grounded in evidence.
“As the industry leader, DJI has advocated for an open, competitive market that benefits all US consumers and commercial users, and will continue to do so,” the spokesperson said. “DJI products are among the safest and most secure on the market, supported by years of reviews conducted by U.S. government agencies and independent third parties.”
