 "US weighs new rules to ban Chinese drones, cites national security concerns")
The US Commerce Department is considering new rules to restrict or ban Chinese-made drones, citing national security concerns, officials announced Thursday (January 2).
The department has requested public comments by March 4 on potential regulations to safeguard the drone supply chain. The agency warned that threats from countries such as China and Russia could allow adversaries to remotely access and manipulate drones, potentially exposing sensitive US data.
China dominates the US commercial drone market, with DJI, the world’s largest drone manufacturer, accounting for over half of all commercial drone sales.
US’ efforts to curb Chinese drones
Over the past year, Washington has increased scrutiny of Chinese drones. In December, President Joe Biden signed legislation that could ban DJI and Autel Robotics from selling new models in the US.
The law mandates a US agency to determine within one year whether drones from these companies pose unacceptable national security risks. If no study is completed, the companies would be barred from introducing new products in the US.
Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo had said in September that the department could implement measures similar to those under consideration for Chinese vehicles, focusing on drones with Chinese or Russian components, chips, and software.
In September, the House of Representatives voted to block new DJI drones from operating in the country.
Raimondo said in November that she hoped to finalise the vehicle rules by January 20. The final decision on drone restrictions will fall to the administration of President-elect Donald Trump, who assumes office on that same day.
Congress has raised repeated concerns about DJI drones, citing potential risks to data security and surveillance. In 2019, lawmakers prohibited the Pentagon from purchasing or using drones and components made in China.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsDJI’s response
DJI has rejected the allegations, maintaining that its products do not pose national security threats.
It has pushed back against the restrictions, too. The company sued the Defence Department in October over its designation as a company allegedly tied to Beijing’s military, a move DJI claims is baseless and financially damaging.
Additionally, DJI has faced scrutiny under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, with US Customs and Border Protection blocking some of its drone imports.
DJI denies any use of forced labour in its manufacturing.
With inputs from agencies
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
