US Blacklists All New DJI Drones, Citing National Security

The United States has effectively banned all new drone models from Chinese manufacturer DJI from being sold in the country. The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) added the company to its official security risk list on Monday. DJI is the world's largest drone maker. Its products make up more than half of all commercial drones used in the United States. The FCC's "covered list" identifies equipment from companies deemed an "unacceptable risk" to U.S. national security. Placement on this list blocks future FCC approval for any new DJI drone models. This approval is required for legal sale in the U.S. market. This action represents a major escalation in Washington's campaign against Chinese-made drones. Officials have long expressed concern that data from these devices could be accessed by the Chinese government. The ban applies only to future, unapproved drone models. It does not affect DJI drones already sold and in use across the country.