The Controversy Surrounding Chinese Drone Manufacturer DJI
The Defense Department of the U.S. government has raised concerns about DJI, a Chinese company known for producing the most widely used drones in the U.S. The possibility of a ban on the purchase of DJI drones by the U.S. military is looming, as reported by the New York Times. This ban might further extend to other federal agencies and programs. The question now is – will DJI drones face an absolute ban in the U.S.?
Drones, although popularly used by American filmmakers for capturing unimaginable scenes, were initially designed for military surveillance. Nowadays, drones are also employed for real-time search and rescue operations, wildlife monitoring, medical supplies delivery, post-disaster damage assessment, and much more. Despite their wide-ranging uses, DJI drones may be banned in the U.S. due to perceived security threats.
The Security Concerns
Representative Elise Stefanik, Republican of New York and a sponsor of the Countering CCP Drones Act, stated that DJI poses a significant national security risk. She claimed that DJI drones are providing data on U.S. critical infrastructure to the Chinese Communist Party, though she did not provide further details.
The Countering CCP Drones Act
The Countering CCP Drones Act, passed unanimously by the House Energy and Commerce Committee last month, might soon go for a vote in the House. If passed, DJI drones would be deemed as communications equipment posing a national security risk and added to the FCC’s list under the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019. This could potentially lead to a ban on DJI drones operating on U.S. networks. The ban might extend to not only future DJI drone purchases but also those already in use.
The Market Dominance of DJI
The proposed DJI ban is also seen as an attempt to boost the U.S. drone industry, which is currently dominated by DJI. Despite the popularity of drones, the U.S. has yet to produce a company that can compete with DJI in terms of price or quality. DJI held 58% of the drone market in 2022, and this figure is likely higher now given the high quality of their products.
DJI’s Response
DJI is actively opposing the proposed ban. The company spent $1.6 million on lobbying Congress last year, arguing that no U.S. company can currently compete with DJI in terms of price or quality. DJI has also launched the Drone Advocacy Alliance website, which highlights the societal benefits of drones and provides an option to contact Congress.
The DJI drone issue has its share of valid pros and cons. However, considering the extensive use of DJI drones in the public safety sector, a gradual phase-out might be a more reasonable approach, allowing U.S. companies time to develop competitive alternatives. As for filmmakers, they are known for their resilience and creativity and will undoubtedly continue to find innovative solutions, regardless of the outcome.
