WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. Commerce Department announced on Thursday its consideration of new regulations aimed at imposing restrictions on Chinese drones within the United States due to national security concerns. The proposed rules may limit or prohibit the use of Chinese drones, as highlighted by the Department’s statement regarding potential threats posed by China and Russia to U.S. data security through remote access and manipulation of such devices.
The Commerce Department has initiated a public comment period, with submissions accepted until March 4, inviting feedback on the development of rules aimed at protecting the drone supply chain. China currently dominates U.S. commercial drone sales, prompting a need for regulatory measures to safeguard sensitive data and mitigate potential risks associated with Chinese and Russian technology embedded in drones.
Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo previously indicated that the Department could introduce restrictions akin to those applied to Chinese vehicles, with a focus on drones equipped with Chinese and Russian components. The efforts to finalize rules concerning Chinese drones are anticipated to culminate by January 20, underlining the significance of addressing potential security vulnerabilities associated with these devices.
The ultimate decision on implementing regulations to restrict or ban Chinese drones will fall to the administration of President-elect Donald Trump, who is set to assume office on January 20. Recent actions by the U.S. government have reflected a growing scrutiny of Chinese drone manufacturers, signaling a concerted effort to enhance national security protocols.
In a recent development, President Joe Biden signed legislation that could potentially prohibit leading Chinese drone companies, DJI and Autel Robotics, from launching new drone models in the U.S. Within a year, a U.S. agency is required to assess whether the drones produced by these companies pose unacceptable national security risks, highlighting the government’s commitment to safeguarding sensitive information from potential threats.
DJI, the world’s top drone manufacturer with a substantial market share in the U.S., faces challenges in introducing new products in light of regulatory scrutiny. Efforts to restrict DJI drones in the U.S. have gained momentum, with concerns raised by lawmakers regarding data transmission, surveillance, and national security implications, a stance disputed by the company.
The U.S. Congress, echoing apprehensions over security risks posed by Chinese drones, previously prohibited the Pentagon from procuring drones and components manufactured in China. These legislative actions underscore the heightened vigilance exercised by U.S. authorities to mitigate potential threats emanating from foreign drone technology.
In response to allegations of collaboration with Beijing’s military, DJI contested its inclusion on a Defense Department list, asserting that the designation was erroneous and had adverse financial implications for the company. Moreover, DJI refuted claims of forced labor in its manufacturing processes, citing compliance with labor standards.
Amid escalating concerns over national security risks, U.S. authorities have intensified efforts to regulate Chinese drones, reflecting a broader strategy to safeguard critical infrastructure and data from potential threats posed by foreign entities. The proposed regulations aim to fortify U.S. defenses against cyber vulnerabilities and enhance transparency in the use of drone technology within the country.
