The FCC has just empowered itself to enforce a ban on gadgets from companies listed as national security risks, retroactively. The new rule is aimed at closing loopholes and protecting US networks from backdoors in Chinese telecom gear. However, it could also be used by the Trump administration to block Chinese consumer electronics, including those from drone maker DJI.
As of December 23rd, all new DJI products will be automatically banned from import into the US unless an "appropriate national security agency" confirms they do not pose a risk to national security. However, this does not necessarily mean that existing DJI gear will be banned. Instead, the government is allowing consumers to continue using their existing devices for now.
DJI has been accused of trying to circumvent potential bans by creating shell companies and selling disguised products. The company's global policy head, Adam Welsh, has urged the US government to start the mandated review process or grant an extension to ensure a fair and evidence-based process that protects American jobs, safety, and innovation.
The FCC's new order directs the agency to conduct a public interest analysis for each product, giving particular weight to any national security risk posed by the item. The agency will then provide an opportunity for public comment for at least 30 days before making a decision.
While DJI has not been accused of actively colluding with the Chinese government, its close ties have raised concerns about potential espionage risks. It's possible that the company might try to import its products despite the ban, but the unique radio signature of OcuSync transmitters could make this more difficult.
The new rule applies to all DJI products that use radio transmitters, not just drones. The company will have to stop importing new products with radio components unless a security agency intervenes before the December 23rd deadline.
As of December 23rd, all new DJI products will be automatically banned from import into the US unless an "appropriate national security agency" confirms they do not pose a risk to national security. However, this does not necessarily mean that existing DJI gear will be banned. Instead, the government is allowing consumers to continue using their existing devices for now.
DJI has been accused of trying to circumvent potential bans by creating shell companies and selling disguised products. The company's global policy head, Adam Welsh, has urged the US government to start the mandated review process or grant an extension to ensure a fair and evidence-based process that protects American jobs, safety, and innovation.
The FCC's new order directs the agency to conduct a public interest analysis for each product, giving particular weight to any national security risk posed by the item. The agency will then provide an opportunity for public comment for at least 30 days before making a decision.
While DJI has not been accused of actively colluding with the Chinese government, its close ties have raised concerns about potential espionage risks. It's possible that the company might try to import its products despite the ban, but the unique radio signature of OcuSync transmitters could make this more difficult.
The new rule applies to all DJI products that use radio transmitters, not just drones. The company will have to stop importing new products with radio components unless a security agency intervenes before the December 23rd deadline.
anyway, this is a big deal for consumers. i mean we're talking about a major brand like DJI being hit with a ban due to their ties with china. that's pretty wild 
as for the new rule, it's kinda cool that they're making sure to give people time to comment and stuff before making a decision. can't have just some gov't agency dictating what we can and can't use without a public input 
on the other hand, DJI is already sounding pretty worried about this whole thing. hope they figure out a way to get their products back on the market ASAP 
btw, i'm curious how the new rule will affect other brands that are also using chinese components 
- can't we just have a straight conversation about this instead of banning everything? 
also, what's the deal with these shell companies that dji keeps talking about? is that really something to hide? 
it's like, what's next? other chinese brands? kaspersky? any of these companies with ties to china are always going to be under scrutiny 
but on the other hand this feels like an overreach 
will dji be able to appeal the ban? what happens to existing users who can't just ditch their old gear 
? so many questions 
It's good that the FCC is giving the public a chance to comment on these products, but 30 days might not be enough time for them to review all the tech involved... 
DJI is being unfairly singled out here - the guy's been trying to play it cool and transparent about their business practices 
so now the government's just gonna swoop in and start making stuff up about espionage risks 
all this drama could've been avoided if they'd just had a decent public comment period or something... like 30 days, not zero 
. This DJI ban thing just brings back memories of those Nokia phones everyone used to have, you know? 
But seriously, what's the point of having a ban if we're just gonna let people keep using their old devices? And what about jobs? Adam Welsh from DJI makes some valid points, I guess 
. It's all just so... complicated