The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has introduced new restrictions targeting drones and essential drone-related equipment manufactured outside the United States, citing concerns that such technology could pose serious national security and public safety risks.
Under this decision, the FCC has updated its Covered List to include uncrewed aircraft systems and their critical components that are produced in foreign countries. The move is being implemented under authority provided by recent provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act. In addition to drones themselves, the restrictions also apply to associated communication and video surveillance equipment and services.
The FCC explained that while drones are increasingly used for legitimate purposes such as innovation, infrastructure monitoring, and public safety operations, they can also be misused. According to the agency, malicious actors including criminals, hostile foreign entities, and terrorist groups could exploit drone technology to conduct surveillance, disrupt operations, or carry out physical attacks.
The decision was further shaped by an assessment carried out by an interagency group within the Executive Branch that specializes in national security. This review concluded that certain foreign-produced drones and their components present unacceptable risks to U.S. national security as well as to the safety and privacy of people within the country.
Officials noted that these risks include unauthorized monitoring, potential theft of
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