FCC Rules Out Foreign Drone Components to Protect National Networks

A decisive step in federal oversight on unmanned aerial technology has been taken by the United States Federal Communications Commission, in a move that is aimed at escalating federal control over unmanned aerial technology. Specifically, the FCC has prohibited the sale of newly manufactured foreign drones and their essential hardware components in the United States, citing the necessity for national security. 

According to the FCC’s regulatory action, which was revealed on Monday, drone manufacturers such as DJI and Autel, as well as other overseas drone manufacturers, have been placed on the FCC’s “Covered List,” which means that they cannot obtain the agency’s mandatory authorization to sell, market, or market new drone models and critical parts to consumers.

The decision follows a directive issued by the U.S. Congress in December 2024, which required DJI and Autel to go on the list within a year of being notified if the government did not validate the continued sale of these systems under government monitoring. 

A ban on foreign drone systems and components has been imposed by the Federal Communications Commission without approval as it indicates that there are perceived risks associated with them-especially those originating from Chinese manufacturers-that are incompatible with the security thresholds established to protect U.S. technology infrastructure and commun

[…]
Content was cut in order to protect the source.Please visit the source for the rest of the article.