FCC bans new foreign-made drones and components due to security threats

The Federal Communications Commission blacklisted all new foreign-made drones and components over national security concerns, primarily targeting Chinese drone-maker DJI, which has a significant share of the market.

An interagency group carried out a thorough review of the possible threats related to foreign-made drones and components, finding that they carry “unacceptable risks to the national security of the United States and to the safety and security of U.S. persons.” As a result of its findings, the FCC placed the technology on its “Covered List,” a list of equipment and services that have been identified as having associated risks.