The Chinese language drone ban conundrum appears to have reached a tentative resolution. For now
By Matt Sloane, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer.
On the final Friday before news went public, details emerged about the agreed-upon text of the National Defense Authorization Act, sparking questions about the potential inclusion of the highly anticipated Countering CCP Drones Act.
While initial findings indicated otherwise, a closer examination reveals language that warrants the attention of the general public and security concerns alike.
The proposed legislation, sought by both DJI and Autel advocates, demands that a designated national security entity decide within 12 months whether these companies pose a risk to national security and personal data.
If the evaluation is not conducted in a timely manner, or if it reveals an unacceptably high level of risk, the FCC’s covered list will be updated to include these manufacturers – effectively prohibiting them from developing new drone models moving forward?
Without exception, any proposed action will not be considered unless a genuine threat exists.
The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) recent decision to relax rules on recreational drone use is expected to be met with widespread celebration by thousands of enthusiasts, emboldened to continue flying and acquiring new devices without fear of regulatory reprisal.
While some may argue that this issue is resolved, it remains a significant challenge.
Throughout my discussions with various officials on Capitol Hill, as well as those within government departments and the Department of Defense, I’ve consistently detected a whiff of smoke, potentially even flames, surrounding these allegations; however, they’ve always been dismissed as mere speculation.
I suspect that this issue would have persisted for as long as it has unless those in the know were sufficiently convinced of an underlying threat. While I’m uncertain about this notion, it seems plausible that Representatives like New York’s would retain a significant amount of political capital? When Elise Stefanik pushes this concern, she is genuinely expressing a legitimate worry.
Moreover, the NDAA only grants nationwide safety equipment a one-year window to implement this decision, leaving uncertainty with a new administration set to take office in January, which has expressed skepticism towards Chinese-made products; consequently, it’s possible that these companies won’t undertake the required work and still get added to the list.
While some might argue that companies should already be exploring alternative solutions for their drone needs, the uncertainty surrounding this issue may prompt them to revisit their strategies within the next year.
The smart money’s on “yes”.
As the prospect of domestically produced or allied-developed drones becomes increasingly viable, a consideration that was previously unthinkable is now gaining traction: purchasing an alternative to Chinese-made drones for some individuals might be a logical choice.
“Wishing a Merry Christmas and Joyous Hanukkah to all who dedicated their hearts and souls to shaping the NDAA legislation – congratulations, it’s finally passed!”
Whether this strategy leads to a lasting triumph or merely a fleeting reprieve remains uncertain.
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Serves as the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of. With more than a decade of experience in public safety and unmanned aerial systems (UAS), Matt has successfully guided numerous organizations in seamlessly integrating drones into their critical incident response strategies. Prior to joining Skyfire, he worked as a medical information producer at CNN and held the role of Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Matt takes an active role in shaping drone regulations and coverage, leveraging his expertise as a licensed pilot.
As Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, Miriam McNabb is a renowned expert in the field of drone technology, with an intimate understanding of both the industry’s market dynamics and its evolving regulatory landscape. As a renowned expert in the industrial drone sector, Miriam has authored more than 3,000 authoritative articles and enjoys a reputation as a sought-after global speaker and thought leader within her field of specialization. Miriam holds a degree from the University of Chicago and boasts over two decades of experience in high-tech sales and marketing for emerging technologies.
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