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26 The Nevada Traverse Vol.51, No.3, 2024The Upcoming DJI Drone Ban in the United States: Implications and ControversiesBy: Michael Detwiler, PLSIn recent months, the United States government has intensified its scrutiny of Chinese drone company DJI. DJI is widely recognized as the leading manufacturer of consumer and professional drones, with a large number being utilized for aerial mapping and land surveying. The impending ban on DJI drones has sparked significant discussion and controversy, raising questions about national security, technological dependence, and the future of the drone industry in the U.S.Background and Reasons for the BanThe primary driver behind the potential ban is concern over national security, initiated in the House of Representatives by Rep. Elise Stafanik (R-NY) with the %u201cCountering CCP Drones Act%u201d, H.R. 2864 The Senate also has similar language about drones, but does not specifically cite DJI in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025, H.R. 8070. U.S. officials have expressed worries that DJI drones, which are equipped with sophisticated cameras and data transmission capabilities, could be used to collect sensitive information. The fear is that this data could potentially be accessed by the Chinese government, given the strict regulations Chinese companies operate under, which often include compliance with government data requests.This concern is not entirely new. DJI has been on the U.S. government%u2019s radar for several years, with various agencies, including the Department of Defense and the Department of the Interior, issuing guidelines or bans on using DJI drones for official purposes. The apprehension was exacerbated by geopolitical tensions and the broader tech war between the U.S. and China, particularly concerning cybersecurity and technology sovereignty. Some states have also passed or have pending legislation banning either DJI and/or Chinese drone technology. Other public type entities such as the Army Corp of Engineers, Bureau of Land Management, and public utility companies have internal policies banning the use of DJI drones on aerial mapping projects under their ownership.Implications for the Drone IndustryThe implications of a DJI drone ban are far-reaching. DJI holds a significant market share in the U.S. drone industry, especially in professional sectors such as search and rescue and aerial mapping with photogrammetry and LiDAR. A ban would disrupt this market, creating a vacuum that other companies might struggle to fill, at least in the short term. It could also lead to increased prices and reduced availability of consumer drones, as competitors scramble to meet demand.For professional users, the ban could necessitate a costly and logistically challenging transition to alternative platforms. This shift could also affect sectors that rely heavily on drone technology, such as land surveying and civil engineering, potentially slowing down operations and increasing costs.The Debate and Potential OutcomesThe proposed ban has sparked a debate about the balance between national security and consumer choice. Critics argue that the security risks may be overstated and that such a ban could be an overreach, stifling innovation and competition in the tech industry. They point out that there are few viable alternatives to DJI drones in terms of quality and price, suggesting that a ban could inadvertently harm American consumers and businesses.On the other hand, proponents of the ban argue that protecting national security must take precedence. They emphasize the importance of developing domestic alternatives to reduce dependence on foreign technology, particularly in critical sectors.As of now, the U.S. government has not provided a definitive timeline or details on how the ban will be implemented. At this point the language in the two bills will need to be reconciled between the House and the Senate versions. If this happens, it is likely it will be included in the NDAA FY 2025 bill and passed into law by the end of 2024. It%u2019s also unclear what measures, if any, will be put in place to assist businesses and consumers affected by the ban. It is unlikely the federal government will refund consumers or develop a buy-back program.It has been assumed there will be a cut-off date where no new drones can be sold to consumers. The Federal Communications Commission would cease to renew or issue new radio licenses for DJI drones after a certain date. All drones purchased before this date will most likely be allowed to continue to operate, since it would be a monumental task to recall the hundreds of thousands of DJI drones currently in operation throughout the country.In conclusion, the proposed DJI drone ban represents a significant development in U.S. tech policy, reflecting broader concerns about cybersecurity and technological sovereignty. As the situation unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor how these concerns are balanced against the practical needs and interests of consumers and industries that rely heavily on drone technology. Stay tuned to current news, blogs and articles for updates on the topic. You can also track the bills as they pass through the House and Senate by searching by their number, or at the links beloH.R.2864 - Countering CCP Drones Act https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/2864H.R.8070 - Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/8070