Public Rejects FCC's 'Military-Grade' Drone Ban

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed a ban on certain "military-grade" drones, primarily those of Chinese origin, citing national security concerns. This proposal has ignited significant public backlash during its comment period.

An analysis of over 3,800 public comments revealed that 98.6% oppose the rule as written. While some commenters support the security objective, a significant majority believe the FCC's definition is flawed. Only a minimal fraction of filings fully endorsed the proposal.

The FCC's definition of "military-grade" includes drones equipped with thermal cameras or LiDAR sensors, or those capable of self-docking, spraying liquid, performing swarm maneuvers, or weighing 55lbs or more. This broad definition has drawn criticism for encompassing standard consumer and prosumer drone technology.

Features like LiDAR are now common for obstacle avoidance in drones used by the public for photography, inspections, and even search and rescue operations. The proposal's criteria appear to conflate advanced surveillance platforms with widely used, less sophisticated aerial cameras.

Even Skydio, a US-based drone manufacturer that could benefit from restrictions on competitors, has not fully endorsed the FCC's proposal. The company has called for a more calibrated approach, highlighting the rule's potentially excessive scope.

With widespread opposition from various sectors including public safety, agriculture, and hobbyists, the FCC faces a challenging task in justifying its proposal. Legal challenges are also anticipated, questioning the FCC's authority to implement such a blanket ban based solely on origin.