FCC Cracks Down on DJI Front Companies

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is taking significant action against several Chinese companies accused of being "DJI front companies." These companies are suspected of circumventing the existing foreign drone ban by importing and selling technology into the United States. The FCC has proposed a ban on eight such companies, including those behind Skyrover drones and Xtra cameras, prohibiting them from importing, distributing, marketing, and selling their current products.

This move marks the first time the FCC is exercising its power to retroactively ban previously approved gadgets. While the proposed ban is a significant step, it is not yet final. The FCC is currently in a 30-day public comment period, during which it will consider specific evidence regarding national security fears associated with these drones and cameras. The agency has tentatively concluded that these companies are selling equipment that should be banned, citing security concerns, although the US government has not publicly provided specific evidence of foreign drones posing a threat.

In addition to the proposed import and sales ban, the FCC has also announced it is severing ties with SGS-CSTC Shenzhen, a Chinese testing laboratory that facilitated the market entry of some of these products. The FCC cited concerns about the lab's control, which is influenced by Chinese entities. The agency also noted that if these companies did not respond with requested information by July 20th, further actions could be taken.