In November 2022, India implemented a ban on drone imports, effectively barring China’s SZ DJI Technology Co., the world’s largest drone manufacturer, from its market. Now, the United States may take a similar step by targeting DJI, marking a potential second major ban on a Chinese company after the proposed restrictions on TikTok.
TikTok Faces Uphill Battle in the US
Chinese short-video app TikTok is facing significant challenges in the US. Last week, an appellate panel upheld legislation banning the app, ruling that it did not violate free speech protections under the First Amendment. The court supported concerns that the Chinese government could exploit TikTok to collect data on American users or disseminate propaganda. This ban is set to take effect on January 19, just a day before President-elect Trump’s inauguration.
Security Risks from Chinese Drones: DJI and Autel Robotics
According to a Reuters report, the US House of Representatives is set to vote on a military bill that could ban the sale of drones manufactured by DJI and Autel Robotics, both China-based companies. The legislation includes a one-year review period to assess the security risks associated with these drones. If no definitive assessment is provided by a national security agency, a default ban would be imposed.
The 1,800-page bill mandates that a national security agency determine whether drones from DJI or Autel Robotics pose unacceptable risks. DJI, the leading global drone manufacturer, has expressed concerns about the potential ban, stating that it could unfairly target Chinese firms. The company has taken steps such as submitting products for independent security audits and strengthening privacy controls.
Similarly, Autel Robotics has come under scrutiny, with a bipartisan group of lawmakers last year calling for an investigation into potential security threats posed by its drones.
Rising Concerns Over Chinese Drones
The US government’s increasing focus on Chinese drones is driven by fears of data leaks, surveillance, and national security risks. While DJI has denied allegations of improper data practices or links to the Chinese military, the US has already begun tightening restrictions. Recent measures include a proposed ban on new DJI drones and a review by the Commerce Department of additional restrictions.
In a related legal battle, DJI is suing the Defense Department for including it on a list of companies allegedly connected to the Chinese military, arguing the designation is unwarranted.
As geopolitical tensions rise, the fate of Chinese tech companies in the US continues to hang in the balance.
