The Department of the Interior (DOI) has banned the use of DJI and other drones made in China in all DOI projects. Here’s a statement from DOI spokeswoman Melissa Brown:
“Secretary Bernhardt is reviewing the Department of the Interior’s drone program. Until this review is completed, the Secretary has directed that drones manufactured in China or made from Chinese components be grounded unless they are currently being utilized for emergency purposes, such as fighting wildfires, search and rescue, and dealing with natural disasters that may threaten life or property,”
Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives’ Homeland Security Committee held hearings on the Drone Origin Security Enhancement Act, where Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas) said, “Numerous reports over the last few years suggest Chinese-made drones could potentially be used to send sensitive flight information to China-based companies where it could be easily accessed by the Chinese government.”
