Dominant Chinese drone maker ditches geofencing that kept its drones out of US no-fly zones
Chinese drone maker DJI has removed strong restrictions from its software that prohibited its drones from flying in US restricted airspace.
Previously, DJI had implemented “geofencing” that would not allow its drones to fly past Federal Aviation Administration “no-fly zones.”
The change in policy now removes this restriction, and replaces it with a warning message to the user, which they can dismiss. DJI said in the announcement of the change that the move aligns with its policy for the EU, which it implemented last year. DJI’s global policy head told The Verge that they have not seen any “evidence of increased risk” since implementing the policy in the EU.
DJI’s drones make up 70% to 90% of the American drone market. The change could have major consequences for public safety. Responding to questions from The Verge, DJI confirmed that the change means there’s nothing stopping DJI drones from being flown over sensitive government buildings like the White House, military installations, or areas where public emergencies are taking place.
Just last week, a consumer drone collided with a firefighting plane over the Los Angeles wildfires, putting the plane out of commission.
The widespread adoption of low-cost drones has thrust the technology to the center of airspace regulation and trade policy. Amazon, Walmart, and Google all have started using drones for retail delivery, and the use of cheap drones in the war in Ukraine has revolutionized combat.
Recently, the Department of Homeland Security warned law-enforcement agencies that the country is not prepared for the threat of weaponized drones.
The change in policy now removes this restriction, and replaces it with a warning message to the user, which they can dismiss. DJI said in the announcement of the change that the move aligns with its policy for the EU, which it implemented last year. DJI’s global policy head told The Verge that they have not seen any “evidence of increased risk” since implementing the policy in the EU.
DJI’s drones make up 70% to 90% of the American drone market. The change could have major consequences for public safety. Responding to questions from The Verge, DJI confirmed that the change means there’s nothing stopping DJI drones from being flown over sensitive government buildings like the White House, military installations, or areas where public emergencies are taking place.
Just last week, a consumer drone collided with a firefighting plane over the Los Angeles wildfires, putting the plane out of commission.
The widespread adoption of low-cost drones has thrust the technology to the center of airspace regulation and trade policy. Amazon, Walmart, and Google all have started using drones for retail delivery, and the use of cheap drones in the war in Ukraine has revolutionized combat.
Recently, the Department of Homeland Security warned law-enforcement agencies that the country is not prepared for the threat of weaponized drones.
