Another Ban on Drones… What’s Going On

Technology Forum Drones
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Looks like we might be facing yet another ban on drones and parts made outside the country. The Commerce Department is considering this move and has opened a forum where people can share their opinions about it.

Here’s a video that breaks it down further:

And here’s an article explaining more: Commerce Department Issues Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Foreign Unmanned Aerial Systems | Fenwick & West LLP - JDSupra

If you want to add your thoughts, here’s the link to comment:
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/01/03/2024-30209/securing-the-information-and-communications-technology-and-services-supply-chain-unmanned-aircraft#open-comment

Comments close on March 4, 2025. Share your thoughts while you can.

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If this bothers you, make sure to leave a comment on the Federal Register and contact your local representatives.

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Kendall said:
If this bothers you, make sure to leave a comment on the Federal Register and contact your local representatives.

True, but even DJI isn’t saying much about this. They’re just staying quiet as usual.

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It took me less than two minutes to leave my comment using the link provided above.

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Kendall said:
It took me less than two minutes to leave my comment using the link provided above.

If you know of other places where this can be shared, please do. Only 30 comments have been posted so far.

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I left my comment too. Here’s what I wrote:

'Rebuttal to Proposed Ban on Foreign Drones

Banning drones made in China feels unnecessary and more about money than actual security concerns. Here are some points to consider:

  1. These drones are no riskier than other tech we use daily, like phones and laptops, which are also made in China.

  2. Drones have operational limits. They’re not sneaking out on secret missions without someone controlling them.

  3. This seems financially motivated. Expensive American-made drones are being pushed over cheaper, better options from companies like DJI.

  4. Some key players involved in this decision stand to benefit personally. That doesn’t sit right.

  5. A ban would hurt small businesses that rely on affordable tools to stay afloat.

  6. If this is really about security, why aren’t other devices held to the same standard?

This ban feels more like a market control tactic than a real solution. We need a fairer approach.’

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@Milan
China already banned the export of drone parts, which limited how many batteries companies like Skydio could buy. Every part from China is a risk and should be banned.

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Mods should pin this thread so more people can see it.

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Trying to make the country fully self-reliant just isn’t realistic. I understand restricting DJI for government use, but for regular use, it’s been a problem. DJI has made things much easier for emergency responders. Since their ban, people are struggling to find a good replacement. A full ban makes things worse.

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These forums are just a way to keep criticism in one place where it gets ignored. If you really want to make an impact, you need to write a letter or make some calls. Otherwise, it won’t matter.

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Two of my biggest issues with the proposed rules are:

  1. The claim that any tech from foreign countries is an ‘extraordinary threat’ to national security. This seems exaggerated when it comes to drones.

  2. The focus on ‘unrestricted acquisition or use’ seems to ignore the fact that most devices we use come from these same places and aren’t being banned. Why single out drones?