FCC Adds Chinese Drones and Components to Covered List Citing National Security Risks
The FCC banned Chinese drones, components, and uncrewed aircraft systems by adding them to its Covered List, citing national security risks and potential espionage.
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Overview
The FCC recently added Chinese-made drones, components, and uncrewed aircraft systems to its Covered List, effectively banning their sale and authorization for use in the U.S.
The FCC's action directly addresses escalating national security risks, specifically citing concerns over data security and potential espionage from foreign-made uncrewed aircraft systems.
This move culminates nearly a decade of U.S. efforts to restrict Chinese drone technology, building on previous bans by the U.S. Army in 2017 and the Trump administration.
Inclusion on the Covered List means these items are deemed a national security threat, preventing their authorization for use within U.S. telecommunications infrastructure.
The Covered List already includes entities like Kaspersky, ZTE, and Huawei, reflecting the FCC's broader strategy to safeguard U.S. telecommunications infrastructure from perceived foreign threats.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the FCC's drone ban by emphasizing its negative impact on consumers and DJI, while questioning the ban's justification. They highlight DJI's market dominance and counter-arguments regarding a lack of evidence and due process, suggesting the decision might be driven by protectionism rather than proven security risks.