The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has enacted a ban that prevents Americans from purchasing the latest foreign-made drones as of today. This decision places these drones on the FCC’s Covered List—an inventory of communications equipment and services considered to pose unacceptable risks to U.S. national security, including threats to the safety of its citizens. Previously, this list already included notable companies like Kaspersky, ZTE, and Huawei.
According to the FCC’s fact sheet released on Monday, the ban affects unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and their critical components, encompassing items like data transmission devices, communications systems, flight controllers, navigation systems, batteries, and motors that originate from foreign countries. The agency highlights potential threats such as persistent surveillance, data extraction, and destructive operations over U.S. territory, raising concerns about their use during significant events such as the World Cup and Olympics.
Existing drones, including those made in China and previously approved by the FCC, like those from DJI, remain available for purchase and use. However, going forward, the FCC will not authorize any new drone products from foreign-based manufacturers.
This action follows a review by an 'Executive Branch interagency body with appropriate national security expertise,' assembled by the White House.
Ban Takes Off
Drones have long been subjects of legislative scrutiny due to concerns about their potential as national security threats. Critics argue they enable privacy invasions, cause disruptions, and violate restricted airspace regulations. The momentum for a ban gained traction after the U.S. Congress passed the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act last year, including provisions to counter Chinese-manufactured drones. As a result, companies like DJI were given a year to demonstrate to a qualified national security agency that their products do not endanger U.S. security.