In response to the bill “Countering CCP Drones Act” which aims to ban the purchase and use of DJI drones in the United States, DJI, the technological giant, has issued a detailed statement. The bill is currently under consideration by the Congress Committee, and DJI has criticized lawmakers for making unreasonable accusations and resorting to xenophobic narratives under the guise of geopolitical concerns.
DJI warns that the ban will not only harm the company itself but also impact the ecosystem of operators, businesses, and security services that rely on their technology. The manufacturer has refuted several key accusations outlined in the bill.
One of the accusations regarding the collection of data, including biometrics, by DJI drones has been dismissed by the company. DJI claims that their drones do not collect flight logs, photos, or videos without user consent, and the local data mode can completely disable internet connectivity.
Accusations suggesting that DJI may be compelled to assist in espionage activities have been denied by the company, which claims to disclose data only in response to legal requests within the relevant jurisdiction.
Furthermore, DJI has rejected claims of being associated with Chinese military companies, emphasizing its focus on civil applications and its refusal to engage in military contracts. The company asserts that it prohibits any use of its products for military purposes.
Addressing allegations of human rights violations, DJI explains that they are unable to monitor the post-sale use of their consumer products like other manufacturers, but they are committed to ensuring the safety and privacy of consumers through investments in product security and data protection systems at both the software and hardware levels.
Instead of advocating for bans, DJI is calling for the development of comprehensive cybersecurity standards that apply to all drone manufacturers, regardless of their country of origin. The company believes that establishing these standards will benefit the entire market without stifling innovation.