FCC proposes retroactive ban on DJI front companies
The US Federal Communications Commission is seeking public comment on a measure that would prohibit the import, distribution, and sale of existing drones and cameras linked to Chinese manufacturer DJI, marking a significant escalation in national security enforcement.
The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed a retroactive ban targeting eight companies identified as front entities for Chinese drone manufacturer DJI. The measure prohibits firms, including Xtra Technology and Skyrover, from importing, distributing, marketing, or selling existing drones and cameras in the United States. This action represents the first time the regulator is exercising its power to retroactively ban gadgets that have already received approval for import and sale.
The proposed ban would likely result in the removal of products, such as Xtra’s version of the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, from major online retailers and Xtra’s own website. Companies may need to write off inventory currently held in US warehouses, such as those operated by Amazon. The FCC is currently accepting public comments for a 30-day period before finalising the decision.
The specific companies targeted include Cogito Tech, Fixaxo Technology, Lyno Dynamics, Skyhigh Tech, Spatial Hover, SZ Knowact, and WaveGo Tech, which is linked to Skyrover. The list also encompasses agricultural drone brand XAG. All entities except XAG were brought to the FCC’s attention by Konrad Iturbe, who identified the network of front companies last year. None of the targeted firms responded to the FCC’s requests for information, while XAG reportedly failed to provide the requested data.
In a related development, the FCC announced it is parting ways with SGS-CSTC Shenzhen, a Chinese test lab that assisted some of these products in gaining market approval. Although SGS-CSTC claimed it is not controlled by the Chinese government, US law considers an entity to have control if it holds 10 percent or more ownership. The China-owned CSTC holds a 15 percent stake in the lab.
The FCC has temporarily deferred the grantee codes of the targeted companies, a term undefined by the commission and unfamiliar to a former FCC official. While the regulator cites national security fears, it has not provided specific public evidence regarding threats posed by foreign drones or why camera products are included in the ban. The FCC previously ignored public comments on net neutrality and made false claims about a cyberattack, suggesting caution regarding its current stance.
