How the DJI 'Drone Ban' is Affecting Way More Than Just Its Drones

In one of the biggest and likely most impactful non-AI storylines of the year so far, the Federal Communications Commission’s decision to add DJI to a “covered list” and effectively ban the Chinese-based company from selling new drones in the United States has brought major ramifications and significant frustration.

However, as we’ve seen with several new non-drone product releases from DJI over the past few months, not only are new drones not being sold in the US, but other non-drone products like gimbals, mics, and even portable power stations are not being sold in America either.

The reasons why, explanations of what is going on, and how they might change have been hard to sift through. But if you’re like us and curious if and when any new DJI products might be fully available in the US again, here’s what we’ve been able to figure out so far.

DJI Drone Ban Affecting More Than Drones in the US

So, the crux of the “DJI drone ban” that we’ve been covering comes down to the FCC’s decision to add the Chinese-based company to its national security “covered list” to help “restore our airspace sovereignty and unleash American drone dominance without disrupting ongoing use of previously authorized drones.”

You’ll notice that nothing in that statement, or in the entire document, talks about other non-drone DJI products. However, as we’ve seen time and time again now, new DJI products are not fully available in the US.

Some products are slipping through to resellers, and many are available in different markets via resale, but the majority of the main sellers do not have these new products. Meanwhile, these new products appear to be doing quite well and are certainly very popular with filmmakers, video pros, and content creators in Europe, Asia, and across the rest of the world.

DJI Products in Limbo in the US

According to DJI in recent petitions and filings, this all has to do with the broadness of the FCC’s decision, as a “blanket refusal” appears to cover all of the companies devices, including ones that don’t even connect directly to the internet, don’t offer advanced communication services, or even ones that clearly don’t have cameras or the capabilities for any type of surveillance.

The result is a sort of limbo for the company where they’re announcing new products, and even saying that they are launching “globally”, but potential customers in the US are effectively blocked out of buying these products through many traditional channels.

What does the future hold here? It’s hard to say as this saga has been ongoing for quite some time, and despite DJI’s efforts to encourage users and fans to speak out on its behalf, it doesn’t appear like any major tides are changing.

Still, if this is a concern for you and you have frustrations, DJI has shared ways for those in the US to support the company and help appeal the ban, which you can do here.