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Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. ZDNET's key takeaways The FCC can now retroactively add brands to its banned list.DJI is facing a December ban in the US unless it gets clearance.You would be able to keep and fly existing devices. A potential ban on DJI devices in the US has been a threat for several years now, but it's one step closer to reality. The FCC has voted that it can now retroactively add devices and components to its list of prohibited equipment that pose "an unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States." Currently, that list includes just under a dozen companies like Huawei, ZTE, AO Kaspersky Lab, and Pacific Networks Corp. Also: My favorite DJI drone just hit an all-time low price on Amazon - and it's travel-friendly Like the proposed ban targeting TP-Link routers, this one mainly focuses on Chinese-made telecom devices. DJI, a Chinese company, isn't on this list, and its products have been approved for sale in the US for years. With its newfound power, the FCC can go back and ban the already-approved DJI if it sees fit. The speculation that the FCC is eyeing DJI goes back to the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, a bill from December 2024 that says communications and video surveillance equipment manufacturers (including drone companies) must pass a security audit within one year, or products from those companies will be banned from the US. Also: I tested DJI's palm-sized drone, and it captured things I had never seen before (and it's now only $159) The FCC has yet to give DJI the approval it needs to continue selling its drones. Either failure to get that clearance or the FCC adding DJI to its banned list would have huge impacts. What happens if the FCC bans DJI? Should this ban go through, the FCC won't take away any drones you already have, and you'll still be able to fly one. But it means DJI might no longer be able to sell new drones, and DJI might no longer update its app. It also might mean you'll run into trouble trying to get parts for your drone or if you need it repaired. Also: DJI's new mini drone is a powerhouse with an upgraded camera, but I have two concerns The company has already stopped selling two new devices -- the DJI Mavic 4 Pro and the DJI Mini 5 Pro -- on its website over the ongoing issues, but those drones are available at other retailers. I've reached out to DJI for comment. Get the morning's top stories in your inbox each day with our Tech Today newsletter.
