The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is considering restricting and potentially banning certain DJI drones that it previously approved for sale. According to reports, the proposal targets specific drone capabilities rather than DJI as a company, and it would expand existing FCC drone rules.
The outlets describe a set of features the FCC is focused on limiting, including LiDAR sensing and thermal imaging. Other listed capabilities include aerosol-dispersing systems, coordinated swarm operations, docking stations, and drones above a specified weight threshold (reported as 55 pounds or more). The FCC is also treating some of these functions as “military-grade,” framing the changes as a way to tighten oversight of higher-risk technology.
While the coverage broadly agrees on the direction of the FCC’s proposal—reducing access to certain DJI models—outlets emphasize different aspects. One outlet highlights LiDAR-equipped DJI drones specifically, while another provides a wider list of the capabilities under consideration, including thermal and other advanced functions. The proposal is reported as part of an FCC process that would change how these devices can be marketed and used in the United States, but details on final scope depend on the rulemaking outcome.
