U.S. Weighs New Rules on Chinese and Russian Drones

The United States is ramping up efforts to address potential security risks posed by drones incorporating technology from foreign adversaries such as China and Russia.

The Commerce Department recently announced plans to evaluate new regulations aimed at safeguarding U.S. national security and sensitive data. This move highlights growing concerns over the vulnerabilities associated with drones that rely on technology from rival nations.

Commercial drones have become a ubiquitous part of life in the world’s largest economy, revolutionizing industries from agriculture to logistics and entertainment. However, this rapid adoption comes with its challenges.

The Commerce Department warns that drones equipped with technology from foreign adversaries could allow nations like China and Russia to remotely access or manipulate these devices, potentially exposing sensitive data.

The department’s Bureau of Industry and Security has specifically flagged risks related to the design, manufacture, and supply chains of drone technology.

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It noted that adversaries could exploit legal and political frameworks in their home countries to coerce private entities into serving national interests. This issue is especially concerning given the dominance of Chinese firms, like DJI, in the global drone market.

To address these concerns, the Commerce Department is soliciting public feedback on the matter. Citizens, businesses, and experts have until March 4 to share insights on how foreign-linked drone transactions might pose “undue or unacceptable risks” to national security.

This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity in shaping policies that impact both national security and the burgeoning drone industry.

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Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo emphasized the urgency of securing the supply chain for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). “Safeguarding this technology is critical to protecting our national security,” she stated. Raimondo’s comments come as Washington increasingly scrutinizes Chinese and Russian involvement in technologies critical to U.S. infrastructure.

China and Russia have long been accused of leveraging their technological prowess to compromise U.S. security through cyber espionage and other means. These nations have the capability to exploit their market dominance in the global drone industry for geopolitical gains, according to U.S. officials.

For instance, DJI, the leading Chinese drone manufacturer, has faced significant scrutiny in recent years. Washington has raised alarms about the company’s alleged role in surveillance activities, including its purported involvement in monitoring ethnic minorities in China. The drone giant’s dominance in the consumer market has made it a focal point of U.S. security concerns.

The potential new rules for drones align with broader measures to limit the influence of foreign adversaries on critical technologies. In September, the U.S. imposed a ban on the sale of connected vehicles that include Chinese and Russian technology, citing similar national security concerns. The move was part of a broader strategy to mitigate risks posed by supply chain vulnerabilities in critical sectors.

Other foreign adversaries, including North Korea and Iran, are also under scrutiny for their potential to exploit U.S. infrastructure and technology. The emphasis on securing the drone supply chain is just one aspect of a larger effort to shield sensitive systems and data from external threats.