Officials cite security risks and ties to the Chinese Communist Party, and DJI defends its data security practices.
September 27, 2024 Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) of the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party called on Fairfax County to stop using DJI drones . . In a letter to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, they noted that continued use of drones manufactured by DJI, a company linked to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), poses a potential national security risk.
Widely used by law enforcement agencies across the United States, DJI drones provide a cost-effective solution with advanced features. It has become a common tool for first responders, public safety programs and emergency services, including in Fairfax County. But ongoing concerns about DJI’s ties to the Chinese Communist Party and data security have led to scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers and security experts.
national security issues
The letter from Moolenaar and Krishnamoorthi highlighted the potential risks posed by DJI drones, especially given Fairfax County’s proximity to critical national security sites such as the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the National Reconnaissance Office. “Chinese-made UAS platforms and censorship devices currently in use in Fairfax County collect high-resolution images of at-risk facilities and individuals, putting them at risk of being collected by the Chinese Communist Party,” the lawmakers wrote.
This action marks the first known instance of U.S. lawmakers directly targeting a specific law enforcement agency over its use of DJI drones. While concerns about DJI have previously been addressed primarily at the federal level, this development highlights the growing interest in the issue at the local level.
Moolenaar and Krishnamoorthi urged Fairfax County to follow federal recommendations and remove Chinese-made drones from its operations. They also encouraged the county to help other regions adopt similar policies. “For this reason, we urge Fairfax County to exclude Chinese drones from its future procurement and partner programs,” they said.
Widespread use of DJI drones by law enforcement
Despite these concerns, DJI drones still remain the most popular option for many U.S. law enforcement agencies. These products are prized for their cost-effectiveness and functionality, enabling first responders to perform critical missions such as search and rescue operations, fire response, and aerial surveillance. For many organizations with limited budgets, DJI offers affordable options to meet their operational needs.
The widespread use of DJI drones by local government and law enforcement highlights the challenge of balancing national security concerns with the practical needs of first responders. While U.S. lawmakers have pointed out security risks, many agencies continue to use DJI drones in their daily operations.
DJI Defense: Security Measures and Certifications
In response to global concerns about data safety, DJI has consistently denied claims that it collects data for the Chinese government. The company has outlined its security practices in a detailed white paper that aims to address these concerns and reassure customers of its commitment to data protection.
The white paper highlights the steps DJI has taken to protect user data, including encryption and storage protocols. According to the document, all data collected by DJI drones is stored locally and fully encrypted.
At the heart of the problem facing lawmakers is a set of domestic Chinese laws that require all Chinese companies to provide access to their data servers upon request. (You can read a summary on this website.)
Lawmakers call for safer alternatives
Despite DJI’s claims of safe data practices, U.S. lawmakers remain concerned. Data security is one concern, but some engineers worry that simply logging into the DJI platform could provide an access point to the servers, making state-sponsored hacking operations possible. As recent events in Ukraine and the Middle East have proven that small drones are central to the war effort, Congress has expressed concern that access to Chinese drone technology supplies could be disrupted at any time as political pressure builds between the two countries. I did it. china.
Moolenaar and Krishnamoorthi’s letter urges Fairfax County to move away from Chinese-made drones and adopt a procurement policy that prioritizes national security. They also acknowledged the financial challenges local governments face in choosing safer alternatives, and noted that Chinese drone manufacturers benefit from government subsidies that can undercut competitors’ prices.
Lawmakers have urged Congress to provide financial assistance to local governments through programs such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI). They argued this would help local residents afford to replace Chinese-made drones with safer options without having to shoulder the financial burden alone.
“We believe Congress and the federal government must work with local constituencies to ensure more sustainable and safer UAS alternatives,” Moolenaar and Krishnamoorthi wrote, pledging to help Fairfax County and other regions transition away from DJI drones. Reinforced.
As the debate over drone security continues, Fairfax County’s results could set a precedent for other jurisdictions and impact how local governments navigate the complex landscape of drone technology, national security and cost considerations.
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