The FCC is planning to retroactively ban disguised DJI gadgets
The FCC is moving to retroactively ban gadgets from companies suspected of acting as fronts for the Chinese drone manufacturer DJI. This action would force retailers to stop selling existing inventory of products that were previously approved for import.
Why it matters
It signals a more aggressive regulatory stance by the FCC on national security grounds, potentially impacting supply chains for consumer electronics.
Last October, we told you how the FCC had given itself the power to retroactively ban gadgets that have already received its approval to be imported and sold in the United States. Now, the FCC’s getting ready to wield that power for the first time, by cracking down on the “DJI front companies” suspected of sneaking the Chinese company’s tech past its foreign drone ban.
Two Fridays ago, the FCC had already proposed a $25,000 fine on eight of those “front companies,” including the ones behind the Skyrover drones and Xtra cameras. But now, the FCC is proposing a lot more than a slap-on-the-wrist — it’s planning to ban those same companies from continuing to import, distribute, market, and sell their existing drones and cameras.
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