The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is set to enforce a retroactive ban on DJI-linked gadgets, aiming at companies allegedly circumventing a U.S. ban on foreign drones. This move marks the first use of new powers the FCC granted itself last October, allowing it to prohibit gadgets previously approved for import and sale.
FCC Fines and Proposed Ban
The FCC recently proposed a $25,000 fine on eight so-called 'front companies' linked to DJI, including Skyrover drones and Xtra cameras. Now, the agency intends to escalate its actions by banning these companies from importing, distributing, marketing, and selling their existing products in the U.S.
Affected products include Xtra's version of the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, previously approved by the FCC and available for next-day shipping on platforms like Amazon. Should the ban be enacted, these items will need to be removed from retailers and possibly written off from U.S. warehouses.
Public Comments and Security Concerns
The proposed ban won't affect gadgets already purchased and won't be immediate. The FCC is accepting public comments for 30 days, although its past handling of public feedback, such as during the net neutrality debate, raises skepticism. The U.S. government has yet to present public evidence tying foreign drones to national security threats.
Those interested can submit comments via an 'Express Filing' on the FCC's website.
Company Impact and FCC Actions
The FCC has 'temporarily deferred the grantee codes' of the targeted companies, a term not clearly defined. This deferral may prevent these companies from gaining future authorization for gadgets. Companies targeted include Cogito Tech, Fixaxo Technology, Lyno Dynamics, and others, none of which responded to the FCC's inquiries. XAG, an agricultural drone brand, replied once without providing the requested information.
Konrad Iturbe, who previously tracked the 'FCC front companies,' brought these companies to the FCC's attention. The FCC also cited previous reports on Xtra.
FCC's Broader Strategy
In a related move, the FCC is disengaging from SGS-CSTC Shenzhen, a Chinese test lab involved in bringing some of these products to market. Despite SGS-CSTC's claims of independence from the Chinese government, U.S. law considers any entity with over 10% ownership as having control, affecting its authorization of radios for U.S. usage.
Further actions against these companies may follow if they fail to respond by July 20th. The FCC's approach reflects a broader strategy to address national security concerns tied to foreign technology imports.
For more developments, stay tuned as we track the FCC's ongoing efforts.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/968310/fcc-dji-drone-camera-ban-skyrover-xtra
