Why the Senate’s NDAA ban on DJI was no surprise to the LiDAR PRO team

The the recent Senate vote to ban DJI in the NDAA may have come as a shock to some, but to those who were paying attention it was no surprise. Companies should have been prepared for this action years ago, given growing concerns about data security and national security threats related to DJI drones. At Sundance Media Group and our resale partner, LiDAR Pros, we have been looking forward to this event since 2017 and have taken active steps to be prepared for any regulatory changes that may come.

With the House passing the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) June 14which includes strategic competition with the language of the Chinese Communist Party, these changes may come sooner than expected.

Understanding the impetus behind the DJI ban

The legislative move to exclude DJI from the NDAA stemmed from growing concerns about how these drones could inadvertently serve as conduits for leaking sensitive information. The main concerns are based on the fear that DJI drones, due to their advanced data collection capabilities, could transmit critical data beyond U.S. borders, directly threatening national security.

This is not a sudden discovery, but the culmination of growing concern about the expansive deployment of these drones in sensitive sectors. As drones became woven into the fabric of commercial and government operations, the need for rigorous oversight became undeniable.

This action is therefore not just a ban, but a decisive step towards protecting the integrity of sensitive data and, consequently, strengthening national security in an era where technological progress is both a boon and a bane. DIU and other agencies as well private persons have demonstrated that data transfer is taking placeand it has been like this for many years.

The writing was on the wall: anticipating a ban

For those deeply embedded in the drone industry, the narrative surrounding DJI’s eventual exclusion did not emerge from a vacuum. It started with a sense of predictability.

The increased scrutiny of DJI connections and the potential consequences for data integrity and national security were clear signs that a regulatory response was imminent. Back in 2016, as the dialogue began to focus on these concerns, it became clear that relying on DJI technology without considering alternatives was an unreliable strategy. The expectation of regulatory action against DJI has underscored the importance of foresight and adaptability in the dynamic drone technology landscape. This was a clear signal to municipalities, counties, state agencies and companies to assess their dependencies and seek diverse, safe solutions in preparation for the changing regulatory environment.

For us at LiDAR Pros, this has reinforced our commitment to pioneering the development and deployment of compliant and advanced UAS technologies, ensuring readiness and resilience to such predictable changes. This it was not a painless process, which was visible in 2022, when one of SMG’s directors took part in a panel at the International Wireless Communications Fair. This comment by Douglas Spotted Eagle…

“So if you’re setting up a drone program and you’re a municipality or a utility (and choose to use DJI products),… you are a fool”

…was used in an IWCE publication without context, which caused significant backlash from the UAS community. As a result, several unpleasant emails were generated, including two with death threats from DJI fans.

However, it should be noted that DJI has repeatedly and unequivocally denied collecting the data, and multiple sources have confirmed that it is false. These denials occurred over a long period of time and played a significant role in the erosion of trust.

Supply chain issues, board health and county issues, information security issues, price fixing and unfair marketing tactics all contribute to how DJI is perceived throughout the industry, and it is in this context that we have made conscious decisions to distance ourselves from DJI and other Chinese products if possible, whether or not they are real problems. We are not here to fight on behalf of any UAS manufacturer; we are a company that makes business decisions.

Sundance Media Group and the proactive approach of LiDAR professionals since 2019

Recognizing the evolving dynamics of the drone industry, SMG and its sister organization (The LiDAR Pros) began a strategic shift away from reliance on DJI technologies, long before the winds of regulatory change gripped the sector. Understanding the implications of potential bans and the critical need for data security, our team initiated a robust campaign to innovate and diversify our UAS offering. This foresight in 2019 was not just a reaction to emerging threats, but a planned move aimed at anchoring our activities in the principles of compliance and technological sovereignty.

This pivot entailed a deep dive into research and development, focusing on creating UAS platforms that not only exceeded the capabilities of then available solutions, but also complied with rigorous compliance frameworks that would become industry standards. By supporting cooperation with entities advocating safe and reliable unmanned technologies, we have expanded our repertoire to include solutions compliant with Blue List and NDAA guidelines, ensuring our readiness for inevitable regulatory changes.

Our efforts have been guided by a clear understanding that the drone technology landscape is on the brink of significant transformation. The goal was to ensure that LiDAR professionals not only lead change, but lead our customers into a future where safety and innovation come together. This approach has strengthened our position in the market, giving our customers confidence that our UAS platforms are not only compliant with regulations, but represent the future of drone technology.

With this in mind, SMG and The LiDAR Pros set out to identify importable solutions from NATO countries such as South Korea, Italy and other NDAA friendship partners.

Offering advanced and compatible UAS solutions

Our commitment to excellence goes beyond just following the rules; it’s about pushing the boundaries of what UAS technology can do. By navigating the complex landscape of drone regulations, we were able to identify solutions that not only meet safety and compliance criteria, but also redefine them.

Our platforms are the result of rigorous research and innovation, designed to meet the evolving demands of both the industry and our customers. We don’t just offer drones; we provide peace of mind by ensuring that every business aviation solution LiDAR Pros stay at the forefront of technology while strictly adhering to Blue List and NDAA standards.

This commitment to advanced and safe UAS solutions makes our offering not only unique, but also essential for those who prioritize both innovation and integrity in their operations. Through this commitment, we enable our customers to safely navigate the future of aviation technology, confident that their operations are both cutting-edge and compliant. While it is true that we offer some products made in China, we are very clear to our customers about the significant concerns associated with the use of these products.

For example State of Utah, SB135 provides a clear path for the continued use of certain Chinese-made products as long as they can be modified to meet state standards for not broadcasting data at any time. Drone data can be deleted from the UAS before connecting to the internet, which we fully support.

The importance of overtaking in a changing landscape

Navigating the field of drone technology requires a forward-looking approach, especially in light of recent legislative changes. This landscape is characterized by rapid regulatory changes, highlighting the critical need for innovation and adaptability.

This is partly why our ethos focuses on anticipating future trends and regulatory changes, ensuring that our solutions are not only compliant with current standards, but also designed to meet future requirements. This proactive approach has allowed us to define standards in the delivery of UAS solutions that encompass both technological advancements and regulatory forecasting.

This commitment to remaining at the forefront of the industry allows us to equip our clients with the tools they need to succeed in an ever-evolving marketplace. When they choose to work with us, customers are assured of a partnership that values ​​security, compliance and innovation. Our partnerships enable stakeholders to confidently tackle the dynamic future of drone operations, regardless of city, county, state or federal regulations.

If passed as written, there is no doubt that the CCP Counter-Drone Act will have a significant impact on the U.S. unmanned aerial vehicle (SUAS) industry.

Regardless of where this legislation lands, the issue will remain a thorny issue for every city, county, state or federal agency and those who provide contract services to these teams and leave. We will continue to provide training for DJI owners and will continue to support the use of all UAS as long as UAS regulations do not prohibit flight on these airframes. This will likely have no impact on private operators, apart from future issues with access to these aerial tools.

Adoption of the final bill will undoubtedly impact not only DJI, but thousands of public safety agencies, AEC operators, inspection firms, and other commercial UAS operators. Now that the House vote has concluded, stay tuned for more updates on Senate reconciliation.

Editor’s note: TLP or SMG are not taking any side in this debate, rather we have prepared our business model to continue growing in the event that we may not have access to Da Jaing Innovations products in the future. We own several DJI products and have used them for years, although since 2017 we have significantly reduced the DJI footprint in our brands. We have shared our concerns regarding the prohibition of any UAS product at the Covered List level.