Officials cite security risks and ties to Chinese Communist Party, while DJI defends its data security practices
On September 27, 2024, Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party urged Fairfax County to stop using DJI drones. In a letter to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, they cited the potential national security risks of continuing to use drones manufactured by DJI, a company linked to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
DJI drones, which are widely used by law enforcement agencies across the United States, offer a cost-effective solution with advanced capabilities. They have become a common tool for first responders, public safety programs, and emergency services, including in Fairfax County. However, DJI’s ties to the CCP and ongoing concerns over data security have drawn scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers and security experts.
National Security Concerns
The letter from Moolenaar and Krishnamoorthi highlighted the potential risks posed by DJI drones, particularly given Fairfax County’s proximity to critical national security sites like the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the National Reconnaissance Office. “The PRC-made UAS platforms and censors currently used by Fairfax County collect high-resolution imagery of facilities and individuals at risk, putting them at risk of being collected by the CCP,” the lawmakers wrote.
This action represents the first known instance in which U.S. lawmakers have directly targeted a specific law enforcement agency over its use of DJI drones. Previously, concerns about DJI were primarily addressed at the federal level, but this development underscores growing local-level attention to the issue.
Moolenaar and Krishnamoorthi called for Fairfax County to align with federal recommendations and remove Chinese-manufactured drones from their operations. They also encouraged the county to help other localities adopt similar policies. “For these reasons, we urge Fairfax County to ensure PRC drones are excluded from procurement and partner programs in the future,” they stated.
Widespread Use of DJI Drones in Law Enforcement
Despite these concerns, DJI drones remain the most popular option for many U.S. law enforcement agencies. They are valued for their cost-effectiveness and functionality, which allow first responders to carry out critical missions, including search and rescue operations, fire response, and aerial surveillance. For many agencies with limited budgets, DJI offers an affordable option that meets operational requirements.
The broad use of DJI drones by local governments and law enforcement highlights the challenge of balancing national security concerns with the practical needs of first responders. While U.S. lawmakers have flagged security risks, many agencies continue to rely on DJI drones for their daily operations.
DJI’s Defense: Security Measures and Certifications
In response to global concerns about data safety, DJI has consistently denied allegations that it collects data for the Chinese government. The company has outlined its security practices in a detailed white paper, which aims to address these concerns and reassure customers of their commitment to data protection.
The white paper highlights the measures DJI has taken to safeguard 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 issue for lawmakers is a set of Chinese national laws which require all Chinese companies to provide access to data servers if requested. (You can read a summary on this website.)
Lawmakers Push for Secure Alternatives
Despite DJI’s claims of secure data practices, U.S. lawmakers remain concerned. While data security is one issue, some engineers fear that simply logging in to a DJI platform could provide a point of access to servers: making state-backed hacking operations possible. As recent events in Ukraine and the Middle East have demonstrated that small drones are key to war efforts, Congress has also expressed fears that access to the supply of Chinese-made drone technology could be interrupted at any time as political pressures mount between the US and China.
Moolenaar and Krishnamoorthi’s letter calls for a shift away from Chinese-manufactured drones and for Fairfax County to adopt a procurement policy that prioritizes national security. They also acknowledged the financial challenges that local governments face in choosing more secure alternatives, noting that Chinese drone manufacturers benefit from government subsidies that allow them to undercut competitors on price.
The lawmakers called on Congress to provide financial support for local governments through programs like the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI). This, they argued, would help ensure that localities can afford to replace Chinese-made drones with more secure options without being forced to bear 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, reinforcing their commitment to assisting Fairfax County and other localities in transitioning away from DJI drones.
As the debate around drone security continues, the outcome in Fairfax County could set a precedent for other jurisdictions, influencing how local governments navigate the complex landscape of drone technology, national security, and cost considerations.
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