DJI Ends U.S. Geofencing, Raising Concerns Over Drone Safety and Security

The Chinese drone giant's policy shift allows its drones to fly in restricted areas, replacing hard no-fly zones with dismissible warnings.

DJI, the dominant player in the U.S. drone market, has removed geofencing restrictions that previously prevented its drones from flying in FAA-designated no-fly zones, such as near airports and military bases.
The company now issues a warning to users instead of enforcing hard restrictions, claiming this aligns with global regulatory principles and its policies in Europe.
The change has sparked safety concerns, as drones could now potentially fly over sensitive areas like the White House or interfere with emergency response efforts, as seen in a recent collision with a firefighting plane in Los Angeles.
DJI argues that the federally mandated Remote ID system, which allows for drone detection and enforcement, mitigates risks, but critics question its reliability and timing given U.S.-China tensions.
The move has reignited debates about banning Chinese-made drones, which dominate the market due to their affordability, leaving few viable alternatives for many civilian and professional users.