The US Prepares Restrictions for Chinese Drones: New Security Rules.

The US Department of Commerce is preparing to introduce new rules that will restrict or prohibit the use of Chinese drones in the country for national security reasons.

According to a Reuters report, the department is urging the public to send comments by March 4 regarding potential rules aimed at protecting the drone supply chain. They claim that threats from China and Russia could give adversaries the opportunity to gain remote access to these devices and manipulate them, posing a risk of leaking confidential US information.

Currently, China holds a dominant position in the US commercial drone market.

In September, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo warned that the department may impose restrictions, with a particular focus on drones equipped with Chinese and Russian hardware, chips, and software.

In November, she stated that she hopes to finalize the rules for Chinese vehicles by January 20. The decision on restrictions or bans on Chinese drones will be made by the administration of elected President Donald Trump, who will take office on January 20.

Over the past year, Washington has taken various measures to control Chinese drones. For example, last month President Joe Biden signed a law that could lead to a ban on the sale of new drone models from Chinese companies DJI and Autel Robotics.