Well, it doesn't look good...
• UAV Coach has been keeping an active and updated resource, The Complete DJI Ban Guide, that tracks the situation.
• The upheaval has affected inventory. Many DJI drones have been sold out at selected retailers.
• DJI has already been holding back much anticipated new products—such as the Mavic 4 Pro—from sale in the United States.
• If you buy or receive a DJI drone as a gift before the ban lands, you'll still be able to use it—at least that was the case at press time—but you can likely forget about software and firmwave updates, or perhaps even customer service.
Still, all is not lost for DJI fans.
"We have repeatedly stated we would be open to a security audit," said Adam Welsh, head of global policy at DJI. "But more than ten months have now passed with no sign that the process has begun. The U.S. government has every right to strengthen national security measures, but this must go hand in hand with due process, fairness, and transparency. DJI is urging the government to start the audit process or grant an extension."
In addition, it is possible that an outright ban would require targeting specific products, rather than an entire company, and would also open up a period of public review.
On the other hand, it is pretty obvious the U.S. government considers DJI a security risk, and the FCC appears poised to rid DJI drones from the country.
It's also significant that if the government drags its feet on giving DJI a security audit, the company's drones could be banned by default under a national security law.
So, you may need to ask Santa for a huge good luck charm if you're looking for a DJI drone to bring you some holiday cheer.
