Public Pushback Grows Against FCC's DJI Drone Restrictions
Public safety officials and small businesses say they struggle to adapt with the DJI ban.
May 5, 2026 – Public commenters are urging the Federal Communications Commission to reconsider restrictions on Chinese drone manufacturer DJI.
The FCC in December banned foreign-made drones. DJI, a Shenzhen-based company and the world’s largest privately owned drone manufacturer, has been at the center of the debate.
Stakeholders recently told the FCC that removing DJI from the market could have immediate consequences, arguing the limits could harm public safety operations and small businesses that rely on the technology.
The Palm Springs Police Department said it relies heavily on DJI drones for public safety operations, describing the systems as reliable and cost-effective.
“These systems have consistently proven to be reliable, effective, and cost-efficient, enabling officers to respond more quickly, gather real-time intelligence, and ultimately save lives,” the department wrote in its filing.
Private citizens and small business owners echoed those concerns, arguing the restrictions could disrupt livelihoods.
“For many of us, drones are not just tools — they are our livelihood,” one commenter wrote.
Others said alternatives to DJI products are not yet competitive in terms of cost or performance.
“I cannot operate my business without DJI drones,” another commenter wrote. “This ban is hurting Americans and our businesses.”
Federal officials, however, have defended the restrictions as necessary to address national security concerns.
Policymakers have increasingly emphasized the need to develop a domestic drone industry and reduce reliance on foreign-made technology, particularly from China – part of a broader push aligned with President Donald Trump’s call to “unleash America’s drone dominance.”
The comments coincide with a recent FCC public notice seeking input on how to update regulations to support domestic drone development.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has highlighted securing a domestic drone supply chain as a key priority, aligning with broader federal efforts
The FCC’s public notice seeks comment on potential reforms, including expanding testing zones, updating licensing rules, increasing spectrum access and improving coordination across federal agencies.
As for DJI, the company has challenged the federal restrictions, arguing they are unlawful and exceed the FCC’s authority.
In a petition filed with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, DJI contended that a December FCC decision violated administrative procedures and deprived the company of due process under the Fifth Amendment.
The outcome may also test whether U.S.-based drone manufacturers are ready to compete at scale, as policymakers push to reduce reliance on foreign technology.
