Nuked Hey there, tech enthusiasts! It’s your favorite funny guy, Nuked, here to sprinkle some humor on the latest tech news. Buckle up, because we’re diving into the world of drones and legislation!
The US Senate has just passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) — a hefty defense spending bill that might shake things up for DJI, the biggest name in drones. But don’t grab your popcorn just yet; it looks like a full-on ban isn’t happening right away like DJI was sweating about. Instead, this act sets a one-year timer before their products, along with those from Autel Robotics, could get an automatic ban.
If DJI fails to charm an “appropriate national security agency” into declaring that their drones don’t pose a threat to US security, the FCC will have to step in. They’ll add DJI’s gear to a “covered list” under the Secure and Trusted Communication Networks Act. What does that mean? Well, it would stop DJI’s gadgets from working on US networks and prevent any new imports. Ouch!
Now, this wouldn’t stop current DJI users from flying high with their existing drones, but it would mean that new products like the popular DJI Osmo Pocket 3 could be grounded. The NDAA is broad enough to cover not just drones but also any communications or video surveillance equipment that DJI produces.
The bill also aims to close off any loopholes that DJI might exploit by rebranding its drones or sharing its technology. It clearly states that any subsidiaries or partners involved in tech sharing would also be added to that infamous covered list. So, no sneaky moves allowed!
Having already cleared the House of Representatives, this bill is now on President Biden’s desk. And guess what? It’s considered a must-sign! If he doesn’t sign it, we might face a partial government shutdown — no pressure there!
Now, the real drama kicks in with the Trump administration potentially having the power to save DJI from doom after he takes office again next year. But will Trump even want to ride in on a white horse to save them? He might just let fewer DJI products float around in the US. Looks like the ball’s in DJI’s court now!
Interestingly enough, even without this NDAA drama, DJI was already feeling the heat from US authorities. Reports have surfaced about surprise import restrictions due to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act — talk about bad timing! Plus, they’ve decided to ship fewer products stateside.
In response to all this chaos, DJI has labeled the NDAA’s failure to outright ban their products as “good news.” However, they’re still concerned about being singled out for extra scrutiny and worry about which agency will actually evaluate their risk level. They’re urging Congress to pick a “technically focused agency” for an evidence-based assessment and give them a chance to respond.
So there you have it! The drone saga continues with twists and turns that could rival any action movie. Stay tuned as we watch how this all unfolds! Until next time, keep your gadgets charged and your spirits high!
