Carr Applauds Introduction of “Countering CCP Drones Act”
Legislation from Senator Rick Scott and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik Directs FCC to Include Chinese Drone Manufacturer DJI Among List of Companies that Pose National Security Risk
WASHINGTON, DC, February 2, 2022—Today, Senator Rick Scott and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik introduced the “Countering CCP Drones Act.”  Senators Marco Rubio and Tom Cotton as well as Representatives Mike Gallagher and Claudia Tenney joined as original co-sponsors on the bill.  If enacted, this bicameral legislation would require the FCC to add Shenzhen-based drone company DJI Technologies to the Commission’s list of entities that pose an unacceptable risk to U.S. national security.  Commissioner Carr called on the FCC to start the process of adding DJI to the Covered List last fall.  Since then, DJI has been added to the Department of Treasury’s investment blacklist and a new report this week revealed the company has received investments backed by Beijing, only adding urgency to the need for action. 
“DJI drones and the surveillance technology on board these systems are collecting vast amounts of sensitive data—everything from high-resolution images of critical U.S. infrastructure to facial recognition technology and remote sensors that can measure an individual’s body temperature and heart rate.  Indeed, U.S. intelligence services have warned that DJI poses a serious national security threat due to the level of sensitive information it collects and the potential for Beijing to access that data.  Despite mounting evidence, the U.S. has lacked a consistent and comprehensive approach to addressing the potential threats posed by a company that might be operating as a Huawei on wings.  That would end by passing the Countering CCP Drones Act.  So I applaud Senator Scott and Congresswoman Stefanik for their strong leadership and their work to advance America’s national security in light of the threats posed by Communist China.  Their legislation is a vital step towards ensuring that Americans’ sensitive data do not fall into the hands of the Chinese Communist Party.”
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Office of Commissioner Brendan Carr
www.fcc.gov/about/leadership/brendan-carr
Media Contact:  Greg Watson
(202) 418-0658 or greg.watson@fcc.gov