On the 2nd of January, 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce revealed that it is contemplating new regulations to address the potential risks posed by drones equipped with technology from foreign adversaries such as China and Russia.
The department expressed concerns that such involvement could give these adversaries the ability to remotely access and manipulate the drones, thereby exposing sensitive U.S. data.
The responsibility for enforcing these new regulations will rest with the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump.
The Bureau of Industry and Security, a division of the Department, is particularly focused on the role of China and Russia in the design, production, or supply of technology vital to drone systems.
In its notice, the Department announced that it is seeking public feedback on these proposed rules until the 4th of March, particularly on how transactions may pose unacceptable risks to U.S. national security. “Securing the unmanned aircraft systems technology supply chain is critical to safeguarding our national security,” stated Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo.
Flagging the risk from China and Russia, the Department emphasized that these nations could exploit their political and legal frameworks to pressure private entities into aligning with their national interests.
These private entities, the Department argued, dominate the global commercial unmanned aircraft systems market, presenting ample opportunities for exploitation.
Both China and Russia have previously demonstrated their willingness to compromise U.S. infrastructure and security through cyber espionage, and other U.S. adversaries, such as North Korea and Iran, are also included in the threat landscape.
In a related move, Washington imposed a ban in September on the sale of connected vehicles incorporating Chinese and Russian technology, citing national security concerns. Chinese drone manufacturer DJI, which holds a commanding presence in the global consumer market, has also faced heightened scrutiny, especially regarding its alleged involvement in surveilling ethnic minorities in China.