Company Highlights Data Privacy Efforts as Lawmakers and Critics Raise Concerns Over National Security and Supply Chain Dependence
DJI Introduces New Data Security Tools
DJI has announced the launch of FlightHub 2 On-Premises and the release of its 2025 Drone Security White Paper. These updates are part of the company’s ongoing efforts to address privacy and data protection for its users. DJI states that it has invested in drone safety and security “long before any rules or regulations required it to do so.”
The company has expanded privacy controls since introducing Local Data Mode in 2017. According to DJI, these measures are intended to give customers “full confidence in how their data is managed and protected.” The latest updates aim to provide organizations with greater control and transparency.
FlightHub 2 On-Premises: Local Data Management
FlightHub 2 On-Premises is a self-hosted drone management solution targeted at industries where data security is essential, such as energy, transportation, and government. The platform allows organizations to plan and execute drone missions, manage fleets, and collect data within their own servers or approved cloud environments.
DJI claims this approach ensures that “every image, coordinate, and flight log stays within your internal network, drastically cutting down the risk of unauthorized access or third-party exposure.” The company states that FlightHub 2 On-Premises offers all the features of the standard FlightHub 2, with the added benefit of local data storage and processing.
The product is designed to work with existing IT systems and supports custom security protocols. DJI describes the system as providing “peace of mind, without sacrificing capability,” and says it offers flexibility and control for enterprise users.
2025 Drone Security White Paper: Updates and Transparency
The newly released 2025 edition of the DJI Drone Security White Paper outlines the company’s approach to data protection and privacy. First published in 2020, the document has been updated to include information on new security features, privacy controls, and independent audit results. It also notes DJI’s progress in meeting industry standards, including ISO 27701 certification for FlightHub 2.
DJI encourages users to review the updated White Paper and visit the DJI Trust Center for more information. The company states, “These materials are intended to support informed decision-making and provide clarity around the security and privacy frameworks that underpin DJI’s technologies.”
Ongoing Debate: Security Concerns and Calls for Diversification
The release of these updates comes as U.S. lawmakers and industry stakeholders continue to debate the security of Chinese-made drones. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (NDAA FY25) includes a call for an independent panel to evaluate the security of DJI platforms. Failing an audit, DJI will be added to the FCC entity list, which will limit the company’s access to FCC bandwidth – effectively limiting new models. In response, DJI has invited a U.S. security audit ahead of the NDAA deadline.
Proponents of a ban on Chinese drone platforms have raised concerns about national security and the risks of over-reliance on a single company or supply chain. They argue that widespread use of DJI products in critical infrastructure and public safety could pose vulnerabilities, and that diversifying suppliers is necessary to reduce risk. DJI users say that a ban would damage their businesses, claiming that US-manufactured platforms are more expensive and in some cases don’t offer similar functionality.
DJI, for its part, maintains that “privacy isn’t an add-on, but a core part of our offering to customers,” and says it is committed to transparency and ongoing security improvements.
Looking Forward: Security and Industry Scrutiny
DJI states it will “continue to invest in strengthening the systems that support our users by strengthening the systems behind our products, engaging independent experts to test and verify our technology, and making our security practices clearer and more accessible to every user.”
The company encourages users to visit the DJI Trust Center and follow its “Get The Facts” series, which addresses questions and misconceptions about its technology and security practices.
As regulatory scrutiny and debate over foreign drone platforms continue, DJI’s latest updates are likely to be considered alongside broader discussions about national security, supply chain resilience, and the future of the drone industry in the United States.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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