Utilities face challenges in establishing drone programs By DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim Magill While the owners of electric utility assets were some of the earliest adopters of drone technology, they are facing new challenges and opportunities – such as the expected adoption of new beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) regulations and government pressures to adapt their drone … [Read more...] about Utilities Prepare for BVLOS While Navigating the Post-DJI Transition
DJI drones
U.S. Officials Call for Commerce Investigation Amid Growing Scrutiny of DJI and Other Chinese Tech Firms
U.S. Lawmakers Urge Commerce Department to Probe China-Tied Tech in Drone Sector A consortium of U.S. congressional leaders has formally urged the U.S. Department of Commerce to investigate technology products linked to China across critical industries, with a particular mention of unmanned systems and the drone sector. In a letter dated October 30, 2025, the Chairs of four … [Read more...] about U.S. Officials Call for Commerce Investigation Amid Growing Scrutiny of DJI and Other Chinese Tech Firms
FCC to Vote on New Safeguards: Could Existing Models of DJI Drones Be Affected?
Proposed rules may extend restrictions to previously authorized devices and components The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced a new vote aimed at closing what it describes as “loopholes” in existing regulations governing equipment produced by companies considered security risks. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said October 7 that the Commission will consider new … [Read more...] about FCC to Vote on New Safeguards: Could Existing Models of DJI Drones Be Affected?
DJI’s Comments on the BVLOS NPRM: “Let’s Make Sure it Works for Everyone”
DJI Warns BVLOS NPRM Could Exclude Its Platforms — With Big Implications for Users DJI’s Viewpoints: Support for BVLOS, but Exclusion Concerns In a recent Viewpoints blog post, DJI welcomed the FAA’s proposed Part 108 regulation for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, calling it an important step toward enabling scalable drone operations. But the company warned … [Read more...] about DJI’s Comments on the BVLOS NPRM: “Let’s Make Sure it Works for Everyone”
What the U.S. Section 232 Drone Probe Means for the Industry
U.S. Initiates Section 232 Investigation Into Imported Drones: Implications for Industry and Security On July 15, 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce formally announced the initiation of a Section 232 investigation into the national security implications of importing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, and related components. This move marks a … [Read more...] about What the U.S. Section 232 Drone Probe Means for the Industry
