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The FCC Wants To Ban Drones With LiDAR That It Previously Approved
Engadget • • business
Key Points:
- The FCC plans to expand its drone ban to include models with capabilities such as thermal imaging, LiDAR sensing, aerosol dispensing, swarming, and integration with defense articles or docking stations, targeting drones viewed as military or national security risks.
- This proposed ban would not affect drones already owned by consumers but would prohibit the sale of new models with these features, potentially impacting availability of parts and software updates.
- The FCC's drone restrictions began in December 2025 by adding foreign-made drones and components to its Covered List, initially only affecting new models, but recent actions have expanded the ban to cover suspected rebranded DJI products.
- DJI consumer drones equipped with LiDAR, including the Air 3S, Avata 360, and Mini 5 Pro, as well as their commercial drones used for agricultural and search and rescue missions, could be retroactively banned from future sales.
- DJI has issued a call to action in response to the FCC's expanded drone ban, highlighting concerns over the impact on their products and users.
