In response to growing concerns over data security, the Chinese drone manufacturer DJI has taken steps to enhance the privacy features of its drones. This move comes after the U.S. Army issued a directive asking its personnel to stop using DJI UAVs due to alleged "network vulnerabilities." The company had already been working on an offline data mode before the incident, but the military's decision accelerated its release.
In September, DJI rolled out a software update introducing a new "local data mode," which disables internet connectivity between the drone and external servers. This feature is designed to prevent sensitive data from being transmitted online, offering users an extra layer of protection. While this function was primarily intended for enterprise customers, it has now gained more attention due to the U.S. military's concerns.
Brendan Schulman, DJI’s Vice President, explained that the local data mode allows users to still operate their drones and use basic functions, such as connecting to a smartphone, without compromising flight safety. However, features that require internet access—like map updates or real-time flight restrictions—will be disabled in this mode.
The U.S. Army’s recent ban on DJI drones sparked widespread discussions about data privacy, especially among corporate and government clients who are wary of sharing sensitive footage. Many of these users prefer not to upload images or videos of critical infrastructure to DJI servers. In response, the company emphasized that it does not collect user data unless it is actively shared.
Adam Lisberg, DJI’s North American PR Director, clarified that the company is not directly responding to the U.S. military’s actions. Instead, the local data mode was developed with business customers in mind, many of whom have long expressed concerns about data exposure. The recent military memo only reinforced these worries, prompting DJI to speed up the rollout of the feature.
Although the U.S. Army has not yet commented on the matter, other branches of the military have not imposed similar bans. DJI plans to release an updated remote control app by the end of September, ahead of schedule. However, if regulators require pilots to have access to real-time maps and information, the local data mode may not be available in certain regions.
Analysts estimate that DJI holds a significant share of the global drone market, with projections suggesting the industry could reach over $100 billion within the next five years. As data security becomes a top priority, DJI’s latest move reflects its commitment to addressing customer concerns and maintaining trust in its products.
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