U.S. mulls new restrictions on Chinese drones

New US rules to address drone risks from China and Russia, seeking public feedback until March 4.

The United States is considering new rules to address risks posed by drones with tech from foreign adversaries like China and Russia, the Commerce Department said Thursday, January 2, 2025.

While commercial drones are common in the world's biggest economy, the department warned that involvement by U.S. rivals "may offer our adversaries the ability to remotely access and manipulate these devices, exposing sensitive U.S. data."

The decision on new rules will fall to the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump.

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In particular, the department's Bureau of Industry and Security is concerned about China and Russia's involvement in designing, making or supplying technology critical to drones.

The latest effort could lead to restrictions or bans involving Chinese drones — a market that China dominates.

In its Thursday notice, the department said it is seeking public feedback until March 4, including on how transactions "may present undue or unacceptable risks to U.S. national security."