DJI Urges U.S. Agencies to Begin Security Audit as Ban Deadline Nears
Update: The U.S. Government has just finalized its ban on new DJI drones entering the country. Drones already available are not subject to the ban. Read our full coverage of the ban and its implications here.
Where To Get DJI Drones
Visit the Amazon DJI Store
Visit the B&H DJI Store page
DJI is pulling every lever it can as the December 23, 2025 deadline approaches, urging the U.S. government to start a long-mandated security audit before its products face an automatic ban. The company has sent letters to several key officials in recent days, asking them to begin the review required under Section 1709 of the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act.
A letter obtained by PetaPixel—sent to FBI Director Kash Patel, NSA Acting Director Lt. Gen. William Hartman, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and Secretary of the Department of War Pete Hegseth—lays out DJI’s position. In it, Adam Welsh, DJI’s Head of Global Policy, asks any relevant agency to “initiate the security review of DJI Technology products as Congress has mandated.”
“With less than one month left before the December 23, 2025 deadline, we urge you to take up this audit immediately to avoid any negative consequences to American drone users,” Welsh writes, noting that the uncertainty affects everyone from hobbyists to public safety teams that rely on DJI hardware.
DJI Says It’s Ready to Cooperate
Welsh says the company is fully prepared to work with the government throughout the auditing process and address any vulnerabilities uncovered along the way. DJI also reiterates its stance on data security, stating that flight logs and user data are not uploaded to its servers unless a user explicitly opts in.
DJI stresses that failing to start the audit in time could hurt thousands of U.S. drone operators—from hobbyists to emergency responders—who rely on DJI hardware daily. The company insists it is confident in its ability to pass any scrutiny.
“We stand behind the security of our technology,” Welsh writes, adding that DJI’s policy team is ready to meet with officials “at any time” to ensure the review takes place before it’s too late.
What Happens If the Audit Doesn’t Start in Time?
If the mandated audit is not initiated or completed by December 23, DJI products will automatically be added to the FCC’s Covered List, as required by law. That designation effectively bans any new DJI products from entering the United States.
Importantly, current DJI drones already in the U.S. will not be disabled or made illegal to own. Users can continue flying their existing hardware, though future availability and service support may be uncertain.
DJI’s Last-Minute Product Push
In the meantime, DJI is reportedly rushing to release the DJI Avata 360 before the cutoff date. Even if the model enjoys only a short sales window in the U.S., the company appears determined to get the drone on shelves before any potential ban takes effect.