DJI claims the decision “aligns” with the FAA’s rules.

Summary

Chinese drone company DJI has removed its geofencing feature that automatically restricted drone flights over sensitive areas, like airports, wildfires, and government buildings, replacing it with dismissible warnings.

The decision follows growing distrust in Chinese-made drones and U.S. regulatory changes.

DJI argues this empowers operators while aligning with global standards, but critics worry it could endanger safety, particularly for unaware pilots.

Previously, geofencing helped prevent incidents, like a DJI drone crash at the White House in 2015.

    • Flying Squid@lemmy.world
      515·
      8 hours ago

      This goes way beyond toys. Geofencing does things like stop people flying drones into nuclear power plants. The DJI Mavic can hold up to 30 kg. More than enough for a lot of explosive material.

      • Pyr_Pressure@lemmy.ca
        31·
        6 hours ago

        If someone is going to fly explosives somewhere they will simply buy a drone that isn’t DJI. It’s not hard to get around the geofencing if you really want to.

        The only benefits to the geofencing was to prevent people from flying around in areas they didn’t bother to research and find out was actually somewhere they shouldn’t be flying.

          • dogslayeggs@lemmy.world
            2·
            2 hours ago

            This doesn’t make it any easier to blow things up. Any drone made from any US manufacturer can be used if you want to blow things up.

            What this DOES do is help morons who don’t understand the consequences of their actions do stupid stuff. DJI is the most popular brand, so most morons who are doing stupid stuff with drones are probably using DJI. The people who understand drones better are less likely to use DJI. So the guy who thinks it’s a good idea to fly near wild fires or fly over a major airport is now more likely to cause trouble.

          • EldritchFeminity@lemmy.blahaj.zone
            5·
            3 hours ago

            Apparently, US manufacturers don’t use geofencing at all, so it was never difficult in the first place. This just means one more manufacturer who doesn’t.