The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) implemented a ban on the importation of foreign-made drones into the United States, effective today. The decision adds drones to the FCC's Covered List, which includes communications equipment and services deemed to pose an unacceptable risk to national security or the security and safety of U.S. persons. The list already included companies such as Kaspersky, ZTE, and Huawei.

The FCC's fact sheet on the ban states that unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and their critical components, including data transmission devices, communications systems, flight controllers, and navigation systems, produced in a foreign country could enable persistent surveillance, data exfiltration, and destructive operations over U.S. territory. This includes areas such as World Cup and Olympic venues and other mass gathering events.

Industry experts and officials have expressed concerns about the potential risks associated with foreign-made drones. "The FCC's decision is a necessary step to protect national security and public safety," said a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Defense. "We cannot afford to take any risks when it comes to the security of our citizens and critical infrastructure."

The ban does not affect drones already owned by individuals in the United States, and drones from foreign countries can still be used for research and development purposes with proper authorization. However, the importation of new drones from foreign countries is now prohibited.

The FCC's decision is part of a broader effort to regulate the use of drones in the United States. In recent years, there has been growing concern about the potential risks associated with drone technology, including the use of drones for surveillance and the potential for malicious use.

The ban has been welcomed by some lawmakers and security experts, who see it as a necessary step to protect national security. "This is a common-sense decision that will help to prevent potential security threats," said a spokesperson for the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

However, others have expressed concerns about the potential impact on the drone industry and the economy. "The ban will likely have a significant impact on the drone industry, which is a growing sector in the U.S. economy," said a spokesperson for the Drone Manufacturers Alliance. "We urge the FCC to reconsider the ban and work with industry stakeholders to develop more effective regulations."

The FCC has stated that it will continue to monitor the situation and work with industry stakeholders to develop more effective regulations. In the meantime, the ban on foreign-made drones remains in effect, and individuals and businesses are advised to comply with the new regulations.