Chinese drone maker DJI says study shows it does not spy on users
Verification from an independent study debunks accusations about the cyber vulnerabilities of DJI’s drones
Drone maker DJI says an independent study has verified that its users have control over how their data is collected, stored and transmitted, following US government initiatives that have put the operations of Chinese technology companies under a microscope.
The report, conducted by San Francisco-based Kivu Consulting, analysed drones and software obtained independently in the US last year and concluded that DJI did not access photos, videos or flight logs generated by the drones unless users agreed to share the data.
“This comprehensive report clearly debunks unsubstantiated rumours about our products, and assures our customers that they can continue flying DJI drones with confidence,” Michael Perry, DJI’s managing director for North America, said in a statement.
Shenzhen-based DJI, the world’s largest maker of recreational drones, has an estimated 70 per cent global market share. Its drones are also used by businesses and military organisations around the world.
DJI’s effort to get its data security practices validated has come after the company was mired in controversy last year, when the US Army banned use of its drones.
The US army’s ban was “due to increased awareness of cyber vulnerabilities associated with DJI products”, according to a memo. The US Army also demanded to “cease all use, uninstall all DJI applications, remove all batteries/storage media from devices, and secure equipment for follow on direction”.