The Federal Communications Commission is banning the import and sale of all new drone models made by foreign manufacturers, as the agency looks to address potential national security concerns tied to data collection, surveillance risks, and the use of foreign-made communications equipment in unmanned aircraft systems.

CNN reports that the FCC added foreign made drones and their components to the agency's "Covered List" on December 22, as a designation reserved for communications equipment deemed to pose an "unacceptable risk" to U.S. national security, and which bars listed products from receiving FCC authorization for import or sale. The FCC also cited concerns over the use of foreign-made drones during several upcoming mass-gathering events in the coming years, including the 2026's FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

The move does not affect foreign-made drones that have already been authorized and sold in the U.S., nor does it restrict the operation of existing fleets, but it effectively blocks new models from entering the American market. The decision is expected to have wide-ranging implications for commercial drone users and public safety agencies, given the dominant market share held by Chinese manufacturers.

In a statement to CNN, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson criticized the move as "discriminatory," while Chinese drone manufacturer DJI said that it was "disappointed" in the FCC's decision, and claimed that the company had been given no specific information regarding how the agency reached its determination.