The writer is the author of ‘Chip War’
Shortly before Christmas the US Federal Communications Commission gave an unexpected gift to America’s drone industry. By adding all foreign-made drones and key components to its “Covered List” of equipment that poses an unacceptable national security risk, the commission de facto banned China’s DJI, the industry leader in drones. This opens the market to US drone companies. It may also mark a shift towards greater use of import restrictions in Washington’s tech competition.
The FCC — previously best known for regulating obscenities on TV — is now taking centre stage in the tech war. It has authority to ban imports of any communications equipment that it believes facilitates espionage or threatens critical infrastructure. From internet routers to drones, as the range of communication equipment increases so does the FCC’s authority. Congressional legislation has expanded its reach, arming it to take on technology challenges posed by China.