This week, U.S. Senators Marco Rubio, Rick Scott, and Tom Cotton (as well as U.S. House of Representatives member Elise Stefanik, who introduced parallel legislation) introduced the Countering CCP Drones Act in an effort to add DJI, a Chinese technology company, to the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) “Covered List.” The “Covered List” identifies telecommunication equipment that poses a threat to America’s national security and bans their use in U.S. communications infrastructure. DJI is the world’s largest drone manufacturer, with operations in California as well China and elsewhere.

The U.S. government has long been concerned about the use of DJI drones by government entities, especially in the armed services. The worry is that the Chinese government is collecting a large amount of Americans’ data through these drones and their drone software and technology.

This comes after several congressional representatives petitioned U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo to add DJI to the Department of Commerce “Entity List.”  DJI’s inclusion on the “Entity List” would make it more difficult for U.S.-based companies to provide DJI with parts or services.

Photo of Kathryn Rattigan Kathryn Rattigan

Kathryn Rattigan is a member of the Business Litigation Group and the Data Privacy+ Cybersecurity Team. She concentrates her practice on privacy and security compliance under both state and federal regulations and advising clients on website and mobile app privacy and security…

Kathryn Rattigan is a member of the Business Litigation Group and the Data Privacy+ Cybersecurity Team. She concentrates her practice on privacy and security compliance under both state and federal regulations and advising clients on website and mobile app privacy and security compliance. Kathryn helps clients review, revise and implement necessary policies and procedures under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). She also provides clients with the information needed to effectively and efficiently handle potential and confirmed data breaches while providing insight into federal regulations and requirements for notification and an assessment under state breach notification laws. Prior to joining the firm, Kathryn was an associate at Nixon Peabody. She earned her J.D., cum laude, from Roger Williams University School of Law and her B.A., magna cum laude, from Stonehill College. She is admitted to practice law in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Read her full rc.com bio here.