FCC Drone Ban Draws 3,824 Comments, 98.6% Opposed

In a bid to bolster national security, the FCC has put forward a regulation aimed at prohibiting the importation and sale of drones equipped with 'military-grade' technology from abroad. The public comment phase concluded last week, garnering 3,824 responses, with a staggering 98.6% in opposition to the proposal. According to Pilot Institute, this rule could lead to the closure of small businesses, jeopardize public safety, and negatively impact agriculture. Unlike a prior suggestion, this regulation would also apply to drones currently available, complicating repair processes. While the FCC asserts that the ban would improve safety, 99.4% of 1,584 comments regarding the definition contested this claim. Should it be enacted, businesses would have 180 days to adjust.