On January 29, the U.S. DoI (Department of Interior) announced the temporary cessation of its non-emergency unmanned aircraft systems fleet operations. The aim is to ensure that cybersecurity, technology and domestic production concerns are adequately addressed and accordingly set a consistent policy. U.S. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt stated “we must ensure that the technology used for these operations is such that it will not compromise our national security interests”. A decision that inconspicuously targets above all the Chinese drones and more specifically DJI company. For several months now, the United States has been asking the question of the security of these aircraft during use in sensitive environments and proposals aiming to limit or even prohibit the use of these drones are increasing. Within order 3379, it is clearly stated that U.S. drones should be favored when used for missions presenting a security risk.

Meanwhile, drone operations will continue to be allowed in approved situations for emergency purposes, such as fighting wildfires, search and rescue and dealing with natural disasters that may threaten life or property.