The Case AGAINST DJI - Where do we go next?

Hey everyone! This is an important week for DJI and drones in the USA. It is bound to have knock on effects for the rest of the world. Tonight, join Sean as he takes a look as some of the issues raised against DJI, why they are not focused on with the current legislative moves in the US but also, where we go next?
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📄 ABOUT GEEKSVANA:
Geeksvana is a YouTube channel focused on drones, or as you might call them UAS, (Uncrewed Aerial Systems). We cover all types of drones from hobbyist to commercial, with a focus on drone rules and future flight. Primarily a news channel looking to bring our audience the latest news, leaks and information on the drone world – we also provide how to guides and reviews on products. Geeksvana is an independent source of news and guidance.

Sean Hickey, founder of Geeksvana and main channel presenter is a UK registered journalist who seeks to provide accurate information on what is an often misquoted and misrepresented industry and hobby. Sean currently holds certificates from the UK Civil Aviation Authority, including both the A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC) and the General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC). Flying all sizes of multirotor aircraft from the small DJI Mini 2 to larger aircraft including the DJI Inspire series for both hobby flights and commercial work.
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[sunshynff]

(Preface: If you don't have time to read the ramblings of a mad man, just skip to the final paragraph for a question, that I was curious about your thoughts on)
I'm not sure how I haven't stumbled on your channel before, I thought I was subbed to most decent drone/fpv channels out there, I'm glad I stumbled on it today, and am now subbed. I can't tell you how refreshing it is to see a honest and informed take on this issue!! There are so many content creators out there, that I normally trust and respect when dealing with the intricacies of piloting or building a drone, that turn into reactionary caricatures of their normal selves when issues like this come up. I really liked your approach using deep dives to inform yourself, even more, your honesty when touching on parts of the story you weren't certain about and not comfortable speaking on yet.

I had to leave a 27yr career in the fire/rescue service a few years early, back before the pandemic hit, due to ptsd, and I didn't know what to do with myself at first. I decided I was tired of all the misinformation out there, and since I had the time, I decided I wanted to figure out how to weed through all the muck and inform myself. I basically started by questioning every belief and ideology I've ever had, started following a bunch of channels that centered on gathering research based data, I even took some online classes on investigative journalism, and recognizing propaganda, stuff like that. Anyway, it led me to two things, one, as the old saying goes, it made me realize just how little I really know about the world and universe around me, but second, it taught me how to do a proper deep dive into an issue if it's important to me, so I was very glad you talked about that aspect of how you obtained the info you were giving us.

I couldn't agree more with your final synopsis, and I find that to be the case with many issues that I've done deep dives on, and frankly it's usually the case with an issue the "two sides" of the political arena (that's all people think there is in my not so bright country..lol) disagree with each other so much they want to resort to violence, and that is.... it usually lies somewhere in the middle. I'm really surprised, or maybe just perturbed, how many people, at least here in the U.S. are going the route of using gun rights rhetoric, I've seen several memes that resemble popular 2nd Amendment imagery, saying "come and take if from my cold dead hands" with an image of a drone, type stuff. I'm like dude, even if the ban went into full affect, they're not going to send out teams of federal agents in black SUVs to kick in our door because we didn't turn our DJI drones over, nor do you have to "turn them in", it's so ridiculous.

Holy crapolla, I've rambled already, quick last thing I just wanted your opinion on, one of the things that's peaked my interest in the last 6mos or so, that I've done a couple deep dives on, is geopolitics and maritime shipping, specifically the trend of deglobalization that the U.S. tends to be making a shift towards. One of things I discovered, that might affect this issue, that really surprised me, was just how bad of shape China is in, I won't go into it, but lets just say 15yrs of birth rates plummeting, almost zero capitol to depend on, consumer exports being their only means of earning any real GDP (hence the massive tariffs Biden and the U.K. just imposed on them last week), and a president that has killed the messenger of bad news for two decades leading to him having no clue to the reality of his country quickly approaching a large cliff....
Which has led to quite a few insiders and global economists predicting a total and massive collapse of China by the end of the decade. So if that were to happen, would DJI be able to pick up and move the entire operation if they were to be bought by foreign investors, or do they go down with the ship?? Sorry for the long rant, just getting over covid and bored and ready to get out of the house, again, great video!! Take care!

[Nkkdxnj]

It's a big issue because DJI is such a large manufacturer of drones, and this particular move is driven by security, rightly or wrongly. But actually, this is just a particular battle in the overall war against drones. Why? Never really understood it, except that there are potentially big revenue issues here worldwide.

So, while getting one's sleeves rolled up on this issue, it's important not to lose sight of the big picture.

[mikeselectricstuff]

Something they could do which would actively benefit users - force DJI to make their products work with no network connection. Even their damn gimbal cameras need registration before they will work.

[cnyphotovideo]

Thank you, Sean for at least openly considering the notion that there might be something to these concerns that is legitimate. I very much enjoy using my DJI equipment, which includes drones, but I certainly don’t dismiss security concerns simply because I like using my toys. On the other hand, I have serious concerns about my own government here in the USA. Governments in general, have a tendency to abuse and lie about their use of power. We can only hope that the truth wins out on this subject.

[RobR]

I flew my tricopter, running an oldskool KK2 board, no politicians can ban that 🤣

[waynekeylock]

Hi Sean my drone had been in the cupboard for a few months and i have just opened the drone assist app and there is lots of different shaped red area's everywhere and where i live in cirencester this now has a red area saying danger area near raf fairford which wad not there last time i looked, can i still fly in this area which is outside the flight restriction zone but deemed danger area? Im confused 😮regards

[Nkkdxnj]

Whoever said 'linux for drones' in the chat, bear in mind that, depending on what you want, there is already excellent open source software out there such as Betaflight and iNav.

[johncarold]

Great YouTube didn't show anything on it livestream today. I checked the upcoming videos and nothing on a GEEKSVANA'S

[peacefulthrillseeker]

Like I mentioned in Original’s Dobo’s Live Stream the other day that this is a back door way to ground recreational flyers as well as heavily regulate commercial pilots. Let’s look at it from a 30, 000 foot view in terms of the totality of the hobby. Imagine millions of people having the ability to operate a flying camera and capturing footage/photos without any government/law enforcement/etc. having a huge problem with that? Some people can argue that Flying these amazing machines is a privilege and not a right. So if society at large decides that maybe no one should have the privilege of using flying cameras then guess what our hobby goes bye bye 👋 there is also a bigger question if DJI gets banned and thus creates a precedent then the next logical question would be what’s next? Phones? Apps? Laptops? This deserves a larger conversation for obvious reasons if we are to continue to have logical discourse in a civilized society. Also, the subject of privacy as well as the expectations should also be discussed

[Roboticdoughbullk]

Call Karl Lentz to represent Dji. We stop allowing this maddness to continue under a corporate deception.

[MrClydie_Po_Po]

Of course, you do realise that there will NOT be, anything approaching, a reasonable discussion about this from the US and the UK. I worry about small businesses out there, the "wealth creators", that, particularly in the UK, are touted as being essential for the future prospects of the country. The REAL point is, is that there is no really reliable alternative to DJI's products. Manufacturers are getting better, but will that save people who need this tech for their jobs? Give us an alternative, and we'll happily consider moving on from DJI, but there is nothing viable!

[tazzy]

Sorry, missed live 🙈. I can't see anything done by the UK government at least until mid-2025. They will have so much more to play with. I can see local policies within government and organisations to not use DJI, but nothing wider as above.... i could be wrong, but never am 😂😂😂 i might have to find the rabbit holes 🙊

[twrmoor]

You will take my DJI drones from my cold dead hand...

[wykecastlewelding]

Will the US government compensate out of pocket DJI owners?

[digidevil]

There are some very questionable people in your chats who will literally disagree with and say anything which supports their want to fly wherever/whatever they want without restriction.

[jerseydronerschannel]

I believe our politicians have stated there is a risk.. no evidence of the law being broken. Your comments lead people to believe there might be evidence. The politicians have stated that evening the playing field is also their intention..

[dgeastaugh]

more worried about the potential of Trump being in charge of the US military than who knows where i fly my drone

[khanimania]

Its totally political move, like they went after hwuawai

[dgeastaugh]

would anyone trust a US product more than a china product?

I just want to fly

[Goat.Herder]

I've been a student of Sinology, east Asain studies and have also lived in China so for me understanding that this move isn't just paranoia but based on a real potential for a breach of national security is actually a genuine issue.

DJI are firmly embedded with the CCP and are forced to align themselves with China's geostrategic goals. The CCP also have heavy influence on corporate decision making within the company.

DJI are also implicit in human rights violations and have provided Xinjiang Public Security Bureau with drones to conduct oppresive surveillance operations such as monitoring minorities inside forced labor and Chinese "re-education camps". They were also performing biometric surveillance on Chinese minorites.

DJI drones were also used to help suppress pro-democracy demonstrations in Hong Kong, plus they were also used to track and ID its protesters and organisers.

DJI also get funding from the Chentong Holdings Group who align themselves with "Xi Jinping Thought".

All you have to do is some basic research and you'll get evidence of a company that isn't as benevolent as you think.