Maryland Police Use DJI Drones, Banned in Four States, Despite Security Risks
According to an exclusive report by the I-Team of WBAL-TV 11 News, many law enforcement agencies in the Baltimore area are using drones from the Chinese company DJI, despite being banned in four states over security risks. A national security expert has warned that the drones may be leaking sensitive data to China.
The drones of DJI are favored by law enforcement agencies across the United States, including some in Maryland, for their high-quality cameras and other features that aid in searches and crash investigations. However, some states and federal agencies have banned the use of Chinese-made drones due to concerns over data security and the potential for cyberattacks.
Maryland is not one of the states that have banned DJI drones, but the state’s use of the drones has raised concerns over privacy and surveillance. In 2019, The Washington Post reported that Maryland police were using drones for searches and crash investigations, but the use of the technology raised privacy concerns.
The I-Team’s report has prompted the Maryland Attorney General’s Office to launch an investigation into the use of DJI drones by law enforcement agencies in the state. The investigation will focus on the potential security risks associated with the use of the drones and whether they comply with state and federal regulations.
