The drone industry has been buzzing about DJI's recent decision to eliminate its geofencing system. That’s because DJI vehicles make up between 70% and 80% of all drones operating in the US today, and the company’s decision could have a dramatic impact on drone security across the country.

Specifically, many feel that the removal of the geofencing system makes it easier for amateur pilots—or those unfamiliar with the rules—to enter “No-Fly Zones.” It will also make it easier for truly mal-intended pilots to enter restricted airspace. As a result, some predict we’ll see more drones operating in and around airports, nuclear power plants, and densely populated urban areas.

As Tom Adams, Director of Public Safety for DroneShield, wrote in a recent Commercial UAV News article, “With the removal of this voluntary feature, we will most certainly see an increase in drone incidents and flights in restricted airspace. DJI just removed a couple of steps to make it easier.”

To get additional perspective on DJI’s geofencing decision, Commercial UAV News spoke with Mary-Lou Smulders, Chief Marketing Officer at Dedrone by Axon. We discussed the potential risks associated with the removal of geofenced no-fly zones, the need for enhanced awareness and education among drone operators, and strategies for mitigating unauthorized drone activity.

Commercial UAV News: Before we explore the potential impact of DJI’s decision, can you define “geofencing” and explain how DJI’s geofencing system works?

Smulders: “Geofencing” is a sort of general term for a system that doesn't allow drone operators to fly their drones into no-fly zones. Geofencing was only instituted by DJI—I’m not aware of any other drone company that instituted geofencing—and I believe they did it initially as a safety measure to help promote their drone acceptance and usage by authorities in the US.

Commercial UAV News: Given the language in the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which could lead to a ban on DJI drones in the US, along with widespread concerns over the risks posed by foreign-made technology, the timing of DJI’s decision seems unusual. Why do you think they made this change now?

Smulders: I don’t know why they did this now, but there are theories. As I mentioned, none of their other competitors, like Autel or Skydio, imposed the same kinds of restrictions. The DJI geofencing system didn’t allow drone operators to fly into no-fly zones, whereas if you bought a different kind of drone, you could still fly into those zones. So, maybe it was a competitive move. Or maybe it has something to do with the banning of the Chinese app TikTok. Maybe it has something to do with the recent passage of the NDAA that included a provision that virtually guarantees DJI can no longer be sold in the US in a year. It could be sort of a retaliatory thing.

Commercial UAV News: Regardless of the reasons, this change is happening, so let's talk about the risks involved in eliminating geofencing as a feature on these drones. Are there risks now that weren't there before?

Smulders: I am not a fear-mongering person, but this change does give me pause. For example, I’m concerned about drones flying around airports. Before, they couldn't fly into airports without going into a secondary app asking for permission or stating their purpose. Operators bumped up against this invisible geofence, and they couldn’t enter. Now, my understanding, although I haven't tried it myself yet, is you'll just get a warning: “You are about to fly into a no-fly zone.”

Commercial UAV News: And, obviously, these risks extend beyond airports.

Smulders: Yes. Think about the recent event with the LA fires and the “super scooper” aircraft getting run into by a drone. Things like that could happen more often. As a citizen, I’m concerned about people with malicious intent taking advantage of this change, but what scares me more is what could happen with the amateur drone pilot who doesn't really realize what they’re doing. Also, people need to realize that there are a lot of no-fly zones in the US: every airport, federal prisons, the National Capital Region, Manhattan, nuclear power plants. Changes like this put people at risk.

Commercial UAV News: What is Dedrone doing to mitigate these risks?

Smulders: We are the global leader in airspace security. We offer drone detection and early alerting services. Through our drone detection network already installed in the US, we have the ability to protect just over 50% of all Americans, including most major airports. Our software can tell you where a pilot is, so law enforcement can go to the pilot, tell them they are flying in a no fly-zone, and ask them to bring the drone down. In addition, Dedrone is working with bipartisan groups in Congress to enhance authorities’ efforts to address these kinds of scenarios.

Commercial UAV News: What does the public need to know about the risks posed by unauthorized drones?

Smulders: The public needs to understand that drones are an incredible tool. But, like every tool, they can be dangerous in the wrong hands or in simply careless hands. So, I think we need a two-pronged approach. One is education, and the second one is getting our laws up to date with the technology in the US. Right now, the laws are antiquated with respect to what the tools can do.