US construction companies carrying out government-funded projects are facing renewed scrutiny from lawmakers over their use of Chinese-made DJI drones, as concerns grow around data security and foreign technology in sensitive infrastructure work.
A group of US senators has formally requested major construction firms to disclose whether they use DJI drones on federal sites, how extensively the technology is deployed, and what safeguards are in place to prevent sensitive data from being accessed or transferred outside the United States.
The inquiry reflects mounting bipartisan unease over potential national security risks tied to foreign-manufactured surveillance and mapping tools.
DJI drones are widely used across the construction industry for tasks such as site surveying, progress monitoring, inspections, and safety planning due to their affordability and advanced imaging capabilities.
However, federal agencies have already restricted or banned the use of DJI equipment within government operations, citing concerns that data collected by the drones could be vulnerable to unauthorized access.
Lawmakers now want clarity on whether private contractors working on federal projects are still relying on the technology, and if so, under what conditions.
The senators’ letters ask companies to outline the number of DJI drones in use, whether waivers have been granted for their deployment, and how project data is stored, transmitted, and protected.
The issue places construction firms in a difficult position. While many contractors argue that drones have become essential tools for improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing workplace safety, the political and regulatory environment around Chinese technology has become increasingly restrictive.
Firms working on defense, transportation, energy, and other critical infrastructure projects may now be forced to reassess their technology choices.
Industry analysts say the inquiry could accelerate a shift toward US-made or allied-country drone manufacturers, even if alternatives come at a higher cost.
Several domestic drone producers have already positioned themselves as secure replacements, emphasizing data sovereignty, encrypted systems, and compliance with federal standards.
The scrutiny also highlights a broader trend: heightened oversight of digital tools used on public infrastructure projects.
Beyond drones, lawmakers and regulators are paying closer attention to software platforms, sensors, and connected equipment that collect or transmit sensitive information.
Construction firms have been given a deadline to respond to the senators’ requests, and their answers could shape future procurement rules and compliance requirements.
Depending on the findings, additional restrictions—or even outright bans—on certain technologies used in federal construction contracts could follow.
For now, the debate underscores the growing intersection between construction, technology, and national security, as infrastructure projects increasingly rely on advanced digital tools to deliver faster, safer, and more efficient results.
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