China has imposed strict restrictions on the use of drones — NYT
The Chinese government, which has long been a global leader in drone manufacturing, has radically changed its policy regarding the use of drones within the country.
The New York Times reports on this.
The new rules have effectively paralyzed private and commercial flights, sparking a wave of outrage among users and industry experts.
Since the beginning of 2026, China has significantly increased penalties for the unauthorized use of drones, including criminal penalties.
Since May, it has been mandatory to register all devices under the owners’ real names, linked to government-issued identification documents or phone numbers.
Particularly strict restrictions are in place in major cities, where official permission must be obtained at least 24 hours in advance for any flight.
Data on drone movements is now transmitted to government agencies in real time, ensuring full control over airspace.
In Beijing, the situation has reached the point of a de facto total ban on the use of drones by civilians.
In the capital, not only flights but also the import, sale, and even short-term rental of any type of drone have been strictly restricted, making their operation practically impossible.
Social media users are complaining en masse about excessive pressure from law enforcement agencies.
An ironic meme has gone viral, rephrasing DJI’s famous slogan: instead of “Don’t make the sky wait,” the Chinese now say, “Don’t make the police wait.”
Official Beijing explains these measures as necessary to ensure national security and prevent cyberattacks.
As a reminder, China recently conducted the first flight of the world’s largest cargo drone.
We also reported that China is reselling Russian gas at a price several times higher than the purchase price.
