DJI, which owns 70 percent of the global drone market, has long been in the spotlight of US lawmakers, who cite national security interests as the main justification for the proposed ban.

The company’s dominance in the industry and the fact that approximately 6% of DJI shares are owned by Chinese government agencies have raised concerns that Chinese authorities could gain access to DJI drones operating on US soil or use them for their own purposes.

This concern is compounded by concerns that DJI’s continued expansion could increase China’s economic power on the world stage.

Rep. Alice Stefanik, R.Y., echoed the sentiments of many lawmakers when she said:

DJI is an unacceptable threat to national security and it is long past time to remove drones produced by Communist China from America.

Under the proposed bill, the ban would target new DJI drone sales in the U.S. but would not affect drones already purchased and in use.

Although the bill has broad support in Congress, its final approval remains uncertain as supporters and skeptics alike await new decisions from the legislative and executive branches.

Meanwhile, DJI has yet to publicly comment on the regulatory changes. But company representatives around the world have previously emphasized their commitment to privacy and security and denied allegations of surveillance or espionage.