Dji Drops Geofencing Restrictions: Drone Owners Can Now Fly Near Key Sensitive Areas Without Restrictions

DJI’s Geofencing U-Turn: A Shift in Approach to Drone Safety and Access Control

The world’s largest drone manufacturer, DJI, has removed geofencing restrictions from its drones, including those preventing flight near sensitive areas like the White House. The decision comes as the company faces potential restrictions in the US market by December 2025 unless designated federal agencies determine it poses no national security risk.

Initially implemented in 2016, geofencing was initially introduced to prevent consumer drones from flying near airports and other restricted airspace. However, over the past decade, regulatory agencies have focused on other safety measures, such as mandatory safety training, LAANC permissions for controlled airspace access, and Remote ID requirements.

The removal of geofencing was largely driven by the need to improve response times in emergency operations. DJI’s public safety integration director, Wayne Baker, highlighted how geofencing restrictions could impede critical operations, particularly in situations where every minute counts. The company cites its drone rescue map, which has recorded over 1,000 successful drone-assisted rescues since 2013, as evidence of the potential benefits of this new approach.

By reducing administrative burden for DJI, the change reduces costs and simplifies operations, while also addressing a critical challenge faced by emergency responders. Traditional aviation follows a similar principle, where pilots are responsible for knowing and following airspace regulations, rather than relying on technological restrictions.

DJI is taking a similar approach, placing responsibility squarely with the operator. While some critics may argue that this shift increases the risk of accidents, others see it as a necessary step towards improving drone safety and access control. The company continues to provide warnings and information about restricted areas, but the final decision now rests with the operator, consistent with regulatory frameworks worldwide.

The effectiveness of this new approach will likely be closely monitored by regulators and industry stakeholders alike, particularly with potential restrictions looming in December 2025. As the world’s largest drone manufacturer, DJI’s influence will be watched closely by these groups, and its impact on promoting responsible drone usage and addressing pressing concerns around airspace restrictions and emergency operations will be significant.