U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at protecting Americans’ data and national security information from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The UAS Threat Disclosure Act, co-led by U.S. Representative Jared Golden (ME-02), seeks to increase transparency regarding threats posed by Chinese technology to state and local law enforcement.
“Law enforcement needs to be able to leverage the latest technology to keep our communities safe – but they shouldn’t be relying on anything manufactured by a company tied to the Chinese Communist Party,” said Rep. Nunn. “As China attempts to collect data on Americans, we cannot undermine our own economic and national security by handing it to them on a silver platter. By creating transparency for local law enforcement, we can prevent the use of Chinese-manufactured technology and keep our country safe.”
Local law enforcement agencies use UAS drones, or unmanned aircraft systems, for community safety and search and rescue operations. Approximately 58% of the U.S. commercial drone market is controlled by companies affiliated with the CCP, which may have unauthorized access to these systems and data, potentially giving the Chinese government access as well. In January 2024, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) reported that Chinese-manufactured UAS pose a threat to critical infrastructure, potentially jeopardizing U.S. national security, economic security, and public health and safety.
“It’s dangerous for law enforcement to rely on technology manufactured by an adversarial foreign government — especially without a complete understanding of its risks,” said Rep. Golden. “I’m proud to work across the aisle with Congressman Nunn to ensure Americans have the knowledge they need to avoid any threats that our national security experts have identified.”
Many federal government agencies have already significantly reduced or banned the procurement of UAS made in China or with Chinese technology. Four states – Florida, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Mississippi – have banned the use of Chinese UAS. However, law enforcement agencies in other states continue using technology from Chinese companies without adequately considering potential privacy and cybersecurity risks.
The bipartisan UAS Threat Disclosure Act requires the U.S. Director of National Intelligence to expand transparency for local and state law enforcement by declassifying information on threats posed by procuring drone technology manufactured by the CCP or any affiliated companies.
Text of the bill can be found here.
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