China Vows Strict Action Against Illegal Drone Flight System Modifications

Beijing (ANTARA) - China’s Ministry of Public Security pledged on Monday to maintain a firm stance against the illegal use of drone flight control systems, releasing ten typical cases of such violations.

In several instances, according to the ministry, individuals utilised technical methods to illegally assist others in bypassing drone restrictions, such as altitude limits and no-fly zones, or modified factory-set payload parameters to facilitate unauthorised drone flights for illegal profit.

The ministry warned that such actions pose risks to both public and national security. All suspects involved in the ten cases have been subject to mandatory legal action by the police, while further investigations are ongoing.

A ministry official also warned that providing private services to remove no-fly zone restrictions and altitude limits for drone owners can be categorised as a criminal offence. He added that the police will continue to take action against such activities in accordance with the law.

Experts stated that drones with removed altitude restrictions could enter civil flight paths, potentially causing collisions with serious consequences. Meanwhile, drones with deactivated geofencing could enter prohibited areas, such as military control zones, risking the leakage of state secrets.

Furthermore, drones with modified performance parameters are more prone to losing control and crashing during flight, posing a direct threat to lives and property, according to experts.