By DAILY MAIL REPORTER
Published: | Updated:
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32 View commentsBritain's four biggest police forces are using drones made in China – despite security agencies warning them of potential spying risks two years ago.
The drones, produced by DJI Technology, help with surveillance and support investigations.
The Metropolitan Police, Greater Manchester Police, Police Scotland, and West Midlands Police all still use DJI drones, according to analysis of public documents by the i paper.
But in 2023, MI5 issued guidance against the use of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), made in countries with 'coercive data sharing practices'. This was seen as a reference to China.
Security officials fear sensitive images and data collected by the drones could be obtained by the Chinese authorities. The US Department of Defense has blacklisted DJI due to alleged ties to the Chinese military.
DJI has denied its drones transmit sensitive data to any unauthorised parties and said its products have passed independent and government security checks that have certified them 'safe and secure'.
Earlier this week it emerged the Ministry of Defence has banned electric cars that may contain Chinese components from military bases.
In 2023 it was revealed that two thirds of drones operated by UK police forces were made by DJI. The findings prompted a government task force led by former Security Minister Tom Tugendhat to review the contracts.
Britain's four biggest police forces are using drones made in China – despite security agencies warning them of potential spying risks two years ago. The drones (like the one pictured above), produced by DJI Technology, help with surveillance and support investigations
The Metropolitan Police , Greater Manchester Police , Police Scotland, and West Midlands Police all still use DJI drones, according to analysis of public documents by the i paper
DJI has denied its drones transmit sensitive data to any unauthorised parties and said its products have passed independent and government security checks that have certified them 'safe and secure'
An arm of MI5 then warned organisations that some commercial UAS and associated software were made 'in countries with coercive data sharing practices that could lead to the loss of sensitive data'.
Luke De Pulford, executive director of the inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, told the i: 'Government needs to act to protect sensitive UK data.'
A Police Scotland spokesman said: 'We are aware of the issues raised by the National Protective Security Authority and we continue to engage with the Scottish Government.'
The other police forces were contacted by the i for comment.
- A no-fly zone has been set up over King Charles' Sandringham home after drones were reported during the visit of Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky.
ChinaPentagonGreater Manchester PoliceMI5
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