Beijing bans drone ownership over security concerns

Beijing enacted a ban on drone ownership on Sunday, citing security concerns for the city of 16,400 square kilometres. The prohibition extends to both urban and rural regions within the municipality, home to China's central government, top leaders, and the headquarters of the ruling Chinese Communist Party. Announced in September, the ban prohibits possessing and storing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to ensure the city's safety.

Transporting drones or their components into Beijing is also prohibited, with owners forced to dispose of their devices through approved buy-back points or online channels. Alternatively, they could transport the drones outside the enforcement area. The ban follows airspace safety fears raised in June when a small plane crashed into Beijing's tallest skyscraper, resulting in the pilot's death and injuring 13 others.

Prior to the recent ban, Beijing had already restricted drone sales in May 2022, requiring owners to register their devices with authorities while permitting them to keep them. Violators of the new ban could face fines and equipment confiscation. Exemptions for drone flights may be granted for specific purposes such as counterterrorism, law enforcement, emergency relief, agriculture, or scientific research.

Drones have gained significant popularity in China in recent years, particularly for filming landscapes.