Drone manufacturer DJI has proposed the development of an electronic identification framework for small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operators in the US.

The proposed system will enable the US authorities to identify drone owners when necessary and protect the privacy of UAS pilots.

According to the DJI drone identification concept, each drone would transmit its location and a registration number or similar identification code, using on-board radio equipment.

Anyone with the proper receiver could receive those transmissions, but only law enforcement officials or aviation regulators would be able to use that registration number to identify the registered owner.

“This is another example of how the UAS industry is innovating solutions to emerging concerns."

DJI noted the system would be similar to automotive license plates, which allow anyone to identify a nearby vehicle, but can only be traced to their owner and operator by authorities.



Last year, the US Congress directed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to create approaches that can remotely identify the unmanned aircraft operators and owners. These approaches can be developed over the next two years.

DJI policy and legal affairs vice-president Brendan Schulman said: “DJI understands that accountability is a key part of responsible drone use, and we have outlined a proposal that balances the privacy of drone operators with the legitimate concerns authorities have about some drone operations.

“This is another example of how the UAS industry is innovating solutions to emerging concerns, and we look forward to working with other stakeholders on how to implement the best possible system.”

DJI believes it is better to enable individual drone owners to avoid disclosing their identities to the general public.

The company recently submitted a white paper indicating the need to protect the privacy of drone pilots and other issues to the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI).

Image: A DJI drone. Photo: courtesy of DJI.