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DJI Innovations, the leading manufacturer of drones, launched a beta version of its new "geofencing" system that should keep its drones from flying into restricted airspace. The new feature is called Geospatial Environment Online (GEO), and it will let users know about areas where drone flight is restricted, either due to regulations or because of safety issues.
GEO will stop DJI drones from taking off in restricted areas like airports, Washington D.C., and temporarily restricted areas such as places near forest fires or big stadium events. Sensitive areas around prisons and power plants will be off limits in the system as well.
DJI owners can temporarily opt out of GEO and unlock some of the flight restrictions, but there's a catch. They must have verified accounts with the company, with a credit card, debit card, or cellphone number on file. Users cannot turn off all the flight restrictions though; places like Washington D.C. will remain completely off limits.
(Score: 3, Interesting) by Gravis on Saturday January 02 2016, @07:15PM
this is just a list for idiots who buy premade quads. this isn't really about security, just idiots.
(Score: 2) by frojack on Saturday January 02 2016, @07:53PM
Almost everybody owning a drone buys pre-made quads. The number of people ACTUALLY building their own could all sleep comfortably in your local Motel 6, regardless of what Make Magazine says. And even those are buying their guidance systems commercially.
The problem here is that this will be hacked in three minutes, and the method published on the web. Its not a real solution.
No, you are mistaken. I've always had this sig.
(Score: 3, Touché) by wonkey_monkey on Saturday January 02 2016, @10:07PM
could all sleep comfortably in your local Motel 6
Pfft. Like anyone could sleep comfortably at a Motel 6.
(I have no idea what a Motel 6 is like)
systemd is Roko's Basilisk
(Score: 2) by JoeMerchant on Saturday January 02 2016, @11:12PM
Those three guys making all the variants of open pilot software have been really productive, then.
🌻🌻 [google.com]
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday January 03 2016, @04:46AM
It's not that hard. There are plenty of people building uavs from flight boards. Many, many kits with everything you need but a transmitter.
(Score: 3, Insightful) by xpda on Saturday January 02 2016, @08:49PM
This isn't really about security, just theater.
(In most cases, manufactured quads are now cheaper and as capable as the homebuilt, self-programmed variety. They've made a lot of progress lately.)
(Score: 2) by Tork on Saturday January 02 2016, @10:51PM
🏳️🌈 Proud Ally 🏳️🌈
(Score: 2) by deimtee on Sunday January 03 2016, @01:52AM
Yes, but it is useful for those idiots to help keep them out of trouble and stop bothering people.
Many people don't want to fly where they are not allowed, they just want to have some fun with a toy. Having the drone say "I won't fly here, we are too close to the airport/stadium/white house" keeps them from being arrested, beaten up and shot, and saves the state an expensive court case. If the idiot disables the software then that provides clear intent to break the rules and removes the "I didn't know" defence.
The best effect would be to increase aircraft safety. (I don't want any jet I am on sucking one into the engine).
The only effect on security would be to reduce the incidence of false alarms. (which is probably useful).
If you cough while drinking cheap red wine it really cleans out your sinuses.