Banned drones and routers in the US will still get critical updates until 2029 - Engadget

"The FCC's Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) posted an announcement on May 8 that stated affected routers and drones will be able to receive "software and firmware updates that mitigate harm to US consumers," until January 1, 2029."

"The FCC added "uncrewed aircraft systems," better known as drones, and drone components to its Covered List of communications equipment and services that pose national security concerns in December 2025. A few months after, the federal agency added routers manufactured outside of the US to the list, but allowed an exception that affected routers would receive updates at least through March 1, 2027."

"With the FCC's latest notice, the OET argued in favor of extending the update deadline, adding that "special circumstances warrant a deviation from the general rules and the public interest would be better served by extending the waiver of the prohibitions.""

"The extension could be in part due to lobbying from the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), since the trade organization suggested to extend updates and patches to previously authorized devices "beyond just one year" in a letter to the FCC. The CTA also requested "further clarification" on the scope of products affected by the ban and more collaboration with the National Security Council and Department of Defense to offer more transparency and guidance to companies who manufacture the affected products."

Foreign-made drones and routers banned by the FCC can continue receiving software and firmware updates designed to mitigate harm to U.S. consumers until January 1, 2029. The FCC added uncrewed aircraft systems and drone components to a Covered List of communications equipment and services posing national security concerns in December 2025, and later added foreign-made routers with an earlier update exception through March 1, 2027. The FCC extended the deadline, citing special circumstances and public interest served by extending the waiver of prohibitions. The extension may reflect input from the Consumer Technology Association, which requested longer update and patch timelines, clarification on affected product scope, and more collaboration with national security and defense entities for transparency and guidance.

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