DJI Launches Privacy Mode For Drone Operators

To Fly Without Internet Data Transfer

New Local Data Mode Provides Enhanced Data Privacy Assurances

DJI, the world’s leader in civilian drones and aerial imaging technology, today launched a new Local Data Mode that stops internet traffic to and from its DJI Pilot app, in order to provide enhanced data privacy assurances for sensitive government and enterprise customers.

Local Data Mode will be available in the next update on the DJI Pilot app on CrystalSky and for select Android tablets. When an operator activates Local Data Mode, the app will stop sending or receiving any data over the internet. This adds an additional layer of security for operators of flights involving critical infrastructure, governmental projects or other sensitive missions.

“We are creating Local Data Mode to address the needs of our enterprise customers, including public and private organizations that are using DJI technology to perform sensitive operations around the world,” said Brendan Schulman, DJI’s Vice President of Policy and Legal Affairs. “DJI is committed to protecting the privacy of its customers’ photos, videos and flight logs. Local Data Mode will provide added assurances for customers with heightened data security needs.”

Since Local Data Mode blocks all internet data, the DJI Pilot app will not be able to detect the location of the user, show the map and geofencing information such as No Fly Zones and temporary flight restrictions. In addition, it will not notify drone operators of firmware updates. Telemetry data on flight logs such as altitude, distance or speed will remain stored on the aircraft even if the user deactivates Local Data Mode.

Whether Local Data Mode is activated or not, photos and videos captured by the user are always stored on the drone's SD card and are only shared if the user chooses to upload them online to the SkyPixel community, social media or other websites.

When using Local Data Mode, drone operators are reminded that they are solely responsible for the safety of their flight operation and that they understand that features that may enhance and support the safety of their operations, but that rely on internet connectivity, are no longer available.  

Drone operators can enable Local Data Mode by opening the DJI Pilot app, clicking on “Activate LDM Mode” and entering a password which will be required to deactivate Local Data Mode when they decide to go online again.

New drones will still have to be activated first by logging into the user’s DJI account with an email and a password. To ensure the drone has the latest firmware, users can download and update it while they have internet connectivity before re-activating Local Data Mode.

“DJI has moved to address customer needs by developing Local Data Mode to provide enhanced data management options,” said Walter Stockwell, DJI's Director of Technical Standards. “We are pleased to be able to develop Local Data Mode as part of our drive to advocate for our customers’ interests.”

The Local Data Mode feature may not be available in locations where an internet connection is required or highly advisable due to local regulations. To download the DJI Pilot app, please visit http://www.dji.com/matrice-200-series/info#downloads.

For additional information, please contact: [email]pr@dji.com[/

Is this feature available on the P4P+ with integrated screen?

Floreto Posted at 2017-10-4 10:29
Is this feature available on the P4P+ with integrated screen?

Yes it should be it will be for Crystalsky.

hallmark007 Posted at 2017-10-4 10:33
Yes it should be it will be for Crystalsky.

So, What do you think of this?  Hallmark

ALABAMA Posted at 2017-10-4 11:02
So, What do you think of this?  Hallmark

It’s not something that will really affect me, I don’t mind NFZ warnings and haven’t come across any that we’re not correct for my country , where I fly is never a problem and equally how I fly. In Ireland we can now fly 250ft altitude and 300ft distance, in controlled airspace with commercial license with sop 4 hour clearance this has increased from 50x50 ft for controlled airspace getting clearance to fly in NFZ has never been a problem for me and would usually be done 24hrs preflight.

Having said that I know there are some around here who have problems with protecting their privacy I understand and respect that I think this will ease their worries,
I don’t believe dji were or are collecting information about their customers to use spuriously or with wrong intentions, but I suppose the fact that they could was enough to cause some consternation with some people.

I’m also sure it was becoming necessary for dji to assure the likes of industry commercial users and of course military that they could and would have privacy in all their undertakings.

Flying your DJI drone in Airplane mode helps too. ;-)

RedHotPoker

RedHotPoker Posted at 2017-10-4 11:28
Flying your DJI drone in Airplane mode helps too. ;-)

Have to say I now nearly always use airplane mode it has its benefits.

hallmark007 Posted at 2017-10-4 11:30
Have to say I now nearly always use airplane mode it has its benefits.

Yes, very quiet, on the Western Front, keeping our RC privacy to a maximum.


RedHotPoker

I wonder if the US army will reconsider it's use of DJI drones now.

ALABAMA Posted at 2017-10-4 11:33
I wonder if the US army will reconsider it's use of DJI drones now.

What for?, they can design much more military useful aircraft.

But we can live stream, to the YouTube and Facebook accounts...


RedHotPoker

ALABAMA Posted at 2017-10-4 11:33
I wonder if the US army will reconsider it's use of DJI drones now.

If they want the kind of technology dji can supply them and if they have specific use for them I imagine they will, but who knows.

hallmark007 Posted at 2017-10-4 11:45
If they want the kind of technology dji can supply them and if they have specific use for them I imagine they will, but who knows.

They tried the drones, and they didn't live up to high expectations.

Besides, why give away all your best secrets, through the too numerous intrusive websites?

All they have to do is visit this forum, to learn about all the problematica... Scared straight..



RedHotPoker

RedHotPoker Posted at 2017-10-4 14:12
They tried the drones, and they didn't live up to high expectations.

Besides, why give away all your best secrets, through the too numerous intrusive websites?

Maybe they didn’t read the Manual

hallmark007 Posted at 2017-10-4 14:41
Maybe they didn’t read the Manual

Yes, they read the manual. Actually RTFM!!


But the invasive structure, was a turn off...


Updates that are secretive? Haha


RedHotPoker

And not for iOS ... Seems to be much more lightweight then the GO4 app. And that GO4 app seems to start causing issues. I assume there is way too much stuff bundled into it. So a Pilot app for iOS sounds like something to have.

hallmark007 Posted at 2017-10-4 10:33
Yes it should be it will be for Crystalsky.

Ya, if we ever get an update for the CS !! Still running 4.1.6 while IOS/Android users are enjoying the new QuickShot & Dynamic Home point features in their latest updates!

QuadKid Posted at 2017-10-5 09:40
Ya, if we ever get an update for the CS !! Still running 4.1.6 while IOS/Android users are enjoying the new QuickShot & Dynamic Home point features in their latest updates!

So many updates due, if they all come together I won’t get flying for a week. Lol....

I will not use this mode. I like to send back telemetry data to DJI for better improvements. I have nothing to hide, just like to fly, make pictures and videos

Vendex Posted at 2017-10-7 11:45
I will not use this mode. I like to send back telemetry data to DJI for better improvements. I have nothing to hide, just like to fly, make pictures and videos

Hey Vendex, good attitude I think most will adopt the same attitude.

May I know when the Local Data Mode could be launched?

fans496e137f Posted at 2017-11-1 21:32
May I know when the Local Data Mode could be launched?

That’s a question for dji, I’m afraid they are the only ones who can give you that information.

fans496e137f Posted at 2017-11-1 21:32
May I know when the Local Data Mode could be launched?

Just an update, dji local data app is now out  its dji pilot and you can protect all your data using this app.