DJI Launches Privacy Mode For Drone Operators To Fly Without Internet Data Transfer

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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.

DJI Brings RoboMaster 2017 Finals To Twitch

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Annual Robotics Competition Finals Will Be Globally Livestreamed Exclusively On Twitch From July 31 To August 6

DJI, the world’s leader in civilian drones and aerial imaging technology, today announced that the RoboMaster 2017 competition finals will be livestreamed exclusively on social video platform Twitch1. RoboMaster 2017 is an annual robotics competition for teams of aspiring engineers to design and build next-generation robots and to complete with teams from around the world. The competition finals will be made available to the international audience on Twitch (www.twitch.tv/robomaster) from July 31 to August 6, with both English and Chinese commentary.

“RoboMaster is an exciting competitive event that combines innovative engineering, gaming and entertainment,” said Cinzia Palumbo, Senior Brand Manager at DJI. “The competition started in China a few years ago and now attracts teams from the U.S., U.K., Germany, and the rest of Asia. By streaming RoboMaster 2017 on Twitch, it will enable us to reach a global audience and allow more people to realize how robotics could impact and change the world we live in.”

Palumbo continued, “The robots, the intricacies of the game, and adrenaline-pumping action will provide a highly entertaining experience for those watching in person at the stadium, as well as those viewing it on Twitch from wherever they are in the world.”

Sponsored by DJI, RoboMaster has become one of the most advanced and entertaining robotics competitions in the world. Over 200 teams signed up to participate in this year’s event, with 32 teams competing in the final round from July 31 to August 6 at China’s technology capital of Shenzhen. In the city’s largest sporting arena, the Shenzhen Bay Stadium, and under the eyes of thousands of attendees and millions of people watching online, the most talented teams will compete head-to-head with their self-developed robots on a complex and futuristic battlefield.

Each side has five types of robots: Hero, Infantry, Engineer, Drone, and Base. At the start of each seven- minute match, both teams set off from their starting corners, firing at each other on the obstacle-filled battleground. Every robot is equipped with sensors that convert hits into reduced Health Points (HP).

1Except in ChinaWhen a robot's HP drops to zero, it will be disabled, allowing the opposing team to further penetrate the opponent’s base. A team wins when it destroys the opponent's Base robot or whichever team has a higher Base HP at the end.

For the first time, the RoboMaster 2017 finals will be livestreamed to an international audience via Twitch. Twitch is a leading live social video platform and community where 10 million visitors gather each day to watch and talk about an array of content from gaming to the creative arts with more than 2 million unique content creators each month.

“The Twitch community has shown an affinity for both creative and competitive content, with RoboMaster 2017 capturing both of those elements,” said Zachary Diaz, Partnerships Manager at Twitch. “Since DJI is an extremely innovative tech company and everyone loves to see robots in action, we’re looking forward to seeing the action unfold.” .

Organized and sponsored by DJI, RoboMaster has become a yearly-anticipated robotics competition for young engineers to design and build next-generation robots and compete for intellectual supremacy on the RoboMaster battlefield. Not only has RoboMaster gained popularity among the engineering community in recent years, it has become an exciting and entertaining spectator event for the general public. The RoboMaster stadium attendance at the competition finals is expected to reach 20,000 this year.

For info about 2017 RoboMaster, visit: https://www.robomaster.com/en-US/robo/2017 

About DJI

DJI is a global leader in developing and manufacturing civilian drones and aerial imaging technology for personal and professional use. DJI was founded and is run by people with a passion for remote-controlled helicopters and experts in flight-control technology and camera stabilization. The company is dedicated to making aerial photography and filmmaking equipment and platforms more accessible, reliable and easier to use for creators and innovators around the world. DJI’s global operations currently span across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and its revolutionary products and solutions have been chosen by customers in over 100 countries for applications in filmmaking, construction, emergency response, agriculture, conservation and many other industries.

For more information, visit  

Website: www.dji.com 

DJI Store: store.dji.com/ 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DJI 

Instagram: www.instagram.com/DJIGlobal 

Twitter: www.twitter.com/DJIGlobal and 

YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/DJI