DJI says it will cripple drones unless users register them

Drone owners may not have to register their machines with the Federal Aviation Administration, but users of a DJI model will experience restrictions if they do not verify their craft with the manufacturer. The China-based firm has announced it will introduce a new application activation process for users that provides the necessary information to power the drone. For those who do not comply, their unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) will experience camera malfunctions and flight will be limited to a 164-foot (50m) radius up to 98 feet (30m) high. Anyone who owns or purchased a DJI drone'will have to log in once when you update the new version of DJI GO or GO 4 App,' DJI said. 'If this activation process is not performed, the aircraft will not have access to the correct geospatial information and flight functions for that region, and its operations will be restricted if you update the upcoming firmware,' the firm continued.