Tracking rogue drones with DJI Aeroscope

DJI's Aeroscope technology can track rogue drones. With drones showing up at airports, disaster sites, even in baseball stadiums, public safety officials need to contend with them. In the second episode of Next Level season two, we take a look at DJI's solution for these drones.
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[@coolspot18]

So this is why DJI makes you log into their app ... they're basically handing our information over to the authorities.

[@kishascape]

You can still fly offline mode. Or just get the drone-hacks license and flash the custom firmware. Problem solved.

[@DoenerBudeFTW]

DJI just solved a problem that they invented. Marketing101

[@EnEsCe]

DJI didn't invent drones.

[@Mewted]

They are solving the problem of box-store buying idiots flying drones. A problem they invented. It was bound to happen to someone though...they aren't the only ones trying to market to them to every form of life. They're also trying to the solve the problem of "how can we kiss more government ass so we can drop the public sector and get them juicy government contracts?".

[@Themightymoze]

Heck, if we can willingly sell the terrorists weapons to use against us, then this should surprise no one.

[@Mewted]

El Mostrito That is also true.

[@1337flite]

No DJI didn't invent them. But they made it real easy for joe public with no clue about the issues to just walk into a store and start flying (dangerously).

[@M7mdibr]

They can also add a simple feature where the drone operator gets a push notification if he goes into a restricted area.

[@Caseylawton]

mohamed ibraheem They already did this. It also makes you confirm that you are authorized to fly and accept all responsibility in the area before allowing you to fly again.

[@Johanneslol11]

they should just do that if you fly into restricted airspace you have say like 10 seconds to fly it out of it again. If you do not it will force landing on specific landing zones...

[@DevonWayne]

Already done. I kept receiving immediate notifications when my city was on fire that I couldn't fly over 400ft and some areas it said flight restrictions in effect

[@LexusMan513]

Devon Wayne With inspire 2 you can connect a gps to the remote so you can change your return to home location. Does this confuse the system? The controller is moving haha.

[@dawsonboyle99]

mohamed ibraheem they do lol

[@Taalaibek]

That toilet paper shot at 7:07 was good indeed

[@twzted_synapse221]

Have you seen the phantom next to the party balloons? CLASSIC!

[@foam27]

wait until they sell an aeroscope defeater, lol.

[@ryankraft9897]

This software reads DJI telemetry data. So basically reads the GPS data from the drone. This means any drone without a GPS won't be able to show up on the map even if they used DJI communication protocols. This isn't a radar system. Many highly capable drones such as racing drones don't use GPS or telemetry.

[@falklumo]

I wonder if AeroScope isn‘t using DJI‘s secret key to decrypt a protected Wifi transmission. This would be illegal except with a court order. Therefore, I believe operating the AeroScope w/o court order is an illegal activity.

[@jasperfredrickson4420]

DJI is brilliant. Create drones and sell drones to annoy airports. Then... Create drone detection devices and sell them to the same airports.

[@antdx316]

yeah, if we investigate how the Good and Evil system works that created us we can identify the same materials.

[@mobulubenelux2545]

In a simple way,... I have heard of Chinees - Russian - Italian hackers some years ago that they where able to fly there drones in restricted zones just by letting there drones believe they where actually cars instead of drones,... GPS MOD + SOME OTHER EXOTIC TRANSMISSION - RECEIVER MOD.

[@lit2021]

that's capitalism in a nutshell.. create a problem, then sell the solution to the problem you created

[@MorganaRavenheart]

It's also used by the Russians to locate Ukrainian drones and pilots, to direct artillery fire to their locations.

[@EdWeibe]

just like the virus writers and the virus detection/removal software sellers.

[@marcusrodriguez9992]

WTF?! DJI could’ve at least created another company with a different name to manufacture and sell their drone detection hardware. They are basically throwing their customers under the bus then checking the pockets for spare change when the bus rolls over them. Yes I realize you have nothing to worry about if you’re not doing anything wrong, but it’s just the principle of allowing them to provide your personal info without my consent. I’m sure I gave them my consent as it was buried someplace in their privacy agreement when I clicked “ok” at registration

[@MikeTrieu]

And just like that, DJI gives the rest of the industry the incentive to encrypt their telemetry data. I suppose we should all be thanking them for this turn of events.

[@MrSapph1r3]

How is this not illegal? It's like Apple making a device that tracks all iPhones in the area and gives you the information of the owner. It's invasion of privacy. I understand if it was just showing you the location of the drone and maybe the remote, but the whole profile of the user? C'mon DJI!

[@Markcool2011]

Nikolay Tranov no, it only tracks drone near an airport which shouldn’t be flying there anyways. That’s like apple tracking iPhone with traffic to pirating sites only

[@MrSapph1r3]

MarLap2000 That is the official reason to make the device. But for a good reason or not you cannot just give somebody a backdoor to thousands of people's information. Sooner or later it will be abused. Since I started with the Apple example - just like Apple did not unlock the suspects phone in the San Bernardino case. Once you give somebody the key that's it for everyone's privacy.

[@Markcool2011]

Nikolay Tranov all they get access to is your email if you’re even registered and your drones high and speed. Not like it even matters.

[@hidden75]

Similar to a gun registration database.

[@sp4859]

MarLap2000 It might not matter to you, and that's fine. It does matter to others, and with those people, it's not cool that flying a R/C craft results in giving Government (and possibly non-Government people who purchases these trackers) your private information.

[@leewenyeong9892]

I honestly thought it would be another drone that would take down rogue drones like an apache helicopterrr

[@DevonWayne]

Alls you need is a drone with a trigger and a net or string. But safety after it crashes should be the first goal

[@Thunderbyrd.]

That would be cool.

[@Spo8]

I like this series. Good job, verge.

[@LouisianaNative13]

As a safe and responsible DJI drone operator, This makes me want to sell my mavic air 2 and buy a different brand.

[@soham3468]

Haha just make your own FPV drone, or turn off the GPS on your iphone when using your DJI drone…. Problem solved

[@JunYew]

Next, DJI will launch DJI ANTI-AEROSCOPE for community to intercept DJI AEROSCOPE and disable it's detection features.

[@PreFuture-sf]

Is it worth noting that this was primarily shot in Golden Gate Park, which is a no fly zone??

[@truckeemick2486]

Im glad i put the time in fine tuning, modding, improving flight times and eliminating bad habits on my qr x350pro. i was going to upgrade to the phantom 4 but i dont think so.

[@locouk]

Can this deal with 5 or more drones like at Gatwick this week?

[@lKareemalil]

What's the soundtrack playing after the start of the video?

[@dawsonboyle99]

A lot of angry middle aged moms and joggers are going to buy this to catch those drone flying whipper snappers like myself

[@cellblock776]

It is not available to commercial users. Only to certain government or industry users such as airports or manufacturing centers.

[@dawsonboyle99]

cellblock776 well obviously I was just making a joke, I know this thing won't be available for consumers, just a joke at all of the old people and annoying people who think they know uav laws telling you what you can and can't do

[@tattoodrdoke]

Ive never had anyone question me about my drone flight but then again I follow the guidelines and can still get some great shots and film footage. I learnt from a racing drone pilot so can get some great footage flying.

[@Thunderbyrd.]

I think everybody, except one, knew you were making a joke. Lol

[@charleshobbes1391]

You can learn all about Drone Laws and view some of the best value drones at facebook.com/quadcopterheaven/ REPLY

[@TheYellowFlashLight]

Uncle Larry told me about this. First DJI sells you their stuff and then they sell the thing to track you. Email and everything!

[@henryzt]

Daniel K why?

[@tonyyracheta3682]

do I need to sign up with the FAA to fly a drone ?

[@vickttor550]

somebody in São Paulo's congonhas airport needs to know about this

[@asommer518]

Works on frequency band used by DJI and most drone BUT what about a drone using Inertial Guidance not ground like fully autonomous (most likely used by bad guys). What about UHF controlled drones?

[@VeRSINGOnTheGo]

Andrew Sommer Agree, look what at the 3DR Solo that was found with an IED attached in Mexico from a traffic stop....Here in Iraq few months back had 3 incursions, but turned out to be unaware residents. Then we toss in the fact where the Chinese recently launched a controlled swarm of 1700+ drones for a diplomatic display of a light show spectacular. Now they are considering military applications. We have a couple of fleets steaming towards a hot region, several swarms are released by the opposing side, how much conventional munitions would be expended, how would the ships resupply. They need to be equipped with Gama rays and laser immediately, not to mention electronic nets. ;~ ))

[@AeroworksProductions]

There is a big difference between "Restricted Airspace" and controlled airspace. They refer to most of the airspace in the video incorrectly as restricted airspace instead of controlled airspace which you can get a waiver for.

[@vasugupta3531]

Informative

[@kghwanadoo]

Living just 20 miles from Gatwick this has become very relevant in the last two days!

[@nidhinambeesan1697]

That toilet paper tho! 🔥🔥🔥

[@Beltfedshooters]

Suddenly everyone sells their DJI drones and buys a Yuneec or GoPro..

[@antdx316]

You can get older drones though but if you are doing commercial work, you definitely need reliability.

[@EGOS42]

What watch is Lauren wearing? It looks pretty cool. Always prefer circular faced designs.

[@kills456]

I use my.drone to take pics and have fun. If im flying below 400 feet and in a safe manner what is the concern.

[@karthik4711]

Awesome

[@aeriose]

The FAA lacks the authority to regulate model aircraft. They literally cannot tell people to register for drones or control them in any way.

[@NeilCaulfield]

Correct, unless you are flying near an airport

[@Thunderbyrd.]

Or as in my case where I live there is a U.S. arsenal. Whatever they are using is pretty wild, I was several miles away flying when I got a little close to them, I received a message on my screen that said I nearing a U.S.Arsenal and that if I flew into their restricted airspace I would have 20 seconds to leave the airspace or the craft would automatically land. I thought I was way outside the 5 mile radius but they are the feds and I'm not.

[@jayphilipwilliams]

You assume that the Constitution still has some meaning. It doesn't.

[@rjlinares424]

how can i get this thing?

[@meowcury1688]

This is why dji is the best technology company

[@UnboxWarehouse]

Great video. Subscribed. I am searching for my next drone to Unbox on my channel. Any Suggestions?

[@Rediwed1]

Where is the user information coming from? Is DJI literally selling user information as a tool for officials? Is the email adres broadcast by the drone?

[@Rediwed1]

CoolKwaz I think they meant when the drone is registered at DJI, since they have a semi-mandatory registry system (or at least, a DJI drone used to be forced into 'beginner mode' if it wasn't registered).

[@jadoei13]

They don't have to violate FAA rules, if this is just a commercialy available product then anyone can see your email address.

[@bartinater4624]

It’s just like your number plate contains your information. Nothing to be afraid of if you’re not doing anything wrong.

[@rohainaulakh]

Yeah

[@aindoria]

Bartinater ! "Nothing to be afraid of if you're doing nothing wrong." Why don't you keep your house unlocked? And keep your blinds open all the time? Can I also see chats between you and your significant other? "Done nothing wrong" is such an ignorant argument.

[@NotGovernor]

DJI Just lost access to my wallet.

[@agargul]

So basically it’s grabbing a drone’s operator personal details without a court order. What can go wrong?

[@OmniNoobs]

GoPro Karma won't even let you take off in an active flight zone, so why is this necessary? Can't dji integrate a similar system?

[@cnyphotovideo]

If this product does not work when you buy it is customer service just as horrible as when you call about one of your drones?

[@tokencointel6466]

Price?

[@jonathancarless8496]

I’m from the U.K and I’ve never even a drone in real life so I was wondering whether it’s bigger in America.

[@donniemarks94]

I have a DJI Phantom 3 and I had no idea this existed

[@michaelrizzo5492]

We need to regulate birds as well. They are so bad that frozen turkeys are thrown into jet engines to test them. Imagine that! A 20 pound frozen bird won’t kill a jet engine. So why are drones such a threat?

[@allthecommonsense]

Birds don't have a terrorist mindset. Nobody ever thought terrorists would bust through 747 cockpits and fly them into buildings either. If you don't think like a terrorist, then you won't ever envision the potential mass destruction these tools can facilitate.

[@rodmills4071]

Come on...the dunny paper shot was classic...🤨🤔🤣😀😎

[@BrieoRobino]

So it doesn't effect custom quads. cool.

[@Conormcnproductions]

I like this channel

[@s3cr3tpassword]

This was literally an episode of southpark

[@SL-vw9pm]

Local law enforcement does not enforce federal aviation law or generally speaking, respond to requests for aviation related incidents where flying restrictions are occurring. Best they can do is offer assistance in obtaining information for referral. Even this reporter mentions calling law enforcement and expecting them to give a "'ticket' if a drone is flying in a restricted area, that is inaccurate. No jurisdiction to do so. Cops have enough to deal with on the ground.

[@adventurekevin9409]

The airport guy is wearing a brand new shirt that he forgot to iron.

[@CharlieOliverBates]

I’m no longer buying DJI products.

[@videojeroki]

Clever decision from DJI managment: come up with tool and solution to cooperate with the authorities instead of being accused by the local authorities. How to make new product, new business by actually trying to protect your core business ! It should be a study case :)

[@PalmettoMoon]

Even records all of your flight logs. Dji is becoming buddies with big brother.

[@thegametesterman]

Google Maps or Here Maps?

[@mistercohaagen]

Why does the DJI dude look like a VICE reporter?

[@AboxofMonsters]

My house has a no fly zone of five miles because of a mosquito copter that I’ve never seen fly in 30 years here.

[@ultra78721]

And the time for Stealth Drones.... Begins!

[@protaginets]

Honestly, this device is like if a virus/malware programmer turned around and sold a detection software ONLY for their virus/malware. Create the problem to sell the solution at a much higher cost to these restricted airspace operators.

[@Kaipeternicolas]

The main problem is that the laws are so confusing and not clear and that law enforcement also has no clue about drone laws. I have had to educate a couple police officers in the field already that were called on me.

[@JamesFisherfrilleddragons]

I don't fly over or near airports. Laguna just imposed no drone laws...... I won't follow them. I love my epic coastal shots

[@Team974]

Also destroying their market in countries that don’t allow drones but there’s a drone community. Double edged sword.

[@videojeroki]

I beleive it's the opposite. If you sell something that the authorities want to ban because there is no control on potential danger, but at the other hand you offer products/services to the authority to help them to not be affraid. All parts win: - authorities: safetyness is under better control - drone oilotes: less risk to be ban (because of above) - DJI: they are in a better position than the competition

[@IakonaWayne]

This only works on DJI drones i'd assume.

[@TheJellyfishdude]

Tracking rogue *DJI* drones with DJI Aeroscope fixed that for you

[@armaanbengali7832]

Boom

[@Lance7282]

This is a dangerous system that probably has access to all private data. This doesn’t look good at all

[@Kalhauge]

Lance7282 The data isn't private. It's something you choose to give DJI when you sign up for a drone. If you have a problem with it you should've read the EULA when you set up the drone.

[@sp4859]

Mathias Kalhauge Not true. Example: If I sign up for a credit card at a bank, just because I've chosen to give my social security number to them doesn't mean that data isn't private. People purchases drones to fly them; they don't purchase drones so that their data could be revealed to other people who buys tracking devices.

[@zbeast]

well it's a good thing that I build my own drones...

[@Richardwaffles]

Wow they created a solution to a problem they’ve created. Money both ways... geniuses!

[@saintmichael5224]

Richard Thai true

[@izybit]

That's actually not true. DJI would LOVE to not have to deal with those laws but the laws exist and if DJI doesn't do something about it the government could just enforce a complete ban which equalls to zero sales for DJI. Therefore, DJI is actually just trying to protect its future sales of drones and doesn't really care about selling tracking equipment (which just gives it a bad name and can force people to choose a different brand, as you can read in the other comments).

[@Richardwaffles]

izybit izybit I get what you’re saying and all but you just reinforced my claim while trying to invalidate it...

[@izybit]

Richard Thai Well, technically they will make money off this but if they had the choice they would choose a zero regulations market every single time.

[@Richardwaffles]

izybit izybit I understand what you’re trying to say, but as it stands, they’re making money on an issue that they’ve created. It's quite apparent that companies would prefer zero regulation, but the regulation of this market exists, and DJI created a product that profits from regulation. That's all I'm trying to point out.

[@Padawan0001]

aol dial up sound! This chick I love!

[@robertcameronjones]

Talk about playing both sides against the middle.

[@chemykl]

The air belongs to the people. Unfortunately some people tend to forget that.

[@dronexfun8469]

RC air planes and helicopters have been around for decades, why pick on them now? I guess some people don't know how to have fun therefore nobody can.

[@jjseandxcefree]

doesnt work on mavic pro 1

[@warbyvlog3713]

At first I thought what's the point if it only tracks dji, then I realized dji is just trying to cover their a$$ in case one of there customers goes rogue...

[@ParadoxdesignsOrg]

These guys must stalk Casey Neistat every day.

[@flaviochapa3003]

That's it I'm selling my Mavic Pro, as soon the Autel Evo comes out. At least Autel is not giving away my info.

[@theurbanartist775]

Time to invest in other drones now...I’m thinking Evo😁

[@lu4414]

Your private information are open to anyone with that and the are solding something that only work with their tech? Man that crazy ridiculous

[@raulmiranda3844]

I think drones are cool but I believe that shotguns sales will increase big

[@mikelanfor1088]

Interesting video. It is really disturbing to hear them say "restricted airspace" when what they mean is "controlled airspace." Also interesting as I didn't see any mention to the operators of this tech having coordinated information from ATC on those that have airspace authorizations or made contact (as needed/required). And yea, won't matter on non DJI Equipment (yet) and am sure it can be defeated which means it really doesn't help. Kind of a solution to a problem that doesn't really exist and has been over inflated. Makes DJI some more money while they try to convince the world that they've solved the problem they helped create? LOL. This also distracts from what we haven't seen... a major effort on training and education. You know, trained and informed pilots versus managed sheep. Just a few thoughts.

[@charleshobbes1391]

You can learn all about Drone Laws and view some of the best value drones at facebook.com/quadcopterheaven/ REPLY

[@-Burb]

Charles Hobbes Shut up. Stop copy pasting this everywhere.

[@GregS-01]

* The is very clearly an invasion of privacy for those of us who have spent money on our DJI drones. DJI has betrayed their customers.

[@soham3468]

Next- DJI sells a subscription to bypass aeroscope. Next- DJI sells a subscription to catch even thoes who are using the using the subscription to bypass aeroscope. Keywords “sell”

[@JaredReabow]

yes i have heard stores...... because they are just that stories...... not facts or official reports

[@AllenBrooks]

Yeah good luck tracking my race drone while I'm inverted 150ft in the sky. This is a joke and probably built off wifi😂

[@ngonimujuru2118]

interesting

correction: tracking rogue *DJI* drones with DJI trackers.

[@SkyFireDrone2022]

If you have to be an owner of a DJI product that is registered with the FAA for this system to detect you, then you’re not exactly “rogue”, are you? It’s only detecting the pilots who are likely following all of the rules anyway, so it’s kind of lost on the target audience. 🙄

[@coolspot18]

I think it's getting the registration information from the DJI app not from the FAA...

[@sp4859]

CyberJay1226 Definitely, Positively, Absolutely true what you said!

[@buddycrypto7924]

Melegenda

[@markpeacock6345]

FPV can fly many, many miles using goggles, so the restrictions are useless.

[@MrRXR1]

Is the gizmo receiving gps info straight from the drone and DJI gives access in their units to that data?

[@ambihextrous]

They should design them to receive a return home command that forces the user to respond to a alert before they can resume flight.

[@Caseylawton]

think mojo They already do this

[@catgirlinspace]

Yay. Now people can stalk me when I’m flying my Magic Pro.

[@Phoeliz]

this is called BACKDOOR

[@bestinaliexpress3675]

ha ha!! It's stunning lool

[@jom2743]

This is literally where I live lol

[@klopossa2]

If the technology is so great..then have the drone return to home. Then check yr email and find out why. With an attached fee schedule for further infractions and a link to a lance provider.

[@surplusdriller1]

The airoscope has just bean defeeted

[@MrRXR1]

once u have gps data u can target , need a mini harpoon with gps seeker :)

[@TheLegohead123]

Haha yeah you can send them an E-Mail? Whuw

[@wrduckclub]

DJI siding with the man.....