As reported by NBC News, online retailers and drone technology companies are actively marketing radio frequency jammers as means to deter drones or maintain privacy. By adopting this strategy, they are effectively evading the laws that prohibit the sale of such devices in the United States.
The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued an alert regarding signal jamming devices, emphasizing the serious risks they pose to public safety communications. These devices can prevent emergency calls, interfere with day-to-day communication, and disrupt air navigation systems.
It is a violation of federal law to use a phone blocker, gps blocker, or any other signal jamming device to intentionally block, jam, or interfere with authorized radio communications, as stated by the FCC. There are no exemptions for using such devices in a business, classroom, residence, or vehicle. Local law enforcement agencies do not have the authority to use jamming equipment independently; only federal law enforcement agencies are permitted to do so in specific situations in accordance with applicable statutes.
The FCC has made it clear that it is illegal to advertise, sell, distribute, import, or otherwise market jamming devices to consumers in the United States.
According to NBC, Amazon third-party sellers, separate online stores from China, and small domestic companies specializing in drone-related equipment are all not following this law. The FCC has informed NBC that they are looking into the sale of jammers, including those being sold on Amazon.
During its investigation, NBC spoke with the CEO of a US company specializing in portable anti-drone RF jamming units available for purchase online. The CEO informed NBC that these devices were easily accessible to consumers with the financial capacity, but emphasized that the primary interest came from major corporations and government agencies aiming to prepare for potential domestic drone terrorism.
WiFi jammers sold by online retailers
I have chosen to install a wired security camera because of the availability of WiFi jammers on Amazon. While I understand and agree with this reasoning, it is crucial to recognize that the FCC does not endorse such practices.
Maverick Drone Systems, a Minnesota-based company, has been offering a portable anti-drone "RF jamming unit" for $2,999 on its website, with China-based company Tatusky listed as the supplier. The jammer, which vaguely resembles a shotgun, is "easy to use" and has a range of 1-2 kilometers, according to the listing. "Anybody could pick one of these up tomorrow," Maverick CEO Adam Shaw said in a phone interview.
That being said, Maverick is not the only one in this situation. NBC News reported that nine independent sellers on Amazon are now selling "jammer" devices, with prices starting at $25.63. The product descriptions suggest that these devices can disrupt microphones and more.
Take note of the approach used to flip a playing card, revealing "$3k quasi-military hardware here" on one side and "$30 wifi jammer on Amazon" on the other. It is imperative to understand that both of these items are illegal, regardless of the notable variation in their costs.