DJI Photo:VCG

 
Chinese drone manufacturer DJI said on Monday that foreign accusations that the company was supporting war are "completely false" and the removal of its products from German retailer MediaMarkt was done for security reasons as DJI and its partners have been the target of online attacks lately.

"We have repeatedly reiterated that all DJI products are designed for civilian use and cannot meet military specifications. Remarks on overseas social media platforms accusing DJI of supporting war are completely false," the company said in a statement.

DJI's response came after some media outlets reported that MediaMarkt, the largest electronics retailer in Germany, had removed DJI drones from the shelves over the weekend. 

In the statement on Monday, DJI said that its social media accounts and those of its global partners, including MediaMarkt, have been attacked by swarms of internet "trolls," who were smearing DJI in cyberspace, causing problems for the social media operations of multiple parties.

MediaMarkt decided to suspend the sale of DJI drones for security reasons on Friday on its e-commerce platform and at stores, and discussions between the two parties regarding the issue are ongoing, according to the DJI statement. 

On March 16, Ukrainian Vice Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov released an open letter through his official Twitter account asking DJI to stop doing business in Russia, alleging that Russian troops "are using DJI products in order to navigate their missiles." 

Fedorov also asked DJI to provide information concerning the use of functioning DJI products in Ukraine, the locations of the functioning products, and whether there is a problem with activating new DJI products in Ukraine. 

Moreover, the letter requested DJI to switch on for Ukrainian users the DJI AeroScope function, block all DJI products functioning in Ukraine that were not purchased and activated in the country.

The next day, DJI responded to Fedorov, reiterating that all DJI products are designed for civilian use and do not meet military specifications. 

"DJI's sales and service in Ukraine have been consistent and unchanged," the company said in a letter addressed to Fedorov. 

DJI does not hold the data requested and the company can't obtain and provide user information and flight data unless the user requests it, the statement said, adding that the company can't identify and verify a user's location. 

Moreover, DJI said that the company will arrange to set up geofencing throughout Ukraine in accordance with the policy if the Ukrainian government formally requests this action, adding that the company will continue to discuss the issues with the government. 

DJI reiterated in the statement that the accusations it "supports war" are completely false. 

"DJI complies with applicable laws and regulations worldwide, and its internal compliance team consists of experienced professionals to ensure that DJI's business activities are in full compliance with international rules," the company said.