The illegal sale of RF jammers can be found online
According to NBC News, online retailers and drone technology companies are capitalizing on the sale of radio frequency jammers by promoting them as effective tools to deter drones or protect privacy. This marketing tactic enables them to sidestep the legal restrictions that prohibit the sale of such devices in the US.
In a notice issued by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC), it has been highlighted that signal jamming devices have the ability to block emergency calls and create significant hazards for public safety communications. Furthermore, these devices can disrupt various other types of communication and air navigation systems.
The FCC emphasizes that the deliberate use of a phone blocker, gps blocker, or any other signal jamming device to block, jam, or interfere with authorized radio communications is prohibited by federal law. This prohibition extends to all settings, including businesses, classrooms, residences, and vehicles. Local law enforcement agencies are not authorized to deploy jamming equipment independently; only federal law enforcement agencies may do so in limited circumstances as prescribed by applicable statutes.
It is unlawful, as per the FCC warning, to advertise, sell, distribute, import, or otherwise market jamming devices to consumers in the United States.
NBC reports that Amazon third-party sellers, online stores based in China, and small domestic companies specializing in drone-related equipment are all ignoring this law. The FCC has stated to NBC that they are investigating the sale of jammers, including those available on Amazon.
As part of its investigation, NBC conducted an interview with the CEO of a US-based company that provides a portable anti-drone RF jamming unit through online channels. The CEO revealed to NBC that these devices were easily obtainable for consumers with the means to purchase them, with a particular focus on attracting interest from large corporations and government agencies seeking to mitigate risks associated with domestic drone terrorism.
WiFi jammers sold by online retailers
The presence of wifi jammer being sold on Amazon is the reason why I opted for a wired security camera. While I agree with this logic, it is important to highlight that the FCC does not share the same sentiment.
A company headquartered in Minnesota, Maverick Drone Systems, is offering a portable anti-drone "RF jamming unit" for $2,999 on its website, with Tatusky, a China-based company, identified as the supplier. The jamming unit, which bears a resemblance to a shotgun, is labeled as "easy to use" and has a range of 1-2 kilometers, according to the listing. Maverick CEO Adam Shaw mentioned in a phone interview, "Any individual could easily acquire one of these by tomorrow."
However, Maverick is not the only player in this scenario. NBC News found that on Amazon, nine independent sellers are currently selling "jammer" devices for as little as $25.63. These listings claim that the devices can be employed to interfere with microphones.
Observe the manner in which we are flipping a playing card, showcasing "$3k quasi-military hardware here" on one side and "$30 wifi jammers on Amazon" on the other. It is crucial to acknowledge that both of these items are illegal, regardless of the substantial difference in their prices.
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