Online retailers and drone technology companies, as highlighted in a report by NBC News, are actively advertising radio frequency jammers as means to deter drones or safeguard privacy. By doing so, they are cleverly circumventing the legal restrictions that prohibit the sale of such devices in the US.

A recent advisory from the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) emphasizes the dangers associated with signal jamming devices. These devices have the capability to obstruct emergency calls, endanger public safety communications, and disrupt everyday communication and air navigation systems.

According to the FCC, it is illegal to use a phone blocker, gps blocker, or any other signal jamming device to intentionally block, jam, or interfere with authorized radio communications. This violation of federal law applies across all settings, including businesses, classrooms, residences, and vehicles. Local law enforcement agencies are not permitted to use jamming equipment on their own; only federal law enforcement agencies have the authority to do so under certain circumstances as specified by applicable statutes.

According to the FCC's advisory, it is against the law to advertise, sell, distribute, import, or otherwise promote jamming devices to consumers in the United States.

According to NBC, Amazon third-party sellers, online stores from China, and small domestic companies specializing in drone equipment are all failing to comply with this law. The FCC has confirmed to NBC that they are conducting an investigation into the sale of jammers, including those found on Amazon.

As part of its inquiry, NBC had a discussion with the CEO of a US-based company that sells portable anti-drone RF jamming units on the internet. The CEO shared with NBC that these devices were easily procurable for those with the necessary funds, but noted that the main clientele consisted of large corporations and government agencies preparing for the possibility of drone-related terrorism within the country.

WiFi jammers sold by online retailers

The reason behind my wired security camera is the presence of WiFi jammers being sold on Amazon. Although I share the same viewpoint, it is essential to acknowledge that the FCC does not endorse this approach.

Based in Minnesota, Maverick Drone Systems is currently retailing a portable anti-drone "RF jamming unit" for $2,999 on its official website, with Tatusky, a company from China, serving as the supplier. The jamming device, which somewhat looks like a shotgun, is highlighted as "user-friendly" and boasts a range of 1-2 kilometers, according to the product listing. Maverick CEO Adam Shaw emphasized in a recent phone interview, "Anyone could acquire one of these units by tomorrow."

Despite this, Maverick is not the sole entity involved. NBC News discovered that on Amazon, nine independent sellers are currently offering "jammer" devices for sale, with prices as low as $25.63. These listings suggest that the devices can be used to interfere with microphones.

Take note of the method we are using 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, irrespective of the considerable discrepancy in their costs.