US lawmakers raise concerns over Anzu Robotics and CCP ties

Earlier this year, the House passed the Countering CCP Drones Act, aimed at banning DJI from U.S. communications networks due to security concerns. Anzu Robotics has come under scrutiny for its undisclosed relationship with DJI, which was revealed after security researchers noted that Anzu's Raptor T drone shares components with DJI's Mavic 3. Lawmakers have expressed concerns that Anzu serves as a cover for DJI's technology, which is linked to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Anzu's CEO, in response to the allegations, stated that the company would cooperate with the congressional committee but did not provide specific details to counter the accusations. The lawmakers have requested a full disclosure of the terms of Anzu's partnership with DJI, emphasizing that the nature of this relationship raises questions about compliance with U.S. laws. They noted that while Anzu claims to license DJI technology, there are no royalties involved, which is atypical in business agreements. Furthermore, the lawmakers highlighted that DJI provides 'priority technical support' for Anzu's drones, suggesting a deeper involvement than a standard licensing agreement. This relationship raises alarms about potential vulnerabilities in Anzu's products, as they may be susceptible to supply chain attacks linked to the CCP. The committee has set a deadline for Anzu to provide a detailed breakdown of its technologies and parts by September 13, and they have also inquired whether Anzu acknowledges the restrictions imposed on DJI's products. This scrutiny follows similar concerns raised about Cogito Tech Company, which was accused of masking DJI technology under a different brand.