I posted this over on RC Groups (
Official DJI GEO System - News, Public Beta and information - RC Groups) :
This is Big Brother. This was advertised as giving control back to the pilot. It seems rather the pilot is relinquishing control to a server that logs all their activity. If the pilot were actually regaining control, they would be able to override these limitations without an internet connection or a credit card.
How can we be sure that locations are properly categorized? The DJI NFZ database had 1,000s of inconsistencies in it including comical ones like Miggs Field, an airport that closed in 2003.
When do we get to see the definitive and final criteria for each category? All we have are nebulous examples. What is the protocol for making changes to the categories? DJI has a history of moving the goal posts without warning. Should we expect different here? Will updates be announced well in advance including details of all additions, changes and removals so people don't get caught by surprise?
The FAQ leaves the door wide open with respect to privacy. All third parties need to be named. All conditions of release need to be identified. Security standards need to be adhered to. Audits need to be done and published.
Am I forced to find internet every 3 days if there are changes to my shoot plans? Am I forced to get re-authorized for every day I shoot in the same location? Do I really need to list out each and every location? This seems onerous and burdensome. The net nanny must be consulted for each flight.
Where are these authorizations held? In my device? Can they be transferred to another device? Are they tied to the specific drone? What if we use the same device with multiple drones? What if the same drone is used by multiple operators each with their own devices? If I have two drones (one for backup) do I have to get authorizations in duplicate?
If a valid credit card is provided, can an authorization be turned down? Under what circumstances? Can someone become blacklisted? Does DJI intend to use this or similar functionality to render drones inoperable in all areas?
What happens when the authorization servers crash? What SLAs are offered? Scheduled shoots and impromptu changes could be laid to waste if the service isn't available. That means the equipment can't be relied upon for critical shoots without assurances of availability.
Again, if this was really giving control back to the pilot, there would be no way a remote server would be allowed to have final say in where the pilot can fly.