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DJI, a Chinese drone manufacturer, has faced scrutiny from the United States government due to several concerns, primarily centered on potential national security risks and human rights issues. 

Specifically, the US government has expressed concerns about:

  • Data Security: The main concern is that DJI drones, being manufactured in China, could potentially collect sensitive data (including images, videos, and telemetry) and transmit it back to the Chinese government. While DJI has denied these allegations and highlighted security features like Local Data Mode and data encryption, independent audits by various organizations and government agencies have yielded mixed results.
  • Ties to the Chinese Military: The US Defense Department has added DJI to a list of companies allegedly working with the Chinese military, a designation that DJI denies and is actively challenging in court.
  • Human Rights Violations: The US government has placed DJI on blacklists due to allegations that its drones are used by Chinese police to surveil ethnic Uyghur minorities in China’s Xinjiang region. DJI disputes these claims, stating that they have nothing to do with the treatment of Uyghurs and only market their products for civilian use.
  • National Security Risks for Critical Infrastructure: Several US agencies, including the FBI and CISA, have warned that Chinese-manufactured drones, including those made by DJI, pose a significant risk to US critical infrastructure and national security. 

Potential consequences for DJI in the USA

  • Restrictions on Federal and State Agencies: Many US federal and state government agencies have already banned or restricted the use and purchase of DJI drones.
  • Potential Import/Sales Ban: The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) includes a provision that could lead to an automatic ban on new DJI drones in the US if a security audit is not completed by December 23, 2025. As of July 2025, the audit had not been scheduled.
  • Market Share Impact: Despite the controversy, DJI still holds a significant share of the US drone market. However, the ongoing uncertainty has led to difficulties for resellers and consumers, with many shipments being delayed or blocked by customs officials. 

DJI recently released its 2025 Drone Security White Paper, which details the company’s security measures and privacy controls for its drones. The white paper, first published in 2020, has been updated to reflect recent advancements and address concerns about data security and privacy. It highlights features like Local Data Mode (LDM), data encryption, and independent security audits. The white paper also introduces DJI FlightHub 2 On-Premises, a self-hosted drone management solution for enterprise users. 

Key Updates in the 2025 White Paper:

  • Local Data Mode (LDM):
    .
    DJI drones can now operate entirely offline, severing internet connections and preventing data from being synced to DJI servers, even for U.S. users. 
  • Data Encryption:
    .
    Personal information and flight data are encrypted using AES-256 encryption, ensuring secure storage and transmission. 
  • Secure Boot:
    .
    Firmware integrity is protected by secure boot processes, preventing unauthorized software from loading. 
  • Independent Audits:
    .
    DJI has undergone and continues to undergo independent security audits by third-party firms like Booz Allen Hamilton and FTI Consulting. 
  • ISO 27701 Certification for FlightHub 2:
    .
    DJI FlightHub 2 has received ISO 27701 certification, demonstrating compliance with global privacy standards. 
  • FlightHub 2 On-Premises:
    .
    This new solution allows enterprise customers to manage drone data within their own secure IT environments. 
  • Addressing Security Concerns:
    .
    The white paper directly addresses concerns about DJI drones posing a national security risk, emphasizing the company’s commitment to data protection and operational reliability. 

Significance of the White Paper:

  • Increased Transparency:
    The white paper provides a comprehensive overview of DJI’s security measures, promoting transparency and user confidence. 
  • Reassurance for Users:
    The document aims to reassure users, especially those in enterprise and public safety sectors, about the security of their data when using DJI drones. 
  • Response to Bans and Scrutiny:
    The white paper is released amidst ongoing discussions about potential DJI bans and increased scrutiny of the company’s practices. 
  • Focus on User Control:
    DJI emphasizes that users have full control over their data and can choose to share it with DJI or keep it offline. 

From the DJI site

Drone Security White Paper

The white paper outlines key systems in our drones and the security measures DJI has implemented to bolster security, enhance privacy controls, and protect the integrity of user data. It has been updated to reflect additional security improvements and new product developments, in line with our longstanding commitment to drone safety and security.
 

The paper covers the following components of a DJI drone system:

1. Device security:
Employment of Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) and FIPS-certified DJI Core Crypto Engine for strong chip and hardware security.

2. Application security:
Introduces DJI’s approach to securing the flight applications that operate the drones, as well as covers SDK and open source information.

3. Data security & privacy controls:
DJI believes users should have control over their data. As such, we continuously enhance and expand the security protocols and privacy controls built into our drones. For example, any personal information provided by users (such as names or email addresses for account registration) is secured with AES-256 encryption while in storage. Operators can activate “Local Data Mode,” which disconnects the flight app from the internet entirely. They also have the option to operate and update their drone offline and can add a non-decryptable security code for an added layer of protection.

4. Communication security:
Lists the protocols and security considerations for device interconnection between the drone, its remote controller, cloud infrastructure and mobile device (where applicable).

5. Cloud security:
Outlines DJI’s options for storing and managing data on different types of cloud architecture. This includes DJI FlightHub 2 On-Premises version which offers enterprise operators with a private cloud solution for self-managed data control, allowing independent deployment within their own networks while preserving all core functionalities.

6. Security audits & certifications:
Summarizes third-party audits conducted in the U.S. and Europe, and lists key certifications including FIPS 140-2 and ISO 27001. Since the last edition of this white paper, DJI has undergone two additional notable assessments: a 2024 security audit conducted by FTI Consulting and an ISO 27701 certification for DJI FlightHub 2 in 2025.

7. Bug Bounty Program:
DJI is the first drone maker to introduce a Bug Bounty Program to encourage security researchers to contribute to our data security efforts by responsibly detecting and reporting potential vulnerabilities. The program has been running since 2017, with rewards for qualifying bugs ranging from $50 USD to $30,000 USD, based on DJI’s risk assessment of the potential impact of any discovered vulnerabilities.

Link to the DOC

Is there a DJI ban in the U.S.? No. There is no DJI ban in place right now.

But DJI could be banned by the end of this year.

Here’s the overview:

This guide to the DJI ban covers everything you need to know, starting with the most important facts and drilling into the history.

Here’s everything we cover:

  • DJI Ban News & Developments
  • What Is the DJI Ban?
  • What Can You Do to Stop the Ban?
  • What Should DJI Owners Do?
  • Should I Buy a DJI Drone Right Now?
  • State and Local DJI Bans
  • History of the DJI Ban
  • Alternatives to DJI
  • Is DJI Actually Spying on the U.S.?
  • DJI Ban FAQ

DJI BAN NEWS & DEVELOPMENTS

1. NDAA Review Trigger: Where Things Stand

The biggest news for DJI in 2025 is the looming NDAA review deadline.

Under the National Defense Authorization Act passed in late 2024, a U.S. national security agency must complete a formal security review of DJI by December 23, 2025. If no agency steps up to do the audit, DJI will be automatically added to the FCC Covered List, which would effectively ban new DJI drones from being imported or sold in the U.S.

As of July 2025, no audit has been scheduled. DJI has publicly called on the government to conduct the review, stating they have “nothing to hide.” If the deadline passes with no review, the ban will take effect by default—regardless of any actual security findings.

2. DJI Drone Shortage

While there is no official ban, DJI drones are already extremely hard to find in the U.S.

Many shipments are being delayed or blocked by U.S. customs, partly due to enforcement of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) and increased scrutiny of Chinese tech imports. (DJI denies being in violation of the UFLPA.)

The FCC has also suspended new equipment authorizations for DJI models, making it hard for retailers to restock. As a result, most major U.S. dealers are reporting near-total shortages of DJI drones and accessories.

3. No U.S. Mavic 4 Pro Release

DJI’s highly anticipated Mavic 4 Pro launched globally in May 2025, but was never released in the U.S. due to ongoing customs issues and regulatory uncertainty.

While a few units surfaced through unofficial channels, DJI’s official U.S. partners never offered the drone for sale, and warranties aren’t honored for imports.

As of July 2025, American customers are still waiting for any official release.

WHAT IS THE DJI BAN?

People have been calling for a ban on DJI drones in the U.S. since around 2017, mostly because of concerns about data security and the company’s ties to the Chinese government.

Over the years, these concerns have led to a wave of proposed bans and new rules, with lawmakers and agencies worried that DJI drones could send sensitive data back to China or be used for spying.

Fast forward to today, and the biggest push to ban DJI comes from the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Here’s how it works:

  • The NDAA gives U.S. national security agencies a one-year window to review DJI.
  • If no agency steps up to do a formal security audit by December 23, 2025, DJI drones will be automatically banned by being added to the FCC Covered List.
  • This move would block new DJI drones from being imported or sold in the U.S., and could make it much harder to use them in general.

This approach is different from earlier proposals—like the Countering CCP Drones Act—which would have banned DJI right away. The NDAA provided a bit of breathing room for concerns about a potential ban, making it seem like we didn’t have to worry about a ban.

But if no action is taken, the ban happens by default.

As of July 2025, no agency has scheduled a review, and DJI is on track to be banned in the U.S. at the end of the year unless something changes.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO STOP THE BAN?

If you’re concerned about the future of DJI drones in the U.S.—especially with the looming 2025 NDAA review deadline and other proposed drone legislation—there are still ways to make your voice heard.

  • Use this tool to find your Senators and House Representative based on where you live.
  • The same page includes contact details for your members of Congress. You can call or send a message to share your thoughts about the NDAA review-triggered ban or any other drone-related legislation.

Here’s a script you can use when reaching out, either in writing or by phone:

Dear [Senator/Representative Name],

I am writing as a concerned constituent regarding the upcoming automatic ban on DJI drones mandated by the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which will take effect if DJI is not formally audited by December 23.

DJI drones are widely used by hobbyists, professionals, and public safety agencies across the U.S. The current lack of inventory and potential ban will significantly impact many Americans who rely on this technology.

I urge you to support efforts that allow for a fair and timely audit of DJI products rather than an automatic ban that could harm consumers and businesses alike.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,

Your name

WHAT SHOULD DJI OWNERS DO NOW?

With the NDAA audit deadline approaching and a possible automatic ban on DJI after December 23, 2025, current DJI owners should take steps to protect their investment and prepare for potential changes.

What to Expect in Early 2026 if the Ban Is Triggered

  • Continued flight for existing drones. But no new sales or imports of DJI products in the U.S.
  • Official support may end. This could include firmware, repairs, and warranty claims.
  • Insurance and regulatory issues may arise. This could happen for both commercial and public safety operators using unsupported drones.
  • Second-hand market complications. Transfers and sales will require extra care due to DJI’s strict binding policy.

How to Prepare for a Potential Ban

  • Update firmware. Ensure your drone and controller are running the latest firmware and app versions before the deadline. Future updates may be unavailable.
  • Buy spare parts. Stock up on propellers, batteries, and other key components while they are still available.
  • Back up your data. Download and securely store all flight logs, photos, and videos you want to keep, as cloud services or app access could be affected.
  • Check app and account access. Make sure you know your DJI account credentials and have access to the DJI Fly or other required apps. Some app updates may require you to log in again to maintain functionality.

SHOULD I BUY A DJI DRONE RIGHT NOW?

Right now, buying a new DJI drone in the U.S. is nearly impossible—most retailers are completely out of stock due to ongoing customs delays, the FCC’s pause on new equipment authorizations, and the uncertainty around the NDAA review deadline.

If you want a DJI drone, your only real option is to buy a used or refurbished model from a trusted seller.

But if you’re considering a second-hand DJI drone, be careful: DJI introduced a strict new policy on June 19, 2025 that only allows account unbinding, rebinding, or binding requests from the current bound account holder.

This means you’ll need the original owner’s help to transfer ownership and activate the drone under your own DJI account. If the seller can’t or won’t help, you may end up with a drone you can’t fly or update.

When buying used, stick to reputable sources—established drone shops, certified refurbishers, or trusted peer-to-peer platforms with buyer protection. Always confirm the drone can be unbound and rebound to your account before you pay.

DJI has said it will continue supporting existing drones for now, but it’s unclear how long that support will last, especially if a federal ban goes into effect. If the NDAA review isn’t completed by December 23, 2025, and DJI is added to the FCC Covered List, future software updates, warranty service, and parts availability could all be at risk.

Bottom line: DJI drones are still legal to own and fly in the U.S., but it’s a risky time to buy. If you find a used model and can confirm you’ll be able to activate and support it, it might be worth it—just know you’re buying into a lot of uncertainty.

STATE AND LOCAL DJI BANS

In addition to federal action, a growing number of U.S. states and cities have passed or are considering bans and restrictions on DJI and other Chinese-made drones, particularly for government and public safety use.

Here’s an overview:

States and Cities with Active Bans or Restrictions

  • Florida. One of the first and most high-profile states to ban all government agencies from using DJI and other Chinese-made drones. The law requires agencies to replace non-compliant drones and restricts procurement to approved vendors only.
  • Arkansas. Prohibits public entities from purchasing drones manufactured in China or containing significant Chinese components.
  • Texas. Has enacted procurement restrictions for state agencies, limiting the purchase and use of drones from certain foreign manufacturers, including DJI.
  • Mississippi. As of January 2025, all state agencies must buy drones exclusively from U.S. manufacturers, with a ban on Chinese-made or Chinese-component drones.
  • Nevada: New law (2025) gives the state authority to dictate which drones agencies can purchase, including the power to ban specific vendors like DJI.
  • Federal agencies: Many federal departments (e.g., Department of the Interior, Department of Defense) have already grounded or banned DJI and other Chinese drones for official use.

States and Cities Considering New Bans

  • California. Several bills have been introduced to restrict or ban Chinese-made drones for state and local government use. As of July 2025, these are still under debate.
  • New York. Legislative proposals are under review to limit public agency procurement of DJI and other Chinese brands.
  • Other states. Georgia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania have introduced or are considering similar bills, but none have passed as of July 2025.
  • Major cities. Some city governments, especially in large metro areas, are reviewing their drone procurement policies and may move to restrict DJI use for public safety and infrastructure.

Key Differences: State/Local vs. Federal NDAA Ban

  • Scope. State/local bans typically apply only to government and public safety agencies, not to private businesses or recreational users. The NDAA-triggered federal ban would impact all new imports, sales, and use of DJI drones on U.S. communications infrastructure.
  • Enforcement. State bans are enforced through procurement rules and agency compliance, while the federal ban would be enforced at the border and through FCC regulations.
  • Affected Users. State/local bans mainly affect police, fire, emergency management, and other public agencies. The federal ban would have broader effects, including on commercial operators and consumers.

HISTORY OF THE DJI BAN

As we mentioned in the introduction to this guide, the calls for a DJI ban started way back in 2017, when U.S. agencies first raised concerns about data security and the company’s ties to the Chinese government.

Here’s a timeline covering major events in the efforts to ban the company:

  • Now (July 2025). No federal agency has scheduled a formal audit of DJI. If this doesn’t change, the NDAA’s automatic ban will take effect after December 23, 2025.
  • July 2025. DJI drones are nearly impossible to find in U.S. stores due to ongoing customs delays and lack of new FCC authorizations.
  • June 2025. DJI releases a new white paper addressing privacy and security, emphasizing supply chain transparency and ethical labor practices.
  • Spring 2025. The FCC suspends new equipment authorizations for DJI models pending the outcome of the NDAA review, further impacting supply.
  • Early 2025. U.S. Customs begins holding or delaying DJI shipments under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, leading to widespread shortages of DJI drones and accessories in the U.S.
  • December 2024. The final NDAA is signed into law, dropping the Countering CCP Drones Act but adding a review trigger: if a federal agency doesn’t complete a formal security audit of DJI by December 23, 2025, DJI will be automatically added to the FCC Covered List.
  • October 2024. The Senate continues deliberations on the standalone bill, considering changes to address concerns from public safety officials and the drone industry.
  • September 2024. Senators Mark Warner and Rick Scott introduce the Countering CCP Drones and Supporting Drones for Law Enforcement Act, proposing a grant program to help first responders replace DJI drones.
  • September 9, 2024. The House passes the Countering CCP Drones Act as a standalone bill with bipartisan support, moving it to the Senate for debate.
  • Late July 2024. Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) submits an amendment to add the Countering CCP Drones Act back into the NDAA.
  • Mid-July 2024. The Senate releases its version of the NDAA, which does not include the Countering CCP Drones Act.
  • June 2024. The House of Representatives includes the Countering CCP Drones Act in its version of the 2025 NDAA (National Defense Authorization Act).
  • 2021–2023. Several states, including Florida, pass laws restricting or banning Chinese-made drones for government use. The federal American Security Drone Act (ASDA) is also introduced, laying groundwork for future national action.
  • 2017. The Department of Homeland Security and Department of Defense begin raising public concerns about surveillance and data collection by DJI drones.

ALTERNATIVES TO DJI

With new tariffs on imported drones and expanding bans on Chinese-made UAVs, NDAA-compliant and American-made drones have become more important than ever in 2025.

These changes are driving agencies, businesses, and even some hobbyists to seek out secure, future-proof platforms that won’t be grounded by sudden regulatory shifts.

The reality is, there’s still a major gap for affordable, high-quality prosumer drones from non-Chinese brands. If you’re a hobbyist or small business, your choices are limited and expensive.

For Commercial Drones

If you need a DJI alternative for professional operations—public safety, inspections, mapping, or enterprise work—your best bet could be to start with the Blue UAS list or the Green UAS Cleared List.

These programs vet drones for NDAA compliance, cybersecurity, and supply chain integrity.

Here are some standout options:

  • Skydio X10/X10D. AI-powered autonomy, advanced obstacle avoidance, and rugged build; Blue UAS approved.
  • Freefly Astro Prime. Modular, open-ecosystem platform for mapping, photogrammetry, and cinematography; Green UAS approved.
  • Inspired Flight IF800 Tomcat / IF1200A. Heavy-lift, customizable payloads, and NDAA/Blue/Green UAS compliant.
  • Teal 2 & Golden Eagle. Compact, tactical drones for ISR and law enforcement; Blue UAS approved.
  • BRINC Lemur 2. Designed for indoor tactical ops, search and rescue, and SWAT; NDAA compliant.
  • Parrot Anafi USA. Lightweight, zoom and thermal, IP53-rated; Blue UAS approved.
  • Teledyne FLIR SIRAS. Dual thermal/visible sensors for industrial and fire service; NDAA compliant.
  • Anzu Raptor. New American-built, NDAA-compliant multi-mission drone.
  • Vantage Robotics Vesper. Portable, quiet, high-res imaging; Blue UAS approved.
  • Freefly Alta X. Heavy-lift, industrial applications; NDAA/Blue UAS compliant.

For Consumer Drones

Here are some solid consumer DJI alternatives to consider:

Note: As a Chinese company, Autel could also face future restrictions or bans.

Blue UAS vs. Green UAS: What’s the Difference?

Blue UAS is a Department of Defense program that certifies drones for government and defense use. These drones undergo the most rigorous security, supply chain, and operational testing. See the latest Blue UAS Cleared List

Green UAS, run by AUVSI, is designed for commercial operators. It certifies drones as NDAA-compliant and secure, but with a faster, less expensive process than Blue UAS. Green UAS makes it easier for private companies to find drones that meet evolving U.S. security standards. See the latest Green UAS Cleared List

IS DJI ACTUALLY SPYING ON THE U.S.?

Despite years of allegations and ongoing scrutiny, no concrete public evidence has been presented that DJI drones are used for spying or unauthorized data collection.

While there are claims of classified documents showing proof, nothing has been released to the public to verify these accusations.

Over the years, DJI has commissioned multiple independent third-party audits and security reviews, all of which have cleared its drones of intentional data exfiltration. In 2021, a leaked Pentagon report found that the DJI Government Edition Matrice 600 and Mavic Pro were cleared for government use.

In June 2025, DJI released its most comprehensive Drone Security White Paper to date. The white paper details the technical protections and privacy controls built into DJI drones, including:

  • Local Data Mode (LDM), which allows both enterprise and consumer users to fly completely offline, severing all internet connections from the drone’s app.
  • No automatic syncing of flight logs for U.S. users—since June 2024, DJI drones in the U.S. do not upload flight logs to DJI servers at all.
  • Data encryption (AES-256) for personal information and flight data, with password protection and secure boot for firmware integrity.
  • ISO 27701 certification for DJI FlightHub 2, demonstrating compliance with global privacy standards.
  • On-premises server options for enterprise customers, allowing organizations to keep all drone data within their own secure IT environments.
  • Independent security audits and certifications verifying DJI’s privacy and data protection claims.

While DJI does receive some funding from the Chinese government, and U.S. agencies continue to warn about potential risks, the debate remains largely about perceived risk and supply chain security—not proven wrongdoing.

Bottom line: There are legitimate concerns about privacy and national security, but as of July 2025, no definitive evidence has been made public showing DJI drones are used for spying on Americans. The scrutiny remains high, and the debate continues, but the current conversation is about risk management and trust—not about a proven breach.

A History of DJI Privacy Concerns in the U.S.

Here’s a rundown of accusations and DJI’s responses over the years.

  • June 2025. DJI publishes its 2025 Drone Security White Paper, consolidating years of security upgrades, privacy controls, and independent audit results.
  • June 2024. DJI removes flight log syncing for all U.S. users.
  • January 2024. The FBI and CISA issue a joint memo warning about Chinese-made drone risks.
  • December 2023. The ASDA becomes law, banning federal agencies from using Chinese drones.
  • February 2022. Reports surface that DJI receives Chinese government funding.
  • June 2021. A leaked Pentagon report clears DJI Government Edition drones for government use.
  • January 2021. The American Security Drone Act (ASDA) is included in the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act.
  • January 2020. The U.S. Interior Department grounds its drone fleet over spying concerns; DJI calls the move “politically motivated.”
  • June 2019. DJI launches Government Edition drones for privacy, and announces U.S. manufacturing and an open letter to Congress.
  • May 2019. DHS issues an advisory warning about the risks of using Chinese-made drones.
  • April 2018. Kivu Consulting’s independent review finds no evidence of malicious data sharing.
  • November 2017. A leaked DHS memo alleges DJI is sharing data with the Chinese government.
  • October 2017. DJI introduces Local Data Mode to let users fly without sharing data.
  • August 2017. The U.S. Army issues a ban on all DJI drones, citing allegations that DJI drones could collect and send user data back to DJI.

DJI BAN FAQ

Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the DJI ban.

Is DJI banned in the U.S. right now?

No, DJI is not currently banned in the U.S. However, a ban could take effect automatically after December 23, 2025, if a national security agency does not complete a formal security review of DJI by that deadline.

What is the NDAA review and why does it matter?

The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) requires a U.S. national security agency to audit DJI for security risks by December 23, 2025. If no agency completes the audit, DJI will be added to the FCC Covered List, effectively banning new sales, imports, and use of DJI drones on U.S. communications infrastructure.

Has the audit started?

As of July 2025, no agency has scheduled or started the required audit of DJI. If this doesn’t change, the automatic ban will take effect at the end of the year.

Can I still buy a new DJI drone in the U.S.?

While DJI is not banned, new DJI drones are almost impossible to find in U.S. stores due to customs delays, FCC restrictions, and supply shortages. Most available DJI drones are used or refurbished models.

Will my current DJI drone stop working if the ban happens?

Existing DJI drones will not be automatically grounded if the ban takes effect. However, future software updates, support, and parts availability could be impacted, and using DJI drones for government or critical infrastructure projects may become prohibited.

Does the NDAA review affect other drone brands?

Yes, the NDAA review also covers other Chinese drone manufacturers, such as Autel. If these companies are not cleared by the review, they could also be banned from the U.S. market.

What happens if DJI is added to the FCC Covered List?

If DJI is added to the FCC Covered List, new sales, imports, and use of DJI products on U.S. communications infrastructure will be prohibited. Existing drones may still operate, but they could lose access to updates and support, and may not be allowed for certain commercial or government uses.

Can I still fly my DJI drone for recreational use?

Yes, unless further restrictions are introduced, recreational users will still be able to fly their existing DJI drones. However, access to new models, updates, and support may be limited.

Is there any way to prevent the ban?

The only way to prevent the automatic ban is for a national security agency to complete and clear DJI in a formal audit before the December 23, 2025 deadline. DJI has publicly called for this audit to be conducted.

Where can I get updates about the DJI ban?

For the latest news and developments, check trusted sources like UAV Coach, Commercial UAV News, and official government announcements.

→We’ll be updating this guide as news rolls out related to the DJI ban, so make sure to bookmark this page.

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