The Ontario government is introducing new restrictions on the use and purchase of Chinese-made drones by government agencies and the Ontario Provincial Police, citing data security and privacy concerns.
The province says the move begins with an immediate ban on the use of Chinese-manufactured drones in highly sensitive OPP operations, with broader government use set to be phased out over time and replaced with drones made in Canada or other approved jurisdictions.
Officials say the changes are intended to protect provincial data and strengthen security while maintaining continuity in frontline operations such as policing, emergency response, wildfire monitoring and infrastructure inspections.
“Now more than ever, it is critical that we are protecting our province’s data and safeguarding our security against bad actors,” said Stephen Crawford. “Banning government use and future purchases of Chinese-made drones is another important step in our plan to protect Ontario and better leverage Canada’s world-class drone manufacturing sector.”
The province says concerns stem in part from Chinese laws that could require companies to disclose data to authorities, even if stored outside the country, raising risks around sensitive information collected through drone operations.
Solicitor General Michael Kerzner said police services rely on drone technology but must balance operational needs with security considerations.
“Police services across Ontario rely on drones to support critical operations and protect public safety, but we cannot ignore growing security and privacy concerns tied to foreign-made technology,” he said. “That’s why our government is exploring options to address potential security risks while ensuring police have access to the modern, reliable tools they need to help protect Ontario communities.”
The province says it will consult industry and public-sector partners to identify replacement technologies, including Canadian and Ontario-based manufacturers, as part of its broader “Buy Ontario” procurement strategy.
