CES usually serves as a central point for significant tech announcements, but this year’s gathering may incorporate some political dimensions. On Thursday at 11 a.m. in Las Vegas, the Consumer Electronics Show will feature a “fireside chat” with Consumer Technology Association CEO Gary Shapiro, FCC chairman Brendan Carr, and FTC chairman Andrew Ferguson. Carr’s involvement is particularly noteworthy because of the FCC’s recent prohibition on drones manufactured by the Chinese firm DJI, which leads the consumer drone sector.

The central question is whether Carr will bring up the DJI drone ban during CES. Considering the event’s focus on technology, it would make for an appropriate forum. Nevertheless, the description of the fireside chat is rather ambiguous, simply referencing “candid conversations on how [the FCC and FTC] are navigating the rapidly changing tech landscape.” There is no mention of a Q&A segment, so the dialogue might steer clear of sensitive issues. We will have to observe the outcome.

What is the DJI ban?

If you haven’t followed the news, the initiative for an outright ban on DJI drones in the U.S. started last year amid the Trump administration’s trade tensions with China. The government required that all drones made in China complete a “national security risk assessment” by late December. Unfortunately for DJI, the ban came into effect once the deadline elapsed.

DJI agreed to submit to audits; however, this did not satisfy the FCC. It remains unclear if Carr will mention the ban at CES, but his comments at the time of the prohibition may shed light on his views. “President Trump has been clear that his Administration will act to secure our airspace and unleash American drone dominance,” Carr stated.