The DETECT Act requires the federal government to establish security standards for drones used by civilian agencies to protect against cyber threats. Within 90 days of enactment, the National Institute of Standards and Technology must begin developing cybersecurity guidelines covering drone components like flight controllers, cameras, and software, with publication required within one year. Federal agencies must then pilot these guidelines and implement related policies, with the Office of Management and Budget establishing government-wide standards within two years. The legislation also requires contractors and vendors operating federal drones to report security vulnerabilities to agencies and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, with federal contractors required to disclose known exploited vulnerabilities or suspected security flaws. Additionally, agency officials cannot procure or use drones that fail to meet the established standards unless granted a specific waiver for national security, research, or minimal-risk purposes, with this prohibition taking effect two years after enactment. The Government Accountability Office must report to Congress on implementation effectiveness within two years and every two years thereafter through the sixth year.
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