Doubling down on its threat in May to cripple drones that aren’t registered, Chinese drone maker DJI (Dà-Jiāng Innovations Science and Technology Co. Ltd.) has now warned that owners of its Spark drones who do not install the latest firmware update will not be able to fly the drone at all starting Sept. 1.

DJI is justifying the decision on the grounds of “enhancing flight safety,” saying in a statement Monday that the new firmware update “enhances Spark’s battery management system to optimize power supply during flight.” That so-called enhancement is related to reports that the Spark drone (pictured) is prone to “fall from the sky.”

“DJI decided on the option of a mandatory firmware update in order to maximize flight safety and product reliability which we consider as top priorities,” the company added in its statement.

It seems to be a given that the Spark drone range may be dangerous without a firmware update, but the decision to ground drones that are not updated goes further than being a safety issue. The company is essentially denying its customers the right to use products they legally purchased.

Surprisingly, the tech media doesn’t seem to have taken any issue with the idea that a company could completely disable a legally acquired drone. SlashGear noted that “it doesn’t seem there are many people who would be negatively affected by the company’s decision.”

A drone that could fall from the sky and hit someone is clearly a legal liability issue for DJI, but the idea that a company can legally cripple or completely disable a legally acquire technology device is still deeply concerning.

Image: DJI