FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel Advances Plan for Cybersecurity Labeling for Smart Products

Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced that the FCC will vote at its March 14, 2024, Open Meeting on creating a voluntary cybersecurity labeling program for wireless consumer Internet of Things (IoT) products. Under the program, qualifying consumer smart products that meet cybersecurity standards would bear a label—including a new “U.S Cyber Trust Mark”—that would help consumers make informed purchasing decisions, differentiate trustworthy products in the marketplace, and create incentives for manufacturers to meet higher cybersecurity standards. Eligible products may include home security cameras, voice-activated shopping devices, internet-connected appliances, fitness trackers, garage door openers, and baby monitors. If the program rules are adopted by a vote of the full Commission:  

• The U.S. Cyber Trust Mark logo would appear on wireless consumer IoT products that meet baseline cybersecurity standards.  
• The logo would be accompanied by a QR code that consumers can scan for easy to-understand details about the security of the product, such as the guaranteed minimum support period for the product and whether software patches and security updates are automatic.
• The voluntary program would rely on public-private collaboration, with the FCC providing oversight and approved third-party label administrators managing activities such as evaluating product applications, authorizing use of the label, and consumer education.
• Compliance testing would be handled by accredited labs.