White House Smart Device Labeling Initiative Secures EU Backing

Anne Neuberger, deputy national security adviser for cyber and emerging technologies, announced that the United States and the European Union have agreed on a cyber trust labeling program for consumer internet of things devices.

Speaking at the CES conference earlier in January, she said the joint roadmap signed by the two sides is an initiative to protect consumers and prevent disruption to critical infrastructure using connected technology, Nextgov/FCW reported Friday.

The labeling program, a requirement set by President Joe Biden’s executive order on cybersecurity from 2021, would place cyber trust marks on the packaging of smart devices that meet certain standards. The initiative is rooted in the IoT Cybersecurity Improvement Act signed during the Trump administration.

According to Neuberger, the official policy and related standards could be finalized by yearend.

The Federal Communications Commission is gathering stakeholder input on the program. In response to the FCC, trade groups such as the Consumer Technology Association called on the U.S. to drive uniform labeling practices internationally.