FCC Investigates Cybersecurity Program Over China Concerns
President Donald Trump’s Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is slowing down the Biden administration’s cybersecurity initiative, launching an investigation into claims of “deep ties” with China that may jeopardize national security.
Internal FCC documents indicate worries about the US CyberTrustmark (USCTM) program. The National Security Council at the FCC is assessing various aspects of this program’s future.
Established during the Biden administration in 2024, and adopted unanimously, USCTM is a voluntary testing scheme aimed at providing security labels for Internet of Things (IoT) devices, like smart home gadgets. The intention behind the CyberTrustmark was to show that these devices meet security standards set by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
Brendan Kerr, the Trump-appointed FCC president, initially supported the program. However, he now expresses unease regarding its implementation. He emphasized the need for thorough examination to ensure it doesn’t harm American interests.
Under the Biden Administration, UL Solutions LLC is set to be the lead administrator for testing the guidelines related to the USCTM. They will also play a role in educating the public about the importance of this program as products enter the market.
Kerr has directed the National Security Council to investigate concerning findings about UL Solutions LLC and other managers of cybersecurity labels in light of their alleged connections to China. An internal document noted that Kerr is contemplating the necessary actions to prevent the USCTM from becoming a pathway for potential Chinese sabotage.
Concerns have been raised about the accessibility of USCTM labels for Chinese IoT products, suggesting that validation is as simple for them as it is for American devices. An internal FCC document mentions UL Solutions’ joint venture with a Chinese corporation and points out that they maintain several test locations in China.
Rep. John Moolenaar, a Michigan Republican, has urged support for the FCC’s efforts to enhance the integrity of the program. He articulated the importance of consumers knowing which devices are genuinely safe, expressing apprehension about the risks of allowing entities with ties to the Chinese Communist Party to exploit the program for approval stamps.
While UL Solutions has refrained from commenting on specific aspects of the US government program, they emphasized their commitment to cybersecurity as an American safety science company and their transparency regarding operations. Kerr, who has a history with the FCC since his Trump-era appointment, seeks to ensure that the program doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.
