FCC Reviews ‘Internet of Things’ Accrediting Program Over China Security Concerns

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Jun 21, 2025 - 10:07 Updated: Jun 21, 2025 - 09:56
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FCC Reviews ‘Internet of Things’ Accrediting Program Over China Security Concerns
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The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is reviewing a cybersecurity program over security concerns related to China, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr confirmed on Friday.

The U.S. Cyber Trust Mark program, launched by the Biden administration in January, was designed to label household smart devices, from baby monitors to home security cameras, that are deemed to fit U.S. cybersecurity standards.
In a statement on X, Carr said: “I can confirm that I have directed the FCC’s Council on National Security to review a Biden-era cybersecurity program due to potentially concerning ties to the government of China.

“The FCC will remain vigilant when it comes to safeguarding our communications networks,” he added.

Carr’s remarks were made in response to a report by Fox News, which said the broadcaster reviewed an internal document from the FCC that states UL Solutions, the lead administrator of the program, “has deep ties to China” despite being domestically owned.

According to the report, the document cited UL Solution’s ties to China including the company’s joint venture with China National Import and Export Commodities Inspection Corp and its China-based testing locations, including “three ‘particularly alarming’ locations.”

The Epoch Times was not able to independently verify the document.

The Biden administration launched the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark program on Jan. 7, 10 months after FCC commissioners, including Carr, voted unanimously to support the creation of the system that would “help consumers make informed purchasing decisions, differentiate trustworthy products in the marketplace, and create incentives for manufacturers to meet higher cybersecurity standards. ”

On Dec. 4, 2024, the FCC announced the selection of UL Solutions as the lead administrator and a cybersecurity label administrator of the commission’s Internet of Things labeling program, including the Cyber Trust Mark program.

UL Solutions is a part of UL, a 132-year-old product safety and certification organization. According to the company’s website, it serves customers in more than 110 countries.

UL’s joint venture with China’s state-owned China Certification & Inspection Group, set up in 2003, runs testing laboratories and offices across China, including in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Suzhou, Shenzhen, and Xiamen.

On March 27, UL publicized the expansion of its Songshan Lake Internet of Things Laboratory in Dongguan, southern China, saying the development underscored “the company’s commitment to supporting manufacturers in navigating the complexities of connected product and wireless device testing and market access.”

UL declined The Epoch Times’ request for comment.

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