The new program was proposed by the Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Chairperson Jessica Rosenworcel. The program apparently aims at helping consumers make well-informed decisions over purchasing products, like identifying the marketplace with advance cybersecurity standards.

"The goal of the program is to provide tools for consumers to make informed decisions about the relative security of products they choose to bring into their homes," the administration said.

U.S. Cyber Trust Mark

Under the proposed programs, consumers are likely to see a newly formed “U.S. Cyber Trust Mark” label, that will serve as a shield logo, distinguishing the products that satisfies the established cybersecurity criteria. Apparently, these criteria will be decided by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which will include criteria like unique and strong default passwords, data protection, software updates and incident detection capabilities.

According to the administration, a number of significant retailers, trade groups, and manufacturers of consumer goods such electronics, appliances, and consumer goods have made voluntarily commitments to improve cybersecurity for the products they sell. Amazon, Best Buy, Google, LG Electronics USA, Logitech, and Samsung Electronics are among the participants.

Plans for the program was prior discussed by the Biden administration in late 2022 to establish a voluntary initiative with internet of things makers to help ensure products meet minimum security standards.

Reportedly, the FCC, which is responsible for regulating wireless communication devices is set to seek public comment regarding the labeling program by 2024.

According to the administration, the FCC is applying for registration to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to register a national trademark that would be used on products that satisfy the predetermined standards. 

"The proposal seeks input on issues including the scope of devices for sale in the U.S. that should be eligible for inclusion in the labeling program, who should oversee and manage the program, how to develop the security standards that could apply to different types of devices, how to demonstrate compliance with those security standards, how to safeguard the cybersecurity label against unauthorized use, and how to educate consumers about the program," the FCC notice says.

The proposal highlights inclusion of a QR code to products that will provide consumers with information, pending a certification mark approval by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.