The choice of UL Solutions as the program's third-party testing administrator raised concerns from FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr, who cited "possible links with the Chinese government." Carr thinks that this partnership could pose risks to U.S. national security, given China’s record of surveillance and cyber operations.
A Cybersecurity Label with National Security Implications
Launched in mid-2023, the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark (USCTM) was introduced as a voluntary cybersecurity labeling system for consumer IoT (Internet of Things) devices—such as smart cameras, baby monitors, and TVs. These devices, if poorly secured, could act as entry points for cyberattacks. The USCTM was intended to certify that products meet cybersecurity benchmarks set by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The program officially rolled out earlier this year, shortly before President Trump’s inauguration.
Allegations of Deep China Ties
Documents obtained by Fox News suggest that the FCC, under Carr’s direction, is investigating UL Solutions due to its alleged joint venture with the China National Import and Export Commodities Inspection Corporation—an entity that may soon be blacklisted from FCC equipment authorization processes under newly adopted rules.
The internal report warns that Chinese-manufactured IoT devices—or U.S. products using Chinese IoT modules—may be just as likely to receive the USCTM label as American-made devices, thereby undermining the program’s security credibility.
The FCC further noted that UL Solutions currently operates 18 testing facilities in China, three of which are flagged as “particularly high-risk.” In April, Carr had already moved to restrict the use of China-based labs in U.S. electronics testing workflows.
Carr Confirms National Security Review
In a public statement on X (formerly Twitter), Carr confirmed the FCC's ongoing review:
“I can confirm that I have directed the FCC’s National Security Council to scrutinize the Biden-era Cyber Trust Mark program due to potential associations with the Chinese government. When it comes to securing America’s communications networks, the FCC will remain vigilant.”
UL Responds, Emphasizes Integrity
A representative with UL Solutions responded to Fox News by saying:
“We cannot comment on the specific details of the U.S. government’s program. As a U.S.-founded safety science organization with a legacy spanning over 130 years and global operations, UL Solutions treats cybersecurity with utmost seriousness and has always acted with transparency and integrity.”
I can attest that because of possibly troubling connections to the Chinese government, I have instructed the FCC's Council on National Security to examine a cybersecurity initiative from the Biden administration.
The FCC will remain vigilant when it comes to safeguarding our communications networks. https://t.co/d4UzlvIKtS
— Brendan Carr (@BrendanCarrFCC) June 20, 2025
Wider Crackdown on China-Linked Tech Firms
This investigation is part of a broader pattern of regulatory scrutiny aimed at Chinese-linked technology firms. Earlier this month, Trump-era executive orders aimed to restrict Chinese-manufactured drones (like DJI) from operating in U.S. airspace. Meanwhile, TP-Link, a Chinese manufacturer of Wi-Fi routers, was targeted by a group of Republican lawmakers over its alleged ties to Beijing—a move the company described as a “smear campaign.”
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