FCC Opens Applications for IoT Cybersecurity Labeling Roles

On September 11, 2024, the Federal Communications Commission (the "Commission") opened the application window for entities seeking designation by the Commission as a Cybersecurity Labeling Administrator ("CLA") and Lead Administrator. These roles will help administer the Commission's voluntary Internet of Things ("IoT") cybersecurity labeling program, covered in previous blog posts from August and March of this year.

CLAs will certify the use of the FCC IoT Label, which includes the U.S. government certification mark (U.S. Cyber Trust Mark), by manufacturers whose products comply with the Commission's IoT Labeling Program rules. The Lead Administrator's duties will include liaising between the Commission and the CLAs, conducting stakeholder outreach to identify or develop IoT technical standards and testing procedures, and collaborating with the CLAs, the Commission, and other stakeholders to educate consumers about the FCC IoT Label.

Applications for both roles are open to any domestic, independent, non-governmental entity eligible to enter into a licensing agreement with the Commission. However, applicants cannot be owned or controlled by, or affiliated with, an entity that produces equipment on the FCC Covered List or that is otherwise prohibited from participating in the IoT Labeling Program.

The application window is open until October 1, 2024. See the Public Notice for full application instructions.