Govt launches consumer tech label program for smart devices

A new labelling program has been launched by the federal government with the aim of making it easier for Australians to understand the level of security when purchasing smart devices.

IoT Alliance Australia (IoTAA), supported by its industry partners, will lead the co-design and implementation of an internationally aligned, industry-led voluntary labelling scheme for "consumer-grade smart devices".

Work to co-design and implement the program has begun, with a deadline of March 2027.

The co-design work will involve input from consumer groups, manufacturers, distributors and international industry bodies.

While the focus of the scheme is consumer-grade devices, the labels are likely to end up in businesses which use consumer-grade devices, such as connected cameras.

The program is part of the Federal Government’s 2023 – 2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy.

The program goals include enabling consumers to make informed decisions about the level of security when purchasing smart devices, and promoting greater adoption of security features by manufacturers of smart devices.

The Labelling Scheme for Smart Devices will provide consumers with knowledge of the level of security associated with each device before purchase, and give manufacturers of smart devices a way of highlighting their security credentials.

“Australians need to be able to trust that the devices they bring into their homes won’t compromise their safety," said Tony Burke, Minister for Cyber Security.

"Whether it’s a smart speaker or robot vacuum cleaner, consumers will know how safe a product is before they buy it. The program will also put pressure on manufacturers because they will know cyber security has a value to Australian consumers."

IoTAA chair Judy Anderson said raising consumer awareness about smart device security is an important first step in reducing cyber risk.

"It’s also a great opportunity for manufacturers to take the lead in raising security for all of us," she said.

Singapore is among a handful of countries that has rolled out a smart device labelling program. The United States has been working on such a scheme, and in January 2025 it announced the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark smart device labelling program.