The UK is cementing its role as a global leader in cyber security, as a coalition of nations agrees to adopt a common standard for consumer device safety, based on British-led regulations.
The agreement, announced at Singapore International Cyber Week, includes countries such as Australia, Japan, and Germany, and aims to create a unified international framework for products like smartphones, smart doorbells, and games consoles.
This new Global Cyber Security Labelling Initiative means devices meeting the UK's security standards—which ban weak default passwords like 'admin' and require clear information on software updates—will be recognised across multiple international markets.
The partnership will allow products certified in Singapore, for example, to be automatically accepted in the UK under its Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PSTI) regime.
Cyber Security Minister Liz Lloyd said the move would provide "safer products for people, clearer rules for business and less duplication across borders."
The UK’s PSTI legislation was the first of its kind in the world to mandate minimum security requirements for connected consumer devices. Since its introduction, a growing number of countries have adopted or aligned with its technical standard, EN 303 645.
Supporters say the initiative will help remove barriers to trade, reduce costs for manufacturers, and improve security for consumers globally.
Earlier this week, Australia became the latest country to mirror the UK’s approach, introducing a voluntary code of practice for app store operators and developers designed to strengthen security and increase transparency for users.
The UK government said the agreements form part of its wider plan to strengthen economic security and build international cooperation in response to shared cyber threats.
