Inside UL Solutions: How a 125-Year-Old Safety Icon Adapts to AI, IoT, and Geopolitical Challenges

UL Solutions, formerly known as Underwriters Laboratories, has been a cornerstone of product safety for over a century. The iconic UL logo, found on electronics worldwide, signifies rigorous testing and safety compliance. But behind this simple symbol lies a complex and evolving business adapting to modern challenges like AI, IoT, and geopolitical shifts.

In a recent interview with Jennifer Scanlon, CEO of UL Solutions, Decoder host Nilay Patel delved into the organization’s history, its expanding role in emerging technologies, and the hurdles it faces in a rapidly changing world.

From Fire Safety to AI: The Evolution of UL Solutions

Founded 125 years ago, UL Solutions began as a fire and electrical safety testing organization for insurance companies. As electricity became commonplace in homes, UL’s role expanded to certify products for safety. Today, its reach is ubiquitous—its logo appears on countless devices, from smartphones to appliances. Yet, beneath this visibility lies a business far more intricate than its simple certification mark suggests.

Scanlon highlighted UL’s expansion into cutting-edge fields, including AI safety. The organization recently introduced UL 3115, a new standard designed to evaluate AI-based products both before and during deployment. This framework aims to establish a structured approach to AI safety testing, a critical need as AI systems become more integrated into daily life. However, implementing such standards requires widespread industry and regulatory adoption—a challenge in itself.

The Hidden Struggles: Testing, Politics, and Global Challenges

UL’s testing labs are no stranger to dramatic moments. Scanlon joked that her office often rattles from explosions during safety tests—a testament to the rigorous and sometimes volatile nature of product testing. But beyond the lab, UL faces broader challenges, particularly in the realm of geopolitics.

At the end of the Biden administration, UL was selected to lead a new Cyber Safety program, aimed at setting safety standards for connected devices in the Internet of Things (IoT). However, the program’s momentum stalled with the transition to the Trump administration. Brendan Carr, a prominent FCC commissioner, raised concerns about companies with ties to China, including UL, which operates safety labs in the country. Despite UL’s long-standing role in global safety, these concerns derailed the program, leaving UL sidelined in a critical area of tech regulation.

Scanlon addressed these challenges directly, framing them as a microcosm of the broader tensions between safety, technology, and international relations. The episode underscores the complexities UL navigates as it balances its global presence with evolving political landscapes.

UL’s Role in a Changing Tech Landscape

UL Solutions’ journey reflects the broader shifts in technology and regulation. From its origins in fire safety to its current focus on AI and IoT, the organization remains a vital player in ensuring product safety. Yet, its ability to adapt is constantly tested by rapid technological advancements and geopolitical pressures.

As AI and connected devices become more prevalent, UL’s role in setting safety standards will only grow in importance. However, achieving this requires collaboration across industries, regulators, and governments—a task made more difficult by the current climate of global uncertainty.

Key Takeaways:

• UL Solutions has evolved from a fire safety organization to a global leader in product safety certification.
• The company is expanding into AI safety with the introduction of UL 3115, a new standard for evaluating AI-based products.
• Geopolitical tensions, particularly regarding China, have created hurdles for UL’s safety initiatives, including the stalled Cyber Safety program.
• UL’s testing labs continue to play a critical role in ensuring product safety, often in dramatic and high-stakes environments.

"There’s a lot going on in this one; I love when we get to bring hidden systems to light."

This interview with Jennifer Scanlon offers a rare glimpse into the complexities of UL Solutions—a company that, despite its ubiquitous presence, remains largely unseen in the public eye.