Rachel England, Engadget, on the newly announced USB Type-C Authentication Program:

The program defines the optimal cryptographic-based authentication for USB-C devices and chargers. Any host system using this protocol will be able to confirm the authenticity of a device or charger, including descriptors and capabilities, right at the moment a connection is made. So say, for example, you’re concerned about charging your phone at a public terminal. Your phone could implement a policy only allowing a charge from certified chargers. A company, meanwhile, could set a policy for its PCs, giving them access only to verified USB storage devices.

The concept would allow a setting in iOS, say, that required a cryptographic handshake before your connected device was allowed to communicated with a charger, for example.

Here’s a link to the official USB.org press release.