TrustArc's Global Certifications: A New Era for Cross-Border Privacy Management

TrustArc's Launch of Global CBPR and PRP Certifications

On June 2, 2025, TrustArc, a notable privacy platform adept at global compliance and AI risk management, officially unveiled its Global Cross Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) and Privacy Recognition for Processors (PRP) Certifications. This initiative, conducted in collaboration with TRUSTe as an accredited Accountability Agent in the United States, represents a significant advancement in compliance for international data transfers, while extending the prestigious APEC certifications into a broader global framework.

The launch of the Global CBPR and PRP systems was steered by the Global CBPR Forum, which offers a government-endorsed, adaptable approach for affirming comprehensive privacy practices and enabling cross-border data transactions. These certifications empower organizations to establish and exhibit trust within various participating territories including Canada, the United States, Japan, Australia, Mexico, and Singapore, among others. Notably, there is a growing interest from countries like India, along with more than 24 nations involved in Global CBPR workshops, highlighting an international push towards unified privacy governance.

Chairperson of the Global CBPR Forum, Shannon Coe, pinpointed the significance of these certifications within today's digital economy. Coe stated, "The introduction of the Global CBPR and Global PRP Systems enables companies worldwide to maintain the highest standards of data privacy, promotes trust, and fuels innovation in our interconnected future. We urge organizations engaged in global trade to consider certification, whilst encouraging jurisdictions to join the Forum, thereby offering this essential tool to businesses in their areas."

Leveraging decades of experience certifying privacy programs through APEC CBPR and other global mechanisms, TrustArc, via its TRUSTe offerings, has carved a niche in accountability-based privacy assurance. Since becoming the first U.S. Accountability Agent and globally the first to certify companies according to APEC methodologies in 2013, TRUSTe has played a crucial role in shaping the international approach to cross-border data protection. This launch arrives at a critical juncture as enterprises are confronted with increasingly intricate international data transfer regulations and growing consumer demands for responsible data management.

Noël Luke, TrustArc's Chief Assurance Officer, expressed pride in supporting the Global CBPR Forum during this transformative moment in the realm of cross-border privacy governance. "As one of the inaugural Accountability Agents for the Global CBPR and PRP systems, we are eager to assist organizations in meeting escalating global privacy standards. These certifications offer firms a substantive method to demonstrate accountability, while providing consumers peace of mind that their personal data is treated with diligence regardless of its location."

TrustArc's services regarding the Global CBPR and PRP certifications are now open for businesses aiming to validate their privacy practices and facilitate seamless international data transfers. Gaining certification through TrustArc lays a structured pathway to compliance and public confidence, enabling companies to stand out in a competitive privacy-oriented market, thus helping them thrive amid rising global privacy expectations.

Additionally, an upcoming report, the 6th annual 2025 Global Privacy Benchmarks Report from TrustArc, set to debut later this June, will underscore the operational hurdles and strategic imperatives facing privacy teams worldwide. This report, formulated through extensive global survey data, reveals that compliance with cross-border data transfers remains a primary concern and a key differentiator for mature privacy-oriented businesses. Early findings from this report indicate:

1. 42% of surveyed entities acknowledge that managing cross-border data transfers is challenging or extremely challenging.
2. Issues surrounding cross-border data transfers rank among the top five challenges organizations encounter in managing their overall privacy initiatives.
3. High-performing organizations showcasing superior scores on the Global Privacy Index are considerably more inclined to align with structured global accountability frameworks such as APEC's CBPR and PRP, NYMITY, AICPA/CICA, and COBIT. These companies achieve a remarkable 75% privacy competence score, demonstrating a strong correlation between certification and the maturity of their privacy programs.

To obtain the complete 2025 Global Privacy Benchmarks Report upon its release, interested parties can subscribe through the designated link. For additional details regarding TrustArc's offerings concerning Global CBPR and PRP certifications, visit their website. TrustArc revolutionizes privacy for the era of artificial intelligence, ensuring organizations maintain confidence within an ever-evolving regulatory landscape.