TPN Introduces Augmented Defense Tier Structure for Reinforced Global Content Protection
The Trusted Partner Network (TPN), the global content security initiative of the Motion Picture Association (MPA), is set to launch a new four-tier Shield system in early September 2025 [1][2]. This update aims to increase transparency, elevate security standards, and drive continuous improvement for content security across the media and entertainment supply chain.
The new Shield tiers, replacing the legacy Blue and Gold Shield designations, are Blue, Silver, Gold, and Gold Star [3]. Each tier reflects a Service Provider’s current security status, ranging from initial self-assessment (Blue) to comprehensive remediation and best practice adherence (Gold Star) [1][2].
- Blue Shield: Self-assessment completed and published.
- Silver Shield: Assessment completed and a remediation plan submitted (previously known as Classic Gold) [2].
- Gold Shield: All Best Practice remediation items are completed and reviewed by TPN.
- Gold Star Shield: All Best Practice and Additional Recommendations are completed and reviewed by TPN [1][2].
The new Shield system provides content owners with clearer visibility into the security readiness and remediation progress of vendors and partners. This enhanced transparency is a key benefit of the next-gen Shield tiers [1][2][5].
The new Shield structure also incentivizes continuous improvement and better aligns with evolving global threats [1][2]. The increased transparency and scalable recognition of security maturity offered by the new Shield tiers will enable faster, more informed decision-making for content owners [1][4].
The TPN+ release of the v5.3.1 TPN questionnaires and assessments will feature each Shield tier prominently in the TPN+ Registry, making it easier for content owners to assess and select partners based on their security posture [1][2].
This pivotal step in evolving content security standards globally will help protect valuable media IP and sensitive content throughout its distribution [1][2][5]. The MPA, owned and managed by major studios including Netflix, Paramount Pictures, Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios, Sony Pictures, Universal Studios, The Walt Disney Studios, and Warner Bros. Discovery, is backing this initiative.
More information about the new Shield tiers and the updated TPN+ Platform can be found at www.ttpn.org.
[1] The Trusted Partner Network (TPN) press release, 2025. [2] TPN's official website. [3] TPN+ questionnaires and assessments. [4] TPN+ Registry. [5] MPA's official statement.
- The Trusted Partner Network (TPN) is set to launch a new four-tier Shield system in early September 2025, aimed at increasing transparency, elevating security standards, and driving continuous improvement for content security across the media and entertainment supply chain.
- The new Shield tiers, replacing the legacy Blue and Gold Shield designations, are Blue, Silver, Gold, and Gold Star. Each tier reflects a Service Provider’s current security status, ranging from initial self-assessment (Blue) to comprehensive remediation and best practice adherence (Gold Star).
- The Blue Shield designation indicates that a self-assessment has been completed and published.
- The Silver Shield signifies that an assessment has been completed, and a remediation plan has been submitted, previously known as Classic Gold.
- The Gold Shield designation is attained when all Best Practice remediation items are completed and reviewed by TPN.
- The Gold Star Shield is achieved when all Best Practice and Additional Recommendations are completed and reviewed by TPN.
- This updated Shield system provides content owners with clearer visibility into the security readiness and remediation progress of vendors and partners, enabling faster, more informed decision-making for content owners and helping protect valuable media IP and sensitive content throughout its distribution.
