TPN Introducing Upgraded Tier for Stronger Worldwide Content Protection System
Trusted Partner Network Unveils Next-Generation Shield Tier System
The Trusted Partner Network (TPN), a global content security initiative by the Motion Picture Association (MPA), is set to launch its next-generation Shield tier system in early September 2025. This new system introduces a four-tier structure designed to increase transparency, elevate security standards, and drive continuous improvement for content security[1][2][3].
The four tiers are:
- Blue Shield: This tier signifies that a self-assessment has been completed and published.
- Silver Shield (previously known as Classic Gold): An assessment has been completed, and a remediation plan has been submitted.
- Gold Shield: All Best Practice remediation items have been completed and reviewed by TPN.
- Gold Star Shield: This tier is achieved when all Best Practice and Additional Recommendations have been completed and reviewed by TPN.
The new Shield tiers offer scalable recognition of security maturity, providing content owners with clearer visibility into vendors’ current security readiness and remediation progress[1][3]. These tiers will be displayed in the TPN+ Registry, facilitating faster, more informed decision-making while improving global content security in response to evolving threats[1][3][5].
Existing Classic Gold Shields remain valid until their expiration dates, ensuring a smooth transition to the new tier model[1][3]. Terri Davies, president of TPN, stated that the new Shield structure gives Content Owners clearer visibility into the security readiness and remediation progress of vendors and partners[4].
The newly unveiled next-gen tiers are Blue, Silver, Gold, and Gold Star, replacing the legacy classic Blue and Gold Shield designations. This launch represents a pivotal update for content security, promoting a scalable recognition of security maturity and better alignment with global threat landscapes[3]. For more information about the new Shield tiers and the updated TPN+ Platform, visit www.ttpn.org.
The MPA is backed by Netflix, Paramount Pictures, Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios, Sony Pictures, Universal Studios, The Walt Disney Studios, and Warner Bros. Discovery. The new Shield model introduces two new tiers, Silver and Gold Star, which build on the legacy of the Classic Gold Shield, aiming to increase transparency, incentivize continuous improvement, and reflect a Service Provider's current security status.
[1] TPN Press Release, 2025. [2] TPN Blog Post, 2025. [3] TPN Website, 2025. [4] Davies, T., Interview, 2025. [5] TPN Whitepaper, 2025.
- The Trusted Partner Network (TPN) is introducing a new four-tier Shield system in September 2025, which includes Blue, Silver, Gold, and Gold Star tier levels.
- The Blue Shield tier signifies a completed self-assessment, while the Silver Shield requires an assessment and remediation plan submission.
- The Gold Shield is achieved when all Best Practice remediation items have been completed, and the Gold Star Shield is attained with the completion of all Best Practice and Additional Recommendations.
- The new Shield tiers will offer scalable recognition of security maturity, provide clearer visibility into vendors' security readiness, and facilitates faster, informed decision-making in the media industry.
- Existing Classic Gold Shields will remain valid until their expiration dates, ensuring a smooth transition to the new tier model.
- The MPA, backed by numerous media giants, believes that the new Shield structure will increase transparency, incentivize continuous improvement, and better align with global threat landscapes, enhancing the overall cybersecurity and data-and-cloud-computing technology for 4K and IP video content.
