TPN Enhances Shield Tier System to Strengthen Content Security, Creates Free Industry Resources
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The Trusted Partner Network (TPN), a global content security initiative created by the Motion Picture Association (MPA) for its studio members, has strengthened its Shield system to include remediation and created a range of security-related resources the industry can access free of charge.
The aim of these changes is designed to increase transparency, elevate security standards, and drive continuous improvement for content security across the media and entertainment supply chain.
Under the “Classic” TPN Shield structure, MPA members would receive a Blue Shield if they published their self-reported responses to a TPN questionnaire. To achieve a Gold Shield, they would need to publish an assessment carried out by a TPN-accredited assessor that reviewed the evidence against their responses. Finally, members must then provide their own remediation plan.
With the new four-tier system, meeting the criteria for the classic Gold Shield will instead gain members a Silver Shield. To achieve a Gold Shield now, members must complete all “best practice remediation items” in line with TPN’s newly released version 5.3.1 of its Content Security Best Practices, something which then needs validation by the TPN itself.
The highest Shield members can achieve is a Gold Star Shield, which is reserved for those who, as well as the above, implement additional recommendations that are also validated by the TPN too.
The new v5.3.1 questionnaire and four-tier Shield system will launch on September 9, 2025, but Classic Gold Shields will remain valid until their expiration.
TPN President Terri Davies explained that the introduction of a remediation process to its Shield system “is a very big deal” considering that “96% of [its] security assessments uncover security gaps.”
“Security resources and standardized assessments help ensure consistent protection across all stakeholders, reducing weak spots.”
– Terri Davies, Trusted Partner Network
In terms of how long it takes to complete the remediation process, Davies said it can vary: “It depends on the size of the company, the number of sites or applications, and the scope of security gaps identified. Some providers with minor findings can remediate in weeks, while others may take several months if structural or process changes are required. The key is that TPN’s framework recognizes progress at every stage so that companies don’t have to wait until everything is perfect; they can move up the Shield tiers as they remediate, with “Gold Star” representing full remediation.”
TPN’s complimentary resources include security policy templates across topics ranging from AI security to disaster recovery, translations of the MPA Content Security Best Practices into 10 languages and more.
Davies noted that “as new threats emerge, whether through advances in AI, social engineering, or evolving cyberattacks, [the TPN] will continue to expand those resources. The goal is to ensure that no company is left behind, and that the industry has practical tools to meet tomorrow’s challenges.
“IFE is a complex global supply chain as content passes through multiple processes, vendors, platforms, and technical handoffs before it reaches passengers,” Davies continued. “Each link in the chain must be secure, especially since airlines often host pre-release, high-value titles.
“Security resources and standardized assessments help ensure consistent protection across all stakeholders, reducing weak spots. For airlines and the studios who license the content to them, this means greater confidence in licensing premium content and safeguarding passenger trust, even in environments where connectivity and infrastructure may be more challenging than on the ground,” she concluded.
To access these resources and find out more about taking part in TPN’s Shield program, companies need to sign up for a free TPN+ account on the TPN website.