Privacy Specialist Josh Harris Joins TRUSTe To Drive Expansion of Global Privacy Programs

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- TRUSTe, the leading Data Privacy Management company announced today that Future of Privacy Forum Policy Director and former Department of Commerce staffer Josh Harris has joined TRUSTe as Director of Policy. In this role Josh will use his experience and insight to drive the development of cutting edge programs to protect consumer privacy and ensure the responsible transfer of data worldwide.

"Having worked with Josh on the development of the APEC Cross Border Privacy Rules, I know he commands the respect of privacy leaders around the world and we are thrilled to have him on the team," said TRUSTe CEO, Chris Babel. "The launch of our DPM Platform last week marked a key milestone in TRUSTe's evolution from our origins as a privacy certification business to become the provider of the first comprehensive end-to-end data privacy management solution. Josh's appointment will ensure that we remain at the cutting edge of regulatory and technology developments on behalf of our global client-base and it's great to have him onboard."

Josh Harris most recently served as Policy Director for Future of Privacy Forum a Washington DC-based think tank advancing responsible data use and consumer privacy and previously spent seven years at the International Trade Administration's Office of Technology and Electronic Commerce. Here, Josh Harris was instrumental in developing and implementing the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation's (APEC) Cross Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) System for which he received the United States Department of Commerce Gold Medal in 2012 – the highest award offered by the Department.

Hilary Wandall, AVP Compliance and Chief Privacy Officer at Merck welcomed Josh's move to TRUSTe saying, "Josh is recognized globally as an APEC privacy thought leader and expert on the CBPR system.  Bringing his insights to this role at TRUSTe will be extremely beneficial to the expansion of the CBPR system and the furtherance of global standards for recognition of privacy program accountability."

In 2004, Josh was selected to the White House's Presidential Management Fellowship program and previously served as the Vice-Chair of the American Bar Association's Privacy and Information Security Committee. Josh received his Juris Doctor from the George Washington University Law School in 2004 and his undergraduate degree from the State University of New York at Geneseo in 2000. Josh was admitted to the Washington, DC bar in 2005.

Commenting on his new appointment, Josh Harris said: "TRUSTe has been at the forefront of consumer privacy for over 15 years. As we see growing momentum for the APEC Cross Border Privacy Rules and steps towards interoperability of global privacy frameworks, I'm excited to be working with TRUSTe's extensive client base and super-smart team of privacy pros to continue developing solutions to meet the evolving privacy challenges."

About TRUSTe

TRUSTe is the leading global Data Privacy Management (DPM) company and powers trust in the data economy by enabling businesses to safely collect and use customer data across their customer, employee, and vendor channels.  Our SaaS-based DPM Platform gives users control over all phases of data privacy management from conducting assessments and implementing compliance controls to managing ongoing monitoring.  Our DPM Services, including assessments and certifications, are delivered by an expert team of privacy professionals. Thousands of companies worldwide rely on TRUSTe to minimize compliance risk and protect their brand.  For more information, please visit www.truste.com.

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SOURCE TRUSTe