Privacy leaders don’t get much sleep. Between shifting regulations, complex data ecosystems, and ever-increasing consumer expectations, the job is like spinning plates—on roller skates. But here’s the thing: the most persistent challenges in privacy programs tend to follow familiar patterns.
After working with thousands of organizations, we’ve seen seven core issues that every privacy team eventually faces. The good news? They’re all solvable—with the right tools and approach. Let’s get into it.
1. Finding and addressing “high-risk” data processing activities
Ever feel like sensitive data is hiding in the shadows? You’re not alone. Most organizations struggle to locate and manage high-risk data processing activities, whether it’s customer records, financial transactions, or AI-driven analytics.
And it’s not just about compliance. Unmapped data flows increase privacy risk—potentially leading to regulatory fines and operational inefficiencies. Manually maintaining an accurate data inventory doesn’t scale, especially as you process larger volumes of personal data across multiple vendors and jurisdictions.
How TrustArc helps you identify data flows:
- Data Mapping & Risk Manager automates the process, helping you uncover and assess data flows in real time.
- Risk scoring based on 130+ global laws provides actionable insights into processing activities.
- Streamlined risk analysis ensures you’re always audit-ready.
📌 Reality check: Nearly 78% of privacy professionals cite third-party data as a top risk factor. If you don’t know where sensitive data lives, how can you protect it?
2. Ensuring vendors handle PII properly
Vendors can be your most significant privacy risk. Are they really meeting compliance standards? How do you prove it? If your vendor risk assessment process relies on spreadsheets and emails, it’s inefficient and prone to gaps.
Third-party breaches are one of the most common sources of data exposure. Without a structured way to assess and track vendor compliance, you could be leaving a major security gap wide open.
How TrustArc simplifies vendor risk management:
- Assessment Manager offers out-of-the-box templates for Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs), Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs), Transfer Impact Assessments (TIAs), and AI risk assessments.
- Automated workflows make vendor evaluations smooth and repeatable.
🚨 Fun fact: Companies using dedicated Privacy Management solutions score 6% higher on privacy maturity than those relying on GRC tools.
3. Giving customers control over their data
Consumers expect control over their personal data—it’s table stakes in today’s privacy landscape. But operationalizing data subject rights across multiple regulations? That’s a logistical headache.
Ignoring user requests isn’t an option—regulators are cracking down, and consumers are more privacy-aware than ever. Businesses need to manage data deletion, access, and modification requests efficiently while ensuring compliance with local laws.
How TrustArc streamlines individual rights management:
- Individual Rights Manager automates data subject requests (DSRs) so you can handle global privacy laws with ease.
- Compliance is built-in, reducing legal risk while improving user trust.
📢 Consider this: Privacy competence translates to consumer confidence—74% of companies prioritizing privacy earn higher brand trust.
4. Managing global cookie and tracker compliance
The wild world of cookies: Some jurisdictions demand explicit opt-in. Others allow opt-out. And the rules keep changing. Staying compliant shouldn’t be a constant fire drill.
Beyond compliance, a well-implemented cookie management system improves user experience and brand trust. While no one likes excessive pop-ups, businesses still need to collect meaningful consent while staying compliant.
How TrustArc modernizes cookie compliance:
- Cookie Consent Manager ensures real-time compliance with regional laws.
- Customizable solutions for every jurisdiction.
💡 Why it matters: Nearly 51% of organizations scan websites for compliance, but tracking tools evolve fast—your approach needs to keep up.
5. Running a privacy program that’s always on
Privacy isn’t a one-and-done project. It’s a continuous process that needs structured governance, clear accountability, and seamless execution. Without a centralized system, you risk gaps in compliance.
Regulators expect ongoing compliance efforts, not just a once-a-year assessment. Without automation, keeping track of policy updates, regulatory changes, and privacy incidents can become overwhelming.
How TrustArc keeps your privacy program running smoothly:
- PrivacyCentral automates privacy governance, tracking 20,000+ controls across multiple frameworks, laws, and standards.
- Out-of-the-box Operational Templates make achieving regulatory compliance more manageable.
🛠️ Pro tip: Organizations that actively measure their privacy effectiveness score 31% higher on privacy maturity.
6. Staying ahead of privacy laws and regulations
Regulatory landscapes shift constantly. GDPR. CCPA. PIPEDA. AI-specific regulations. How do you keep up with what’s changing, and where and how does it impact your business?
Companies that fail to adapt risk massive fines and reputational damage. Staying ahead means monitoring laws and developing an adaptable compliance strategy that evolves as new regulations emerge.
How TrustArc helps stay ahead of evolving privacy laws:
- Nymity Research offers a 50,000+ reference database with legal summaries and regulatory comparisons.
- Expert insights help you adapt quickly.
📊 The reality: Privacy teams that rely on continuous monitoring are 8% more effective in staying compliant.
7. Demonstrating privacy efforts transparently
Privacy isn’t just about compliance—it’s about trust. Customers, partners, and regulators want proof that your privacy practices are solid. How easily can you show them?
A strong privacy transparency strategy can also drive business growth, as many customers now actively choose brands that prioritize privacy.
How TrustArc helps you build transparency and trust:
- Trust Center is a no-code hub for privacy disclosures, security policies, and compliance certifications.
- Accelerates sales cycles by reducing legal bottlenecks.
🔍 Why it matters: Public trust in corporate privacy practices still lags, but companies prioritizing transparency score 14 points higher on privacy maturity.
Behind the numbers
All statistics in this article are sourced from the 2024 TrustArc Global Privacy Benchmarks Report. This report compiles insights from 1,803 privacy professionals across the U.S., Europe, the UK, South America, and Asia, comprehensively analyzing privacy challenges, trends, and regulatory preparedness.
The findings are based on quantitative surveys, expert analyses, and proprietary research methodologies, benchmarking privacy program maturity.
Download your Privacy Benchmarks Report todayThe bottom line
Every privacy team faces these challenges at some point. The question isn’t if—it’s how you tackle them. TrustArc offers an integrated approach that brings automation, clarity, and confidence to your privacy program.
By automating core privacy tasks, organizations can move from reactive compliance to proactive trust-building—turning privacy into a business advantage.
Want to see how these solutions work in action? Let’s talk.
