WHY SHRED AMERICA RETAINS PRIVATA VOX AS ITS DATA PROTECTION OFFICER (DPO)

1) Because our clients deserve it!

All data protection regulations, including state and federal privacy laws, mandate that secure data destruction services designate a qualified professional to oversee and ensure regulatory compliance. This role is commonly referred to as a Data Protection Officer (DPO), and it’s not just a box to check. It's a vital position that ensures the ongoing protection of sensitive information and adherence to the highest legal and ethical standards. Industry-leading standards such as NAID AAA Certification, R2v3, and PCI DSS require this role to be taken seriously.

Unfortunately, many service providers treat this obligation as a formality—assigning the responsibility to an internal employee who may have little to no experience in data security or regulatory compliance. Shred America does not believe in cutting corners. We believe that our clients deserve better. That’s why we are proud to be one of the few secure destruction providers to retain a third-party, industry-leading DPO. By partnering with a seasoned and independent expert, we ensure that our company meets and often exceeds all compliance requirements—providing peace of mind to our clients that their data is in trustworthy hands.

2) To stay current on our compliance requirements in a rapidly changing regulatory environment

The regulatory environment surrounding data privacy is more dynamic than ever. In just the past two years, sixteen U.S. states have enacted new data protection and privacy laws, and projections suggest that at least twice as many will follow suit in the near future. Eventually, comprehensive privacy regulation is expected in all 50 states. For companies that handle sensitive information, staying ahead of these changes is critical—not just for compliance, but for the security and reputation of the business.

At Shred America, we understand the importance of staying vigilant and adaptable. That’s why we rely on a professional DPO who is constantly monitoring legislative developments. Our clients never need to worry whether Shred America is up to date. We are—because we’ve invested in the expertise to ensure it.

3) To hold ourselves to a higher level of scrutiny

Having a DPO isn’t just about checking compliance boxes—it’s about being accountable. Our DPO doesn’t just advise; they take an active role in shaping, monitoring, and enforcing our privacy and data protection programs. From employee onboarding and training, to chain of custody procedures, to the way we collect, handle, and destroy personal information, every component of our operations is reviewed and verified.

We invite this level of scrutiny because we believe in total transparency. Our relationship with our DPO is built on demonstrable, measurable compliance—backed by documentation, audits, and constant process improvement. Our clients can rest assured that we’re not just saying we comply—we’re proving it.

4) For real-time access to one of the world’s most highly-respected data protection professionals

In an environment where privacy risks and regulations are continually evolving, real-time access to authoritative guidance is invaluable. Our DPO, through Privata Vox, provides instant insight into emerging issues. Whether it’s answering a client’s urgent question or interpreting a proposed law, our DPO is just an email away.

Privata Vox even tracks and comments on developing regulations—positioning Shred America not only to comply with new laws, but to actively help shape them. That’s how we keep our clients informed, secure, and ahead of the curve.

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About Privata Vox

Privata Vox Principal Advocate Robert Johnson, CSDS, CIPP/US, is widely recognized as one of the world’s foremost authorities in data protection. His experience includes testifying before the U.S. Senate on data breach legislation, advising the Federal Trade Commission on FACTA rulemaking, and developing the most widely adopted global certification standard in secure data destruction. Mr. Johnson’s unmatched expertise ensures that when he advises Shred America, he does so with a focus on our clients’ needs and the highest standards of regulatory compliance.

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