TrustArc Report Finds Privacy Capabilities Lag Behind AI Adoption

TrustArc announced in a press release the release of its 2026 Global Privacy Benchmarks Report, revealing that organizational privacy capability is not keeping up with the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence. The Global Privacy Index declined to 53% in 2026 from 61% the previous year.

The study, based on responses from more than 1,800 professionals worldwide, found that 69% of respondents use AI tools frequently at work. Twenty-four percent reported experiencing AI-related issues in the past three years, including problems caused by insufficient human oversight of AI decisions.

Organizations with fully implemented privacy programs achieved an average score of 75%, nearly four times higher than those with fragmented efforts. These programs typically include data inventory, consent management, and data subject request handling. Companies aligning with established governance frameworks scored up to 20 points higher than the global average.

The report highlights that mature privacy programs not only improve compliance but also enhance operational efficiency and customer trust. TrustArc stated that privacy maturity is becoming a measurable business advantage as AI adoption accelerates.