TCF v2.0 – what you need to know

Introducing TCF v2.0

IAB Europe, in partnership with IAB Tech Lab, launched the second iteration of the Transparency and Consent Framework (TCF) in August 2019.

The TCF Steering Group (SG) was tasked with drafting the new policy documents and engaging with the IAB Tech Lab, which managed the technical specifications. With participation from 10 National IABs and 55 organisations, and EU-level associations, publishers, media owners, technology providers and media agencies, the SG enabled an inclusive, fair and consensus-based participation of stakeholders to deliver the vision.

TCF v2.0 continues to support the overall drive of the TCF to increase consumer transparency and choice, management by digital properties of consent and compliance, and industry collaboration that centres on standardisation.

What’s new in TCF v2.0?

Under TCF v2.0, not only can consumers grant or withhold consent but they can also exercise their ‘right to object’ to data being processed. Consumers also gain more control over whether and how vendors may use certain features of data processing (for example, the use of precise geolocation).

Publishers employing TCF v2.0 gain greater control and flexibility with respect to how they integrate and collaborate with their technology partners. New publisher functionality allows them to restrict the purposes for which personal data is processed by vendors on a publisher’s website on a per-vendor basis.

Google’s TCF 2.0 Integration Communication to Vendors

In October 2019, Google messaged their vendor community to let them know how Google will interoperate with TCF v2.0. When the TCF v2.0 launched in August 2019, Google confirmed they would be integrating when TCF v1.0 switches over to TCF v2.0 in Q1 2020. The communication with a supporting blog post to their vendor community can be seen here.

Register today for TCF v2.0

All vendors can now register to participate in TCF v2.0 at IAB Europe’s updated vendor registration site here. Registration for the TCF includes the opportunity to register for both TCF v1.1 and TCF v2.0 – registration for both is inclusive in the annual TCF registration fee of Euro 1,200. Existing vendors can update their details to include TCF v2.0 using their vendor login here.

The registration process for vendors requires adherence to the TCF Policy and Terms & Conditions and provide transparency into how companies intend to comply with GDPR requirements, centralised into one location.

Publishers can use the GVL to view the vendors who are participating in the TCF, and to determine which vendors to include in the transparency and consent user interface they make available on their website.

IAB Europe update timeline for TCF v2.0 transition period
As we approach the switch over from the Transparency & Consent Framework (TCF) v1.1 to TCF v2.0, IAB Europe have revised the timeline to take into account the impact of COVID-19 on stakeholders’ operations.

Please see below for the revised timeline that aims to allow CMPs, vendors and publishers more time to successfully implement TCF v2.0. We remain committed to supporting all stakeholders during the switchover to TCF v2.0 and IAB Europe will be monitoring the pandemic situation closely.

For full details please visit IAB Europe.

Additional resources: 

• Download the general factsheet for more information on TCF v2.0

• Download the factsheet for vendors for more information on TCF v2.0

Related content: 

• Find out more about the TCF v2.0 here