# [IAB Transparency and Consent Framework (TCF v2.3)](https://www.cookiebot.com/en/iab-tcf-cookies/) **The IAB's Transparency and Consent Framework (TCF) v2.3 brings important ongoing change to the digital advertising industry. The aim is to continue to align the Framework more closely with the GDPR.** · [Try Cookiebot CMP free for 14 days](https://admin.cookiebot.com/signup) · [Start free now](https://admin.cookiebot.com/signup) The IAB's Transparency and Consent Framework (TCF) v2.3 brings important ongoing change to the digital advertising industry. The aim is to continue to align the Framework more closely with the GDPR. On February 2, 2022, [**the Belgian DPA**](https://www.dataprotectionauthority.be/citizen/iab-europe-held-responsible-for-a-mechanism-that-infringes-the-gdpr) found the IAB’s Transparency and Consent Framework (TCF) to be noncompliant with several provisions of the GDPR. It required the IAB to present an action plan to implement corrective measures that address the infringements and bring the TCF into compliance with the GDPR. The TCF v2.3, which has a compliance deadline of February 28, 2026, is a smaller update in scope, but continues to evolve the Framework to strengthen transparency and privacy compliance. --- ## What changes has the IAB introduced to the Transparency and Consent Framework? ### Removal of legitimate interest With the release of the TCF v2.2, legitimate interest is no longer allowed as a legal basis for data processing operations related to advertising and content personalization. Vendors can now only select explicit consent as an acceptable legal basis for these purposes. ### Improved user interface (UI) The information required in consent management platforms’ (CMP) UI was improved to include user-friendly standard texts, new features of processing, and real use case illustrations to make it easier for users to understand what they’re consenting to and what their options are. ### More vendor transparency Detailed disclosures about vendors regarding data categories and retention periods were standardized under TCF v2.2 and must be provided to users in the secondary layer of the CMP. ### Enhanced compliance programs New auditing mechanisms and differentiated enforcement procedures were implemented, including proactive auditing of a larger number of randomly selected CMPs and vendors each month. ### Disclosed Vendors are a mandatory segment in TCF signals Vendors can now better determine if they’re allowed to process data under Special Purposes. Starting February 28, 2026, all new or updated consent signals must include the Disclosed Vendors segment. Special Purposes can be processed under Legitimate Interest only, and with no right to object, but vendors must be explicitly disclosed through the CMP. --- ## Cookiebot CMP and the new IAB Framework (TCF v2.3) CMPs must implement the new policies and specifications of the TCF v2.3 by February 28, 2026. Cookiebot CMP’s IAB integration supports the new IAB framework (TCF v2.3). Cookiebot CMP integration with the IAB Transparency and Consent Framework v2.3 continues to be an optional supplement to the core consent framework in the Cookiebot CMP solution. *Used by: Pepco, Rural King, Orbico, Credit Exchange, Canon, Bauhaus* --- ## What is the IAB Framework and how does it meet GDPR requirements? The Interactive Advertising Bureau Europe — [IAB Europe](https://www.iabeurope.eu/) — is a business organization for online advertisers and marketers, that develops and governs industry standards and best practices, conducts research, and provides legal support. ### What are the GDPR requirements and what do they mean for advertisers? The GDPR sets out strict requirements for how the personal data of European residents can be collected, stored, used, and shared. ### What is the purpose of the IAB Framework? The purpose of the IAB Framework is to create a standardized cooperation between online **publishers**, **advertisers**, and the tech companies supplying **consent management**, when it comes to meeting GDPR requirements for transparency and user consent. ### Publishers, vendors, and CMPs under the IAB TCF - **Publishers** under the IAB Framework includes digital media that publishes content online. Publishers generally represent the first party, i.e., the website that the user visits. - **Vendors** under the TCF include ad networks and advertisers, the third-parties that publishers partner with to run ads on their sites. - **Consent management solution providers** supply the platform that enables publishers to obtain valid user consent to collect and process personal data on their sites. ### How does the IAB TCF work? The IAB Framework enables communicating the state of user consent among the publishing and advertising ecosystem of publishers' websites, vendors, and consent management platforms. --- ## Frequently asked questions How does the IAB TCF work? IAB Transparency and Consent Framework (TCF) works as a system for communicating the state of user consent between first parties (publishers), third parties (advertisers), and the consent management platform in use on the first party’s website. What’s new in the IAB TCF 2.3? The TCF v2.3 update introduces key adjustments to strengthen transparency and privacy compliance. --- ## Resources [IAB updates its Transparency & Consent Framework](https://iabeurope.eu/press-releases/iab-europe-iab-tech-lab-release-updated-transparency-consent-framework/) [AdExchanger: IAB Europe And IAB Tech Lab Go Live With GDPR Consent Framework](https://adexchanger.com/online-advertising/iab-europe-and-iab-tech-lab-go-live-with-gdpr-consent-framework/) [ClearCode: How the IAB’s GDPR Transparency and Consent Framework Works From a Technical Perspective](https://clearcode.cc/blog/iab-gdpr-transparency-consent-framework/) [Digiday.com: IAB Europe’s GDPR guidelines, explained](https://digiday.com/media/iab-europes-gdpr-transparency-and-consent-framework-explained/) [IAB Europe: Transparency & Consent Framework specification launches global as industry participation increases](https://www.iabeurope.eu/blog/blog-transparency-consent-framework-specification-launches-global-as-industry-participation-increases/) [IAB Tech Lab: GDPR TRANSPARENCY AND CONSENT FRAMEWORK](https://iabtechlab.com/standards/gdpr-transparency-and-consent-framework/) --- ## Product [Cookiebot™ Consent Solution](https://www.cookiebot.com/en/cookie-consent-solution/) · [Usercentrics for Wix](https://www.cookiebot.com/en/cookiebot-for-wix-by-usercentrics-app/) · [WordPress Plugin](https://www.cookiebot.com/en/new-wp-cookie-plugin/) · [Pricing](https://www.cookiebot.com/en/pricing/) ## Regulations [DMA (EU)](https://www.cookiebot.com/en/digital-markets-act-dma/) · [GDPR (EU)](https://www.cookiebot.com/en/gdpr/) · [CCPA (California)](https://www.cookiebot.com/en/what-is-ccpa/) · [VCDPA (Virginia)](https://www.cookiebot.com/en/virginia-vcdpa/) · [LGPD (Brazil)](https://www.cookiebot.com/en/lgpd/) · [TCF v2.3 (IAB)](https://www.cookiebot.com/en/tcf/) · [Google Consent Mode](https://www.cookiebot.com/en/cookiebot-cmp-google-consent-mode/) · [Microsoft UET Consent Mode](https://www.cookiebot.com/en/microsoft-consent-mode-cmp/) ## Partners [Become an affiliate](https://www.cookiebot.com/en/affiliates/) · [Become a partner](https://www.cookiebot.com/en/resellers/) · [Find a partner](https://www.cookiebot.com/en/cookiebot-reseller/) ## Resources [Blog](https://www.cookiebot.com/en/blog/) · [Digital Markets Act Hub](https://www.cookiebot.com/en/digital-markets-act-dma-resources/) · [Google Consent Mode Hub](https://www.cookiebot.com/en/google-consent-mode-resources/) · [Google Consent Mode V2 Certification](https://courses.usercentrics.com/course/google-consent-mode-v2) · [Google Consent Audit Fixes](https://www.cookiebot.com/en/google-consent-audit-fixes/) · [Developer documentation](https://www.cookiebot.com/en/developer/) · [Cookiebot vs CookieYes](https://www.cookiebot.com/en/cookiebot-best-cookieyes-alternative/) · [Cookiebot vs OneTrust](https://www.cookiebot.com/en/onetrust-alternative/) · [Cookie Banner Cost Calculator](https://www.cookiebot.com/en/cookie-banner-pricing-calculator/) ## Company [About us](https://www.cookiebot.com/en/about/) · [Careers](https://usercentrics.com/career/) · [Support](https://support.cookiebot.com/hc/en-us/) --- [Privacy Policy](https://www.cookiebot.com/en/privacy-policy/) · [Terms of Service](https://www.cookiebot.com/en/terms-of-service/) · [Cookie Declaration](https://www.cookiebot.com/en/cookie-declaration/) · [Data Processing Agreement](https://www.cookiebot.com/en/data-processing-agreement/) ©2026 Cookiebot™ by [Usercentrics](https://usercentrics.com/)