IAB TCF 2.2 · CERTIFIED CMP
IAB TCF 2.2 compliance for GDPR consent management
If your website shows ads, you need user consent — and a proper way to collect it. ConsentBit is an IAB-registered CMP that handles the whole process: collecting consent, managing vendor permissions, and keeping you compliant with GDPR.
What is IAB TCF 2.2?
IAB TCF (Transparency & Consent Framework) is a standard created by IAB Europe to help websites collect, manage and share user consent for advertising and data processing.
GDPR requires consent before personal data is used for personalised advertising and analytics. Because online advertising involves many companies, a consistent way to communicate that consent is essential — and that is exactly what TCF provides.
Everyone reads and respects the same recorded consent preferences.
Stronger transparency
Improved user controls
Stricter processing rules
Why IAB TCF compliance matters
GDPR made it illegal to process user data without a lawful basis — and for most advertising, that basis is consent. But collecting it isn't enough: you also have to prove it, share it with partners, and respect it when users change their mind. IAB TCF gives you a structured way to do all of that.
Without TCF compliance
With TCF compliance
The ad-tech ecosystem, including Google, now requires publishers to use a registered CMP and pass valid TCF consent strings. Without it, some demand-side platforms will simply not serve ads on your site.
Who needs IAB TCF compliance?
It's relevant for anyone running a website that shows programmatic or interest-based advertising to users in the EU or UK.
Publishers & content sites
News sites, blogs, magazines and review sites that monetise with advertising.
Media companies
Any digital property running display or video advertising at scale.
E-commerce sites
Stores using retargeting ads or running advertising alongside their content.
AdTech vendors
Data management platforms, SSPs, DSPs and ad servers across the supply chain.
Agencies
Teams managing ad operations or consent across multiple publisher properties.
Working with Google Ad Manager, AdSense or any programmatic partner? TCF compliance is essentially required to keep your ad revenue flowing.
What you need to be IAB TCF compliant
To comply with the framework, organisations must implement several key requirements.
Deploy an IAB-compliant CMP
A platform registered on the IAB Europe CMP list — not just any cookie banner. ConsentBit is an IAB-registered CMP.
Collect user consent
Clearly explain what's collected, why, and who the vendors are. Consent must be freely given — no pre-ticked boxes or dark patterns.
Provide vendor transparency
Show the full list of vendors, what each does with the data, and their legal basis for processing.
Manage consent preferences
Let users change their mind at any time — updating or withdrawing consent as easily as they gave it.
Generate & pass consent signals
Create a TCF consent string capturing exactly what the user agreed to, and pass it to your ad partners.
Maintain compliance records
Show what users were told, when they consented, and which privacy notice they saw — your audit trail for regulators.
Manage consumer data with consent and ensure IAB TCF 2.2 compliance
How ConsentBit supports IAB TCF 2.2
Built from the ground up for IAB TCF compliance. Here's what's included.
IAB TCF 2.2 support, out of the box
ConsentBit is a registered CMP on the IAB Europe list, meeting all technical requirements for TCF 2.2. You get a compliant setup with no custom development needed.
Vendor list management
We automatically pull the latest IAB Global Vendor List and display it in your banner — users see exactly which vendors are active.
Consent signal collection
Every choice generates a valid TCF consent string, stored correctly and available to your ad partners in real time.
User preference management
A preferences panel lets users revisit and update consent at any time, and the record updates accordingly.
Google Consent Mode v2
Your Google tags behave correctly based on consent — protecting Google Ads and Analytics data while staying compliant.
Easy banner customisation
Style and launch your banner without code — match your brand, choose your layout, and go live from a simple dashboard.
Reporting & audit readiness
A log of consent activity gives you a record on demand, with exportable reports for reviews and regulatory requests.
Understanding the IAB TCF vendor list
The IAB Global Vendor List (GVL) is a registry of the advertising and data-tech companies signed up to the TCF. When a company joins, they declare:
ConsentBit automatically integrates with the latest vendor list, so you always have up-to-date information — when IAB Europe updates the list, your banner reflects the change.
Benefits of implementing IAB TCF
Improved transparency
Users see exactly who is using their data and why. That openness builds trust rather than eroding it.
Better user trust
A clear, honest consent experience tells users you take their privacy seriously — a signal they notice, and remember.
Standardised signals
One consent string works across your entire ad-tech stack — no custom integrations, no inconsistencies.
Stronger GDPR readiness
TCF compliance directly supports your GDPR obligations with a documented consent process that holds up to scrutiny.
Ecosystem compatibility
Major programmatic platforms require TCF signals — staying compliant keeps your inventory open to the widest range of buyers.
Simplified vendor management
The IAB vendor list handles declarations for you, so consent flows to the right places automatically.
How to enable IAB TCF 2.2 with ConsentBit
Getting set up is straightforward. Here's how it works.
Create your account
Sign up for ConsentBit. You can start with a free trial — no credit card required.
Configure your banner
Use the visual editor to choose your layout, add your brand colours, and write your privacy notice. No coding needed.
Enable TCF settings
Turn on IAB TCF 2.2 mode. ConsentBit activates the required consent surfaces and vendor transparency layers automatically.
Review vendor configuration
Check which vendors from the IAB Global Vendor List are active. Add or remove vendors as needed — you're in control.
Publish
Add the ConsentBit script — one line of code — or use our Webflow and platform integrations. Your TCF-compliant banner goes live immediately.
Frequently asked questions
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