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Definitions

Within the TCF, several key terms and concepts play a crucial role in understanding its functioning. These include "Vendor," "Purpose," "Special Purpose," "Feature," "Special Feature," "Stack," "Legal Basis," and "Legitimate Interest." This glossary will provide detailed definitions for each of these terms to help you navigate and comprehend the TCF framework effectively.

Vendor​

A "Vendor" refers to a company that plays a role in delivering digital advertising within a Publisher's website, app, or other digital content. Vendors do not act as Publishers or Consent Management Platforms (CMPs). They may access an end user's device or process personal data about end users who visit the Publisher's content while adhering to the Framework's Policies. Depending on specific circumstances, a Vendor may be considered a Controller, Processor, or both under the GDPR.

Purpose​

A "Purpose" represents one of the well-defined objectives for processing data, including users' personal data, by participants in the Framework. These objectives are outlined in the Policies or Specifications. Vendors declare a Legal Basis for these Purposes in the Global Vendor List (GVL), and users are presented with a choice – either to provide consent or to object – depending on the Legal Basis for the processing, as facilitated by a CMP.

Special Purpose​

A "Special Purpose" denotes one of the predefined objectives for data processing, including users' data, within the Framework. These objectives are defined in the Policies or Specifications. Vendors declare a Legal Basis for these Special Purposes in the GVL. However, users are not given a choice regarding these Special Purposes through a CMP; consent is not sought separately.

Feature​

A "Feature" represents one of the functionalities related to processing personal data employed by participants within the Framework. These functionalities are defined in the Policies or Specifications and are used to achieve one or more Purposes. Users typically do not have a separate choice regarding Features; their choices are integrated with the choices offered for the associated Purposes.

Special Feature​

A "Special Feature" denotes one of the specific functionalities used for processing personal data by participants in the Framework. These functionalities are defined in the Policies or Specifications and are employed in pursuit of one or more Purposes. Users are given the option to opt-in separately for Special Features, distinct from the choices they make regarding the associated Purposes.

Stack​

A "Stack" refers to one of the combinations of Purposes and/or Special Features used for processing personal data by participants within the Framework. Stacks may be used to replace or supplement more detailed Purpose and/or Special Feature descriptions in the initial layer of a user interface (UI).

"Legal Basis" represents a lawful ground for data processing as defined in Article 6 of the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). The Framework supports various Legal Bases, including consent under Article 6(1)(a) GDPR and legitimate interest as per Article 6(1)(f) GDPR. Legal Bases serve as the foundation for processing personal data within the Framework, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.

Legitimate Interest​

"Legitimate Interest" is a legal basis recognized under the GDPR. It allows data processing when it is necessary for the legitimate interests pursued by the controller or a third party. While consent is a common legal basis for data processing, Legitimate Interest serves as an alternative legal basis, especially when processing aligns with legitimate interests and meets the requirements of the GDPR.