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TC String

The TC String is a fundamental component of the Transparency and Consent Framework (TCF) developed by IAB Europe. It plays a crucial role in facilitating user consent for online advertising and data processing activities. The TC String is a standardized, machine-readable piece of information that contains user consent preferences and other relevant data. It is designed to provide transparency, control, and compliance with data protection regulations, notably the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union (EU).

Key Components of the TC String:

  • Version Number: The TC String begins with a version number that indicates which TCF version it adheres to. For example, "TCFv2" signifies compliance with TCF Version 2.x.
  • Consent Purposes: The string includes consent information related to different purposes for data processing, such as advertising, analytics, and personalization. Each purpose is assigned a unique numerical code.
  • Vendor Consent: The TC String contains information about user consent for specific vendors. Vendors are assigned unique numerical identifiers, and the string records whether the user has granted or denied consent for each vendor.
  • Special Features: It may include details regarding specific special features, such as consent for precise geolocation data or the use of pseudonymous identifiers.
  • Stacking Consents: In TCF Version 2.x, the string allows for "stacking" consents. This means that users can express different consent preferences for different purposes, vendors, and features, providing a more granular level of control.
  • Encoded Information: The TC String is encoded to minimize its size and make it efficient for transmission and storage. This encoding ensures that the string can be parsed by authorized parties for compliance and transparency purposes.

How the TC String Works:

  • User Consent: When a user visits a website or interacts with online content, a Consent Management Platform (CMP) like CookieHub collects the user's consent choices.
  • TC String Generation: The CMP generates a TC String that encapsulates the user's consent preferences, vendor information, and other relevant data.
  • Transmission: The TC String is transmitted to relevant parties, including vendors and advertisers, to inform them of the user's consent choices.
  • Parsing: Authorized parties can parse and decode the TC String to understand the user's preferences and ensure compliance with GDPR and other data protection regulations.
  • Consent Transparency: The TC String enhances transparency by providing a standardized format for conveying consent information, making it easier for users to understand and manage their data preferences.
  • Compliance Verification: Regulatory authorities can use the TC String to verify compliance with data protection regulations, ensuring that user consent is properly obtained and respected.

Overall, the TC String is a critical tool in the TCF ecosystem, enabling users to exercise their data privacy rights while ensuring that online advertising and data processing activities remain compliant with evolving privacy laws. It represents a collaborative effort to strike a balance between user privacy and the needs of the digital advertising industry.