Regulator-led
Designed to embed legal standards and seek formal approval.
The first of its kind
A clearer standard for privacy-compliant advertising.
CPCA is developing the first UK GDPR certification scheme for advertising technology — built with industry and seeking regulatory approval.
Current phaseDeveloping the standard
Industry-backed
Shaped with associations, practitioners and consumer voices.
Open by design
Accessible to relevant technology providers across the market.
Built for value
Helping compliant businesses turn confidence into advantage.
01 / Objective
Our objective
Increasing certainty about privacy compliance in digital advertising.
A trusted certification scheme can make complex requirements easier to understand, apply and demonstrate.
The Coalition for Privacy Compliance in Advertising is a non-profit organisation developing the first UK GDPR certification scheme for advertising technologies. Our goal is to give market participants a practical, recognised way to understand and demonstrate compliance with data protection requirements.
CPCAA shared framework for the industry
02 / Scope
Working together
Built with the ICO and the advertising industry.
CPCA is being established as a joint industry committee, with industry associations and consumer groups represented on its Board.
We are working with the UK Information Commissioner’s Office, the DPO Centre and the Audit Bureau of Circulations to develop the certification criteria and an audit methodology for in-scope products and technologies.
RegulatorsIndustryAuditorsConsumer groups
03 / Timeline
Our progress
From shared criteria to a trusted certification.
- 01Foundation
Coalition established
A non-profit, cross-industry body created to manage the scheme.
- 02In progress
Criteria and methodology
Developing a rigorous standard and a repeatable approach to auditing.
- 03Next
Regulatory approval
Submitting the certification scheme for assessment and approval.
- 04Launch
Certification opens
Making the approved criteria available to eligible organisations.
04 / Benefits
Why certification matters
Clarity that creates commercial confidence.
01
Turn compliance into visible trust
Certification will give technology providers a clear way to show that their products meet recognised data protection requirements — reducing reliance on lengthy, ad hoc questionnaires.
02
Reduce uncertainty and ongoing risk
A shared standard can help organisations align their practices with privacy requirements and respond with confidence as regulation, browsers and operating systems evolve.
03
Build on clearer foundations
Harmonised guidance can simplify legal roadmaps across jurisdictions, inform product decisions and give teams more time to focus on building useful technology.
05 / Expansion
Global ambition
A shared direction across borders.
While the UK certification scheme is grounded in ICO guidance, digital advertising is global. CPCA aims to help organisations navigate national and regional requirements through greater alignment.
We are pursuing a path towards European recognition and exploring other jurisdictions where regulator-backed certification can help harmonise privacy expectations.
United KingdomEuropean UnionGlobal
06 / Contact
Let’s talkWant to follow the work or speak with the coalition?
We publish updates as the certification scheme develops. For press, industry or participation enquiries, get in touch.
contact@compliantads.org ↗