EU-US Data Privacy Framework (DPF) – A Complete Guide

Are you curious about the EU-US Data Privacy Framework?

The rise of digital marketing has completely changed how businesses connect with their audiences, especially regarding data privacy. 

The EU-US Data Privacy Framework (DPF) signifies a major advancement in international data transfer regulations, designed to enable secure and compliant data sharing between the European Union (EU) and the United States.

As companies increasingly depend on data-driven approaches, comprehending and executing this framework is essential for adherence and operational efficiency in 2025 and the future. 

This guide aims to deliver an in-depth overview of the DPF, its consequences for businesses, and the process of integrating the Interactive Advertising Bureau’s Transparency and Consent Framework (IAB TCF) within WordPress.

What is the EU-US Data Privacy Framework (DPF)?

The EU-US Data Privacy Framework (DPF) is a regulatory system designed to enable the transfer of personal data from individuals in the European Union (EU) & the European Economic Area (EEA) to organizations in the United States that participate in the program.

The EU adopted the Data Privacy Framework (DPF) on July 10, 2023. It replaced the previous Privacy Shield framework, which the European Court of Justice declared invalid due to concerns about inadequate data protection for EU citizens.

The DPF seeks to ensure that U.S. companies handling EU personal data adhere to the strict EU data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

It introduces a self-certification process for U.S. businesses, enabling them to showcase their dedication to maintaining privacy standards that align with EU regulations.

DPF also promotes transatlantic trade by enabling lawful & secure data transfers while emphasizing the privacy rights of individuals within the EU.

Why the EU-US DPF Matters for Businesses?

The EU-US Data Privacy Framework (DPF) is essential for companies operating across the Atlantic. It creates a legal foundation for transferring personal data from the European Union (EU) to the United States.

Following are the reasons why the DPF is essential for businesses :

• Ensures Adherence to GDPR: By engaging in the DPF, organizations can showcase their commitment to following GDPR principles, thereby minimizing the chances of fines and legal disputes.
• Builds Trust in Transatlantic Data Transfers: The framework addresses these concerns by offering improved privacy protections & reinstating confidence in transatlantic business activities.
• Facilitates International Trade: The Data Privacy Framework promotes seamless data exchanges, enabling companies to maintain consistent operations & strengthen ties with EU partners.
• Simplifies Self-Certification for U.S. Companies: It presents a streamlined self-certification process, allowing U.S. firms to demonstrate their compliance with EU data protection standards.
• Enhances Consumer Confidence: Joining the DPF highlights a company’s commitment to safeguarding personal data, increasing consumer trust and loyalty.
• Reduces Legal Uncertainties: The DPF establishes a clear framework for lawful data transfers, lessening cross-border data handling ambiguities & legal risks.

Overview of the EU-US Data Privacy Framework 

The DPF specifies particular standards organizations must fulfill to engage with the framework. 

It highlights the importance of transparency, accountability, and user rights in the processing of personal data. 

By following these principles, companies can enable more efficient data transfers between the EU and the U.S., improving their operational effectiveness.

Data Privacy Principles

The DPF has some essential privacy principles that organizations must follow when handling personal data. These principles are:

Notice

The DPF requires businesses to be transparent about their data collection practices, including the categories of personal data collected and the purposes for which they gather and utilize that data.

Choice

Allows individuals to prevent their data from being shared with third parties or used for purposes other than those for which it was initially collected. This principle also specifies that explicit consent is necessary if specific types of sensitive data are to be used beyond the stated purpose or disclosed to third parties.

Accountability for onward transfer

Organizations that pass personal data to third parties must be responsible for these subsequent transfers and ensure ongoing compliance with relevant guidelines outlined in the data privacy framework.

Security

Entities that collect, maintain, utilize, or distribute personal information must implement suitable measures to protect that data from loss, misuse, and unauthorized access, disclosure, modification, or destruction.

Data integrity and purpose limitation

Organizations must confirm that the personal data they gather is suitable for its intended use and is accurate, complete, and up to date. You must restrict the collection of personal information to what is necessary for processing and cannot keep it longer than required to achieve the original processing purpose.

Access

Individuals possess the right to correct, modify, or erase incorrect information or has been utilized in ways that breach DPF principles.

Recourse, enforcement and liability

The DPF guarantees adequate legal protections, recourse for individuals whose personal information has been misused, and penalties for organizations that do not comply with DPF principles.

Differences Between DPF, Privacy Shield, and Safe Harbor

Feature/Aspect	EU-US Data Privacy Framework	Privacy Shield	Safe Harbor
Effective Date	July 10, 2023	August 1, 2016	November 1, 2000
Status	Active	Invalidated on July 16, 2020	Invalidated on October 6, 2015
Self-Certification	Yes	Yes	Yes
Individual Rights	Stronger rights for EU citizens to seek redress	Established rights but less robust than DPF	Basic rights without strong enforcement mechanisms
Reason for Invalidation	N/A	Concerns over U.S. surveillance practices	Insufficient protections against U.S. surveillance
Key Principles	Enhanced privacy protections, individual rights, accountability, and transparency	Stricter requirements for onward transfers and monitoring by U.S. agencies	Basic privacy principles with fewer safeguards
Data Transfer Mechanism	Allows smooth data transfer without additional safeguards like SCCs or BCRs	Allowed transfers but required additional safeguards due to invalidation risks	Enabled transfers without additional safeguards

Key Features of the EU-US DPF Program 

The EU-US Data Privacy Framework (DPF) incorporates various important elements to improve data protection and streamline personal data transfer between the European Union (EU) and the United States. 

Following are some key features that EU-US DPF serves:

• Purpose Limitation: Personal data should only be gathered for defined, legitimate objectives and not processed in a manner that contradicts those objectives.  
• Data Minimization: Organizations must ensure that only the essential personal data is collected to achieve the intended goal.  
• Data Accuracy: Organizations must take reasonable measures to verify that personal data is accurate, complete, and current.  
• Storage Limitation: Personal data should not be kept longer than needed for the purposes for which it was initially collected.  
• Transparency: Individuals must be made aware of how their personal data will be utilized, including any third parties with access to it.  
• Individual Rights: The framework supports individuals’ rights to view, correct, and erase personal data. 
• Accountability: Organizations must prove their adherence to these principles and are responsible for any third-party processors they hire. 

Data Protection Mechanisms in the Framework

The DPF implements strong measures to safeguard personal data throughout its transfer and processing an the key measures are: 

Limiting access by US intelligence  

The Data Privacy Framework restricts access by US intelligence and other governmental bodies to what is essential and proportionate concerning national security. 

It also establishes an independent mechanism for redress in instances of alleged violations of the data rights of EU residents. 

Adequacy decision  

The European Commission has issued an adequacy decision confirming that the US ensures personal data protection sufficient to satisfy GDPR standards. 

This indicates that no further safeguards are necessary for the transatlantic data transfer. 

Independent Redress Mechanism

Individuals can use a mechanism to resolve issues related to their data, holding U.S. organizations accountable.

Data Protection Review Court  

The DPF created the Data Protection Review Court (DPRC) as an autonomous review entity to address concerns about US government agencies’ access to the personal data of EU individuals.

Rights and Remedies for Individuals

The DPF highlights the rights of individuals concerning their personal data, offering several important remedies:

• Access Rights: Individuals may request to view organizations’ personal data, enabling them to confirm what information is being handled.
• Correction Rights: Individuals can request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete personal data.
• Deletion Rights: In specific situations, individuals can seek to remove their personal data when it is no longer required for its intended purpose.
• Complaint Mechanism: The DPF outlines a formal process for individuals to submit complaints regarding possible breaches of their privacy rights, ensuring they can address violations of their rights.

These fundamental elements strengthen personal data protection while enabling smoother data exchanges across the Atlantic, ultimately building trust between consumers and businesses in both areas.

Who Can Participate in the EU-US DPF? 

The DPF program impacts organizations in the United States seeking to transfer personal data from individuals in the EU, EEA, U.K., Gibraltar, and Switzerland to servers based in the U.S.  

The following section outlines additional details regarding who is affected by the three privacy frameworks established by this program.  

EU-U.S. DPF  

The EU-U.S. DPF Principles became effective on July 10, 2023

It is relevant for transferring personal data from individuals in the EU and EEA to participating organizations in the United States that adhere to data processing practices consistent with EU regulations, specifically the GDPR.  

U.K. Extension to the EU-U.S. DPF  

The U.K. Extension to the EU-U.S. DPF was implemented on July 17, 2023, and came into effect on October 12 of the same year.   

It concerns U.S. entities that aim to transfer personal data of individuals from the U.K. or Gibraltar to U.S.-based servers, allowing these organizations to self-certify their compliance under the DPF.  

Swiss-U.S. DPF  

The Swiss-U.S. DPF Principles were established on August 14, 2024, and took effect on September 15 of that same year. 

It pertains to U.S. entities wishing to transfer personal information from individuals in Switzerland to U.S.-based servers.  

To remain part of the DPF, organizations must meet compliance obligations continuously and could face enforcement measures if they do not fulfill the defined principles.

Eligibility Criteria for Businesses

To engage in the EU-US Data Privacy Framework (DPF), businesses are required to fulfill certain eligibility requirements:

• U.S. Organizations: Participation is limited to entities located in the United States that manage personal information from individuals in the EU or EEA.
•  Self-Certification: Organizations must self-certify their adherence to DPF principles, proving that they have implemented adequate data protection procedures.  
• Subject to U.S. Jurisdiction: Organizations eligible for participation must fall under U.S. legal jurisdiction, particularly laws enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or other pertinent authorities.

Steps to Self-Certify Under the Framework

Self-certification under the EU-US DPF includes several important steps:  

• Examine Compliance Standards: Organizations need to carefully assess DPF principles and ensure that their data processing activities align with these standards.  
• Implement Required Adjustments: Modify policies, processes, or technical measures to meet DPF obligations.  
• Submit Self-Certification Application: Fill out and submit a self-certification application through the official channels set by the U.S. Department of Commerce.  
• Ensure Ongoing Compliance: After certification, organizations must follow ongoing compliance obligations, such as annual recertification and adherence to DPF principles.  

Obligations for Participating Companies

Companies involved in the EU-US DPF have particular responsibilities they need to fulfill:

• Follow DPF Principles: Organizations must adhere to all principles specified in the DPF, including transparency, accountability, and individual rights.  
• Ensure User Rights: Organizations must guarantee that individuals can access their rights concerning personal data, which encompass the rights to access, correct, and delete.  
• Address Complaints: Companies must establish systems for managing complaints related to the handling of personal data and ensure that they are resolved promptly.  
• Perform Regular Audits: Participating companies are expected to conduct frequent audits of their data handling practices to confirm continued compliance with DPF standards.  

Steps to Ensure Compliance with the EU-US DPF

To ensure compliance with the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework (DPF) using the WPLP Compliance Platform, here’s a step-by-step approach:

Data Collection Transparency

Ensure that your website informs users about the collected data and its purpose. With WPLP Compliance Platform, you can:

• Generate a Privacy Policy: Customize your privacy policy to reflect the data processing practices aligned with the EU-U.S. DPF, detailing how personal data is collected, used, and shared with U.S. entities.
• Cookie Consent Banner: Use the cookie consent feature to gain user consent for using cookies and tracking technologies. This ensures that users are fully informed and have given explicit consent for data processing, as required under the EU-U.S. DPF.

User Rights Management

Ensure that users have clear information about their rights under the EU-U.S. DPF, including:

• Right to Access: Users should be able to request access to the personal data you hold about them.
• Right to Correct or Delete Data: Allow users to correct or delete their personal data as part of your compliance efforts.

The WPLP Compliance Platform can help you create a Data Subject Access Request (DSAR) policy for these purposes.

Data Processing Agreements (DPA)

Ensure that any third-party service providers that process personal data on behalf of your website are in compliance with the EU-U.S. DPF. This includes having Data Processing Agreements in place with these service providers.

The WPLP Compliance Platform can assist by generating relevant legal policies (such as a DPA policy or Third-Party Data Sharing Policy) that outline the terms and conditions of your relationships with third-party vendors.

Third-Party Transfers and Safeguards

Ensure that any data transferred from the EU to the U.S. complies with the EU-U.S. DPF. This involves:

• Implementing Safeguards: Use Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs), or ensure that the U.S. third-party companies are certified under the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework.
• Transparency: Make sure your website includes relevant sections in the privacy policy or a dedicated page to disclose the transfer of data to the U.S., including the safeguards in place to protect personal data.

Ongoing Compliance and Monitoring

Compliance with the EU-U.S. DPF requires continuous monitoring and updating of your data processing activities. With WPLP Compliance Platform, you can:

• Regularly update your legal policies to ensure that they remain in line with any changes to the EU-U.S. DPF.
• Track and report on user consent through the platform’s analytics features.

Audit Trails and Documentation

Ensure that you maintain documentation of your compliance efforts, including user consent logs, data processing records, and DPA agreements. The WPLP Compliance Platform can help keep records of user consents and provide audit trails for compliance verification.

Next, we’ll look at installing a plugin from the WPLP Compliance platform to comply with the EU-US DPF framework.

How to Install a CMP Plugin on Your WordPress Site

Establish a connection with the WP Cookie Consent server by signing up for a free account. 

After linking your account, you will have complete control over cookie configurations, personalization, geo-targeting, and an advanced dashboard.  

Before creating an account, install and enable the WP Cookie Consent plugin via your admin dashboard.

Step 1: Installing WP Cookie Consent Plugin

From your WordPress dashboard, navigate to Plugins > Add New.

Search for  WP Cookie Consent in the search bar.

Click on the Install Now button.

After installation, click on Activate to start using the plugin.

Now the WP Cookie Consent plugin is installed and activated!

Step 2: Create an Account with the WP Cookie Consent Plugin

From your admin dashboard, navigate to WP Cookie Consent. This will open up the WP Cookie Consent Dashboard page.

To create a new account, click on New? Create a free account.

A new pop-up will appear, prompting you to create an account. Clicking on this will redirect you to app.Wplegalpages.com.

Sign up by entering your details and click on the Sign-up & Connect button

Click “Connect Site” to link the WP Cookie Consent plugin.

Your account is successfully created.

FAQ

Conclusion

Adding the IAB TCF into WordPress is crucial for organizations aiming to comply with privacy regulations while fostering user trust.

By understanding the fundamental aspects of the framework, leveraging a dependable CMP plugin, and carefully configuring the settings to align with IAB TCF guidelines, you can create a transparent and secure experience for your audience.

As privacy laws continue to evolve, taking proactive measures is vital. The EU-US DPF lays a strong foundation for international data transfers, making it essential for companies to adapt and adopt these standards.

By adhering to the procedures outlined in this guide, you can ensure compliance, safeguard user data, and boost your reputation in a competitive online landscape.

Grab the Cookie Consent Compliance now!