Global Privacy Control: A Business Guide to Compliance

The stakes are high because consumer concerns are real. Studies show 79% of Americans worry about how companies use their data, while 81% feel they lack control over what businesses collect. That’s precisely why Global Privacy Control (GPC) was created—to give users a one-click solution to opt out of data selling across the entire internet, restoring some of that missing control.

So what exactly is GPC? How does it work technically? And most importantly, what specific steps must your business take to stay compliant and avoid Sephora-like penalties? This comprehensive guide walks you through everything from GPC’s origins to practical implementation steps that your development team can actually follow.

What is Global Privacy Control?

Global Privacy Control (GPC) is a privacy tool that works in browsers. It lets users tell websites not to sell or share their personal data. GPC works better than the old “Do Not Track” signal because it has legal support.

GPC was created by privacy groups, tech companies, and browser makers working together. They built a simple way for users to protect their data on all websites with one setting. When someone turns on GPC in their browser, it tells every website they visit: “Don’t sell or share my personal information.”

Organizations supporting GPC include the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), the National Science Foundation, Mozilla, The New York Times, and The Washington Post. These groups came together in response to privacy laws like the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), which called for a universal opt-out signal for consumers.

How Does Global Privacy Control Work?

The technology is simple. When a user turns on GPC, their browser adds a special code (Sec-GPC: 1) to all website visits. Websites can also check for this signal using JavaScript.

This means users don’t have to find and click “Do Not Sell My Info” buttons on every website they visit. They can set their choice once, and it works everywhere.

Browsers like Firefox, Brave, and DuckDuckGo already support Global Privacy Control, and millions of people use it. What makes GPC different from older privacy tools is that laws in places like California require businesses to follow it or face fines.

When a website receives the Global Privacy Control signal, it should automatically:

• Stop selling the user’s personal information
• Limit the sharing of personal data with third parties
• Apply the same protections as if the user had manually opted out

Why Your Business Should Comply with GPC

The privacy landscape is evolving rapidly, with the Global Privacy Control signal playing an increasingly important role. While implementation requirements vary by jurisdiction, the trend is clear: giving users more control over their data isn’t just good ethics—it’s becoming good business. Here is why you should run fast!

Legal Requirements and Avoiding Penalties

The main reason to use GPC is that it’s becoming law in many places. California’s CCPA/CPRA rules require businesses to honor GPC as a valid opt-out request. Colorado, Connecticut, and Texas have similar rules.

This is not just talk – regulators are enforcing these rules. In 2022, Sephora had to pay a $1.2 million fine under CCPA partly because they didn’t follow GPC signals. Most businesses want to avoid such expensive mistakes.

The CCPA requirements are specific: if you collect personal information from California residents online, you must process opt-out requests made through global privacy controls. The California Attorney General has made it clear that ignoring GPC signals can lead to enforcement actions. As more states adopt similar laws, the legal landscape will only become more complex.

Building Trust with Your Customers

Pew Research Center shows that consumers are becoming more concerned about their data privacy:

• 79% of Americans are concerned about how companies use their data
• 81% feel they have little or no control over the data companies collect
• 52% have decided not to use a product or service because of privacy concerns

So, in today’s world, respecting user privacy choices is important. When customers see that you honor their privacy settings automatically, it shows them your company cares about their choices.

The alternative is making visitors search for small “Do Not Sell” links hidden at the bottom of pages or showing them many confusing pop-ups. This creates a bad experience for users.

When your business respects privacy signals like GPC, you demonstrate good faith and transparency. This builds the kind of trust that leads to longer customer relationships and positive word-of-mouth.

Creating a Better User Experience

GPC compliance makes websites better for users. Without GPC, people who care about privacy must fill out opt-out forms on every website they visit.

When your site follows GPC automatically, users have a smoother experience with fewer interruptions. They can focus on your content instead of managing privacy settings. A better experience means users stay longer on your site, which is good for business.

Consider the typical user journey without GPC support:

1. Users visit your website.
2. Users must locate your privacy policy or the “Do Not Sell My Info” link.
3. Users click through to a separate page.
4. Users complete a form or toggle settings.
5. Users wait for confirmation.
6. Users return to their original task.

This creates friction and frustration, especially when multiplied across dozens of websites. With GPC support, this entire process happens automatically, letting users enjoy your content without interruption.

Staying Ahead of Evolving Regulations

Privacy laws are growing quickly. By adding GPC support now, you prepare your business for future rules.

Many U.S. states already require businesses to follow global opt-out signals, and more countries are getting interested in similar rules. If you implement GPC now, you won’t have to rush when these rules become required in more places.

The trend in privacy regulation is clear:

• California passed the CCPA in 2018, with enforcement beginning in 2020
• The CPRA amendments strengthened these protections in 2020
• Colorado, Connecticut, and Texas passed similar laws in 2021-2023
• More states have privacy legislation pending

This pattern suggests that universal opt-out mechanisms like GPC will become standard requirements across more jurisdictions. Early adoption puts you ahead of this curve instead of constantly catching up with each new law.

Gaining a Competitive Edge

Being good with privacy can make your business stand out. As more people care about privacy, they choose companies that respect their data rights.

When your privacy policy says you follow GPC signals, it shows customers that your business is trustworthy and modern. This can help you win customers in competitive markets.

Other US State Privacy Laws

Not all states are jumping on the GPC signal bandwagon. Virginia’s Consumer Data Protection Act (VCDPA) and Utah’s Consumer Privacy Act (UCPA) currently don’t require businesses to respond to the GPC signal. This creates a patchwork approach where your obligations change depending on where your customers live.

GDPR and the European Approach

The EU’s GDPR flips the script with an opt-in model—users must actively consent before you can process their data. While the GDPR doesn’t explicitly require honoring the Global Privacy Control signal, there’s an interesting wrinkle.

GDPR Recital 7 emphasizes that “Natural persons should have control of their own personal data.” This principle suggests that a GPC signal detected by your systems could be considered a clear communication of a user’s privacy preferences, which you’re obligated to respect.

Looking ahead, the GPC website notes that it’s “possible that a GPC signal opting out of processing could create a legally binding obligation for data processors” under GDPR in the future.

How to Implement Global Privacy Control Compliance?

Implementing Global Privacy Control (GPC) doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a straightforward approach to getting your website ready for this privacy standard.

Step 1: Set Up Your Website to Detect GPC Signals

First, you need your website to recognize when someone has GPC turned on. Think of it like teaching your website to spot a “privacy please” flag when visitors arrive.

There are two main ways to do this:

• Server-side detection: This checks for a special header called Sec-GPC: 1 in web requests.
• Client-side detection: This uses JavaScript to check for navigator.globalPrivacyControl.

Most businesses should implement both methods to catch the signal no matter how it comes through. Your web development team can add this to your website code directly or through your Consent Management Platform.

Step 2: Respect the Opt-Out When Detected

When your website spots a GPC signal, treat it just like someone clicked your “Do Not Sell My Info” button. This means automatically:

• Turning off trackers that sell or share personal data
• Stopping data sharing with partners for that visitor
• Applying the same privacy protections you use for CCPA compliance

Here’s how you might implement this:

For your tracking and advertising:

• Set up your tag manager to check for GPC before loading ad scripts
• Use a data layer flag to prevent third-party sharing
• Switch to privacy-friendly analytics for these users

For your data systems:

• Add a field in user records for GPC preference
• Update your data-sharing systems to filter out GPC users’ data
• Create rules in your customer data platform to respect these preferences

If you already have CCPA compliance in place, you can simply add GPC detection as another trigger for those same privacy protections.

Step 3: Update Your Privacy Policy

Be transparent about your GPC practices by updating your privacy policy. This builds trust with users and shows regulators you’re following the rules.

You could add simple language like:

“Our website respects Global Privacy Control signals. If you have GPC enabled in your browser, we automatically treat this as a request to opt out of selling or sharing your personal information. No additional steps needed.”

Consider also:

• Adding a link to the GPC website.
• Mentioning which privacy regulations this helps you comply with.
• Explaining how users can turn on GPC in their browsers.

You might also want to update your cookie banner to acknowledge when a GPC signal is detected.

Step 4: Test Everything Works

After setting up GPC support, make sure it’s working properly:

1. Turn on GPC in a compatible browser (like Abine, Brave, or DuckDuckGo)
2. Visit your website
3. Check that your opt-out systems kick in automatically
4. Use browser developer tools to confirm the GPC signal is being received
5. Verify that tracking scripts don’t load and data isn’t being shared

Keep records of your testing and how your system responds to GPC signals. This documentation shows good-faith compliance if questions arise later.

Run these tests periodically, especially after website updates, to ensure ongoing compliance.

💡 Learn more: How to Implement Global Privacy Control (GPC) 

How Consentik Can Help with Global Privacy Control?

Consentik is a Consent Management Platform (CMP) that helps businesses follow privacy rules, including GPC. When you add Consentik to your website, it makes it easier to manage user consent and follow GPC signals.

Consentik offers several helpful features for GPC:

1. Automatic GPC Detection: Consentik’s Cookie Banner app can detect when a user has GPC enabled in their browser. This means your website will automatically respect users’ privacy choices.
2. Easy Consent Management: As a Consent Management Platform (CMP) approved under the IAB Transparency and Consent Framework (TCF) 2.2, Consentik follows the IAB Transparency and Consent Framework standards. This helps you collect and manage user consent clearly and properly.
3. Better Compliance: Using Consentik helps you follow privacy laws and respect user choices. This reduces your risk of breaking rules and builds trust with your customers.
4. Support for GPC Signals Across Multiple Platforms: Consentik supports GPC signals on websites and across various platforms like Wix, Shopify, etc, ensuring consistent privacy control no matter where your users engage with your content.

By using Consentik, your business can easily manage GPC signals and follow privacy rules, which helps create better relationships with your customers.

Global Privacy Control FAQs

Is Global Privacy Control legit?

Yes, Global Privacy Control (GPC) is a legitimate tool. It’s a browser setting that lets you tell websites not to sell or share your personal information. In places like California, laws require businesses to respect this signal as a valid request to protect your privacy.

What is the Global Privacy Control setting in Chrome?

Google Chrome doesn’t have a built-in Global Privacy Control setting yet. But you can add it by installing privacy-focused extensions like DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials, Privacy Badger, or Disconnect. These extensions send the GPC signal to websites automatically, helping protect your personal data. ​

Does CCPA require global privacy control?

Yes, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) requires businesses to respect Global Privacy Control signals. If you send a GPC signal, businesses must treat it as a formal request to stop selling or sharing your personal information. 

What is an example of an opt-out preference signal?

An example of an opt-out preference signal is Global Privacy Control (GPC). It’s a browser setting that automatically tells websites you don’t want your personal information sold or shared, without needing to make manual requests on each site.

Final Thoughts

We’ve explored everything about Global Privacy Control in this guide—what it is, why it matters, and how to implement it. The key takeaway? Privacy expectations are evolving, and businesses 

Remember, progress beats perfection. Even small steps toward GPC compliance show you’re moving in the right direction. The privacy landscape will continue changing, but the principle behind Global Privacy Control—respecting user choices—remains constant. Embrace this today to prepare for tomorrow’s privacy world.