INTERPOL implements new rules on processing of police information

3 July 2012

LYON, France – New rules governing the processing of data by INTERPOL to enhance the speed, quality and effectiveness of information exchange between INTERPOL’s General Secretariat headquarters and its 190 member countries have come into force.

The provisions, which incorporate the latest technical innovations, determine the conditions for the sharing and processing of information whilst respecting an individual’s fundamental human rights, as outlined in Article 2 of INTERPOL’s Constitution.

Unanimously adopted by the INTERPOL General Assembly in November 2011 in Vietnam, the new INTERPOL’s Rules on the Processing of Data, which came into effect on 1 July 2012, apply to any and all information circulated via INTERPOL channels.

“These new rules provide additional guarantees and transparency in relation to the recording and accessing of information in INTERPOL’s databases,” said Joël Sollier, INTERPOL’s General Counsel.

“The unanimous acceptance by the General Assembly of these new rules also demonstrates the commitment of each of our member countries to ensure the efficiency and quality of international police cooperation via INTERPOL.

“With the protection of personal data becoming increasingly important in the day-to-day lives of individuals, INTERPOL’s new regulations provide a benchmark for international standards for information exchange,” concluded Mr Sollier.

INTERPOL was among the first international organizations to recognize the importance of implementing strong data protection measures with the adoption of a resolution in 1982, just one year after the Council of Europe implemented Convention 108 for the protection of Individuals with regard to Automatic Processing of Personal Data.

The new regulations for INTERPOL’s processing of data will also provide the organization with a strong legal basis for the continued upgrading and enhancement of its tools to strengthen police cooperation globally.