Data protection

The regulated exchange of police information lies at the core of the INTERPOL’s mandate and the centrality of data to INTERPOL’s work is reflected in our longstanding commitment to privacy and data protection.

A history of data protection

The importance of privacy in INTERPOL operations was formally recognized as early as 1974, when INTERPOL’s General Assembly adopted a Resolution entitled “Privacy of Information”, which urged NCBs and the General Secretariat to take into account the privacy of the individual when exchanging criminal justice information.

INTERPOL’s data protection rules have continually evolved in lockstep with international conventions. Shortly after the conclusion of Convention 108 of the Council of Europe – the first ever binding international convention on data protection – INTERPOL created an independent data protection authority, today known as the CCF.

Rules on the Processing of Data

INTERPOL’s current set of data processing rules – the Rules on the Processing of Data (RPD) – were adopted by INTERPOL’s General Assembly in 2011 and entered into force in July 2012. They have since been continually updated to keep pace with technological developments and evolving international data protection standards.

The RPD govern all data processing in the INTERPOL Information System, including that surrounding the publication and circulation of Red Notices.

This robust set of rules ensures the efficiency and quality of international cooperation between criminal police authorities through INTERPOL channels as well as due respect for the basic rights of the individuals who are subjects of this cooperation.