The CCF Commission is responsible for verifying that Interpol’s personal data processing complies with the current Interpol rules. This body acts as a guarantor of the Organisation’s independence and impartiality, upholding Interpol’s integrity and fairness.
What is the Commission for the Control of Interpol’s Files (CCF)?
Interpol (the International Criminal Police Organization) is the largest international police organization, uniting 195 member countries. In each country, an INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) provides a central point of contact for General Secretariat and other NCBs. To effectively carry out its tasks, Interpol collects, stores, and disseminates information about crimes and individuals suspected or convicted of committing them. However, the way personal data processed must comply with international human rights and personal data protection standards. To ensure this compliance, the CCF Commission was established.
The Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files (CCF) is an independent body within Interpol information system, responsible for safeguarding human rights and ensuring legality in the processing of personal data within the Organisation’s systems. To perform its functions, the Commission directly consults the INTERPOL General Secretariat, National Central Bureaus and other relevant entities. The CCF plays a pivotal role in maintaining a balance between effective international cooperation in combating crime and protecting the rights of individuals whose data is processed.
If a person wishes to submit a request to Interpol for data verification or to remove a notice, it is necessary to submit a request to the CCF. The request must be submitted in written form in one of Interpol’s four official languages (English, French, Spanish, Arabic). It is necessary to provide a set of documents: copies of identification, contact information, a description of the situation, and a justification for the request.
Following this, the Commission will conduct a detailed analysis and make a decision regarding granting access to data, correcting it, or deleting it. The outcomes of the review will be communicated to the applicant in writing.
The Role of CCF
The commission ensures that the personal data processed within Interpol complies with the organisation’s internal rules and international data protection standards. This includes monitoring the legality of storing, using, and transferring information about individuals between Interpol member countries.
Key Functions of the CCF:
- Supervisory Role: oversight of compliance with data processing rules and procedures, monitoring the legality of Interpol’s actions, ensuring adherence to all regulatory requirements.
- Advisory Role: providing recommendations and consultations to Interpol on matters related to policy and data processing procedures.
- Processing Role: Handling requests from individuals and legal representatives who seek access to their data, its correction, or deletion.
Additionally, the CCF considers requests from individuals who wish to access their personal data, correct it, or have it deleted from Interpol’s databases.
CCF Structure
The Interpol Files Control Commission is comprised of two chambers: the Supervisory Board and the Advisory Board. Each chamber has its own functions and composition, ensuring the Commission’s tasks are carried out effectively.
The Supervisory Board is responsible for reviewing requests from individuals who wish to verify or delete information about themselves stored by Interpol. It assesses whether data processing complies with the Organisation’s rules and whether it protects human rights.
The Supervisory Board is composed of five members who are appointed by the General Assembly of Interpol. The composition of the board reflects the geographical diversity of Interpol’s member countries.
Members of the Oversight Board cannot be Interpol employees or other individuals under the influence of any states or organisations. They must be experts in the field of international criminal law, data protection, and human rights. Members are appointed for a term of 5 years with the possibility of renewal for one additional term.
The Advisory Chamber provides recommendations to Interpol on the policy of data storage and use. Its task is to assess the compliance of new Interpol projects and initiatives with international data protection standards, as well as to develop recommendations for improving policies and procedures for data processing.
The Advisory Chamber is comprised of 4 members, also appointed by the Interpol General Assembly. Members must possess specialised knowledge in the fields of information technology, data protection, and human rights. Their term of office is 4 years, with the possibility of extension.
To ensure the Commission operates effectively, there is a Secretariat that supports both chambers in administrative and technical matters. The Secretariat is responsible for:
- Organising meetings: preparing the agenda, materials, and minutes.
- Processing requests: initial verification and registration of incoming inquiries from individuals.
- Liaison with the General Secretariat: coordination of interaction between the Commission and other Interpol bodies.
What are the Main Principles of CCF?
The procedure for the CCF Commission works as follows. A request from an individual is received by the Commission’s Secretariat, where it is checked for compliance with formal requirements. The Oversight Board analyses the request, asks for additional information if necessary, and then makes a decision on access, correction, or deletion of data.
Should the need arise, the Advisory Chamber can provide an opinion on complex data processing issues. The Commission’s decision is communicated to the applicant via the Secretariat. In the event of a refusal, a rationale and information on possible further actions are provided.
The work of the CCF is based on a number of fundamental principles that ensure its functions are carried out effectively and fairly:
- Independence;
- Impartiality;
- Confidentiality;
- Transparency;
- Respect for human rights.
Although the Commission operates independently, it can interact with national law enforcement and judicial bodies to obtain the necessary information or clarifications.
CCF Requirements
Any person has the right to request access to data about them held in INTERPOL’s files. For the effective consideration of a request, the Commission requires compliance with a number of requirements. A properly prepared request speeds up the review process and increases the chances of a favourable outcome. Failure to meet these requirements may lead to delays or the rejection of the request.
The request must be submitted in writing in one of Interpol’s four official languages: English, French, Spanish, or Arabic. It is necessary to provide all the identification details of the applicant:
- Full Name
- Date and place of birth;
- Citizenship;
- Current postal address;
- Email address;
- Telephone number for contact.
It is needed to attach a copy of your valid passport or national identity card with a photograph. If the documents are not in one of Interpol’s official languages, a certified translation must be provided.
When providing a detailed description of the circumstances related to your case it is requered to also specify the reasons for reaching out to the Commission. If possible, supply information that could assist in identifying the data within Interpol’s systems, such as: the number of the red notice, the name of the country that initiated the request, dates or periods associated with the case.
When possible, refer to the relevant articles of Interpol’s Data Processing Rules that you believe have been violated. Attach copies of court decisions that support your position (for example, an acquittal or a decision to discontinue criminal prosecution).
The request must be signed personally by the applicant or their legal representative. If the request is submitted by a representative, a notarially certified power of attorney must be attached.
The request can be sent by post, fax, or email. The address for correspondence is: Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files, 200 Quai Charles de Gaulle, 69006 Lyon, France. Email address: [email protected] Fax: +33 (0)4 72 44 71 63
Our team of experienced Interpol lawyers will assess the prospects of your case and develop an effective strategy for applying to the CCF. We will assist in gathering all necessary documents and drafting a request in accordance with the Commission’s requirements. Should the need arise, we will help appeal CCF decisions and undertake additional legal steps.
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