How to Request Access to Your INTERPOL Data Through the CCF

You have the right to request access to data about yourself held in INTERPOL’s files. Submit your request to the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files (CCF) — an independent body that oversees what INTERPOL stores about individuals. Article 18 of the CCF Statute grants this right regardless of your nationality or where you live. Since 10:00 CET on 26 March 2026, all requests must go through the secure online portal unless you face exceptional circumstances that prevent it.

Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files (CCF) – an independent supervisory body established under INTERPOL’s Statute to ensure all data processing activities comply with INTERPOL’s Rules on the Processing of Data (RPD) and to decide requests for access, correction, or deletion of personal data held in INTERPOL’s databases.

Article 18 of INTERPOL’s Statute gives any person — regardless of nationality, residence, or whether you know a Red Notice exists against you — the right to ask what data INTERPOL holds. You can request access to Red Notices, Diffusions, stolen travel document entries, and all other personal information stored in INTERPOL’s systems.

Three distinct types of requests exist, each with different rules and timelines. An access request answers “What does INTERPOL know about me?” A correction request argues that existing data is inaccurate and demands amendment. A deletion request contends that the data violates INTERPOL’s rules or no longer serves a legitimate purpose. Rule 30 of the CCF Operating Rules applies different admissibility standards to each, and decision timelines differ sharply: access requests get four months, while correction or deletion requests receive nine months under Article 19 of the CCF Statute.

The CCF operates independently from INTERPOL’s General Secretariat and National Central Bureaux (NCBs). When you file, the CCF examines whether INTERPOL followed its legal framework when processing your data. It has authority to order INTERPOL to grant access, correct inaccurate information, or delete unlawfully processed data.

Your country’s National Central Bureau may appear during review. NCBs are the national contact points within INTERPOL’s network and often hold context about data entries. The CCF may consult the relevant NCB to verify facts, particularly when assessing whether data was processed lawfully under national law. That said, the CCF’s decision remains independent — NCB involvement cannot override the CCF’s supervisory authority.

Starting 10:00 CET on 26 March 2026, the secure online portal at INTERPOL’s CCF website is the standard channel for all individual requests. Rule 25(2) exceptions exist but are rare — typically limited to people facing technical barriers that genuinely prevent online submission. If you believe you qualify, consult legal counsel before attempting an alternative method.

Postal submission remains available in limited circumstances. You may send your request by registered mail with return receipt to Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files, 200 quai Charles de Gaulle, 69006 Lyon, France. Registered mail creates a paper trail proving when you submitted, whereas email offers no such protection and carries higher risk of technical failure.

Your request must be written in one of INTERPOL’s four working languages: Arabic, English, French, or Spanish. Requests in any other language are inadmissible until you provide a translation. Supporting documents must also be in one of these four languages — if not, they require certified translation.

What Documents Do You Need to Submit an Access Request?

A valid identity document is mandatory. Attach a copy of your passport or government-issued identity card showing an unredacted photograph, full name, and date of birth. Any redaction renders the request inadmissible — the CCF uses this document to verify you are who you claim to be.

Only these file types are accepted: PDF, DOC, DOCX, XLS, XLSX, CSV, TXT, RTF, HTML, JPG, JPEG, PNG, and GIF. Video and audio files will be rejected. Convert your identity document to PDF if it arrives in another format.

Filing through a representative? You must provide a signed power of attorney specifying that the representative can submit access, correction, or deletion requests to the CCF on your behalf. Both you and your representative must sign and date it. Without this document, the CCF will reject the request as inadmissible.

No lawyer is required to file an access request, though legal assistance helps when facing identity verification complications, NCB objections, or planning follow-on correction or deletion requests.

Must you hire a lawyer? No. The CCF charges no fees, and the process is open to individuals. However, legal assistance proves valuable when you encounter complications — identity verification delays, NCB resistance, or if your access results reveal data you want corrected or deleted. A lawyer familiar with INTERPOL matters can assemble a stronger admissibility package on the first submission and advise on next steps if unlawful data emerges.

This article is published by an independent law firm for informational purposes only and does not represent or claim affiliation with any government body, international organisation, or official authority.