In the last post, the focus was on INTERPOL’s consciousness of its potential vulnerability to legal action based on improperly issued Red Notices.  INTERPOL’s I-Link system, which allows member countries much more broad discretion in the issuance of Red Notices, has allowed for information to be processed using INTERPOL’s databases in a way that was impossible prior to the I-Link system being implemented.

As INTERPOL has become aware of the dangers associated with member countries’ increased autonomy, it has taken steps to guard against improper processing of individuals’ information. Beginning in July of this year, INTERPOL’s new rules regarding the processing of data will become effective.  The new rules obviously retain and incorporate many of the existing rules, but there are also new provisions designed to hold individual National Central Bureaus (NCBs) accountable for their actions.

If the new rules are effectively enforced, wayward NCBs will be restricted in their ability to behave in a corrupt or careless fashion.  With 190 member countries, there will always be difficulties in terms of the proper use of INTERPOL’s tools, and member participation will never be perfect or flawless.  INTERPOL’s willingness to acknowledge and address the problems that have arisen from the misuse of its tools, however, is a step in the right direction.

As always, comments and questions are welcome.