Privacy Policy

Introduction

The International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (“ICSID,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) respects your concerns about privacy.  This Privacy Notice (“Notice”) applies to the personal data that we collect and handle in order to maintain and provide ICSID-related information to users (“you”) of our website, https://icsid.worldbank.org (“Site”).  The Notice also applies to electronic newsletters or communications that link to this Notice. For the purposes of this Notice, “personal data” means any information relating to an identified or identifiable individual.

This Notice describes the types of personal data we collect, how we use it, who has access to it, and the privacy rights of the Site users under the World Bank Group Policy: Personal Data Privacy (“Privacy Policy”) which applies to ICSID.  We may issue specific data privacy notices for some activities supported by this Site.

This Notice is part of Terms and Conditions governing the access to and use of the Site.  By using this Site, you acknowledge you have read and accepted this Notice.

Information We Collect

We collect personal information through the use of this Site in two ways: when you submit the information to us, and through automated means from your interaction with the Site.

Information You Provide to ICSID

You provide personal data when you communicate with us through the Site, including when you:

  • Request ICSID services or publications or sign up for information;
  • Subscribe to the ICSID newsletter;
  • Use the Site to otherwise contact ICSID with questions or comments;
  • Maintain a profile in our Database of CVs of ICSID Arbitrators, Conciliators and Ad Hoc Committee Members;
  • Register to attend one of our events, conferences or training courses;
  • Complete a questionnaire or other information request forms; 
  • Enroll in Young ICSID; or
  • Express an interest in working with us.

Depending on the circumstances, the categories of personal data that we may collect for the processing purposes described in this Notice may include:

  • Basic identification data, such as first and family name, prefix or title;
  • Demographic data, such as your country of residence or gender;
  • Professional data, such as a job title, organization, CV, experience, profile photo; or
  • Contact data, such as your email address and telephone number.

There is no obligation to enter any personal data to visit or use our Site.  However, we may collect personal data for certain functions and features of the Site.  For example, we may ask you to submit a form to register for a conference or event or to receive our electronic newsletter or communications to fulfil your request or order. By submitting the form, you are authorizing us to use your personal data for the stated purpose.

In cases where we ask you to provide your data, this is voluntary. Where your consent is required for our processing of your personal data, you have the right to withdraw the consent at any time. For example, you may opt out of receiving electronic communications from us by following the ‘unsubscribe’ instructions at the bottom of each email, or by contacting us at ICSIDSecretariat@worldbank.org.  If you do so, we will apply your preference going forward.  

Information We Collect by Automated Means

When you browse our Site, we automatically collect technical data about your visit, including (i) log information, such as the web pages visited, the time spent on each file, the date and time of the visit, and (ii) device and software information, such as your domain and IP address, the browser type and operating system. This information does not specifically identify the individual visitor. We use this data to improve the Site’s offerings and address system performance and security issues.  

Some parts of the Site use “cookies” and “web beacons.” These technologies assist us to enhance your browsing experience and make the sessions as seamless and efficient as possible.  You can set your browser to either accept or reject cookies, or to notify you whenever a cookie is offered so that you can decide each time whether to accept it. To learn more about cookies, click here.

Specific Purpose of Processing

As part of its services to its Member States and the public, ICSID seeks to promote greater awareness of the ICSID dispute resolution processes and the development of international law on foreign investment. ICSID collects and processes personal data only to the extent necessary to fulfill a precise purpose related to its mandate and tasks as an international institution. On this Site, we communicate our work, fulfil our legal obligations to provide public access to official documents, and promote transparency by providing publications, statistical information, and other materials.  In addition, we handle personal data of visitors and subscribers to the Site for the purposes of providing requested services, responding to inquiries, organizing events, enhancing the performance of the Site, and maintaining its safety and security.

Types of Processing

Personal data collected on this Site is processed using manual and automated means. Automated processing is used for the sole purpose of website functionality and user experience. Manual processing may be applied for updates to content or if problems are discovered on the Site.

Information We Share

ICSID will not sell of rent personal data to third parties and will treat your personal data as confidential, except where applicable rules require the publication of limited personal data in ICSID official documents. Access to your personal data is generally limited to ICSID staff.  If this is necessary for the purposes mentioned above, we may share your personal data with the following categories of recipients:

  • World Bank Group business units to allow them to provide services for the technical maintenance of this Site and other related services.
  • Third-party service providers for the purposes of web analytics and email communications of our newsletter and event notifications.  Our service providers are not authorized to use or disclose personal data, except as necessary to perform specific services for ICSID. We require our partners and service providers to appropriately safeguard the privacy and security of personal data they process on ICSID’s behalf.

Third Party Websites

This Site contains links to websites of other unaffiliated organizations and social media platforms such as Twitter, YouTube, and SoundCloud.  When you link to other websites or click on the icons displayed on the social media bar, this Notice no longer applies. ICSID is not responsible for the data privacy practices or content of any unaffiliated parties or websites.  We encourage you to read the privacy notices on other websites you visit.

How We Protect Your Information

The World Bank Group employs a range of technologies and a combination of appropriate organizational, technical, and administrative measures to protect the information maintained in our systems from accidental loss, unauthorized access, damage, or destruction.

How Long We Keep the Information

We retain personal data as long as necessary for the purposes set out in this Notice and in accordance with ICSID’s applicable records retention and disposition schedules.

Changes to This Privacy Notice

ICSID may periodically update this Notice to reflect changes in functionality and improvements to this Site.  We will post a new Notice if the change has material implications on the way we collect or use your personal data for the stated purposes. This Notice is effective as of the date identified on the bottom of this page.

Your Rights

Under our Privacy Policy you may, subject to certain limitations and conditions, (i) request information regarding the processing of your personal data pursuant to this Notice, and (ii) seek review if you believe that your personal data has been processed in violation of the Privacy Policy. To request information or review, please contact the ICSID Data Privacy Team at icsiddataprivacy@worldbank.org. We will make all reasonable efforts to resolve your request promptly. 

As part of our security procedures, we may request to verify your identity before we respond to your request for information about your personal data or before we process your other requests.

For More Information

If you have any questions about this Notice, or wish to exercise any of your rights as described above, you can contact the ICSID Data Privacy Team at icsiddataprivacy@worldbank.org or write to us at the address below:

ICSID
Attn: Data Privacy Team
1818 H Street, N.W.
MSN C3-300
Washington, D.C. 20433
U.S.A

Last updated:  November 9, 2021