The freedom to use the idea. Not the freedom to name the speaker.
The Chatham House Rule creates a shared expectation of non-attribution so that participants can test ideas and explain constraints without turning every sentence into a public position.
The practical rule
Participants may use the information received, but may not disclose the identity or affiliation of any speaker or participant.
What it allows
- Use of ideas and information after the meeting.
- Discussion of themes without attribution.
- Candid participation in an individual capacity, even where views differ from an institution’s formal position.
What it does not allow
- Naming or identifying the source of a remark.
- Indirect attribution through clues, context or a restricted participant profile.
- Public circulation of the working participant list.
- Recording or publishing content contrary to the meeting conditions.
ATFCD participation conditions
The Rule is not, by itself, a non-disclosure agreement. ATFCD will therefore supplement it with written participation conditions covering recording, documents, personal data, media contact, attribution and consequences of breach. Confidential investment or regulatory material will be governed separately.
ATFCD is not organised by, sponsored by or affiliated with Chatham House. The definitive explanation of the Rule is published by Chatham House.