When a meeting is held under the CIGI Rule, participants are free to use the information received and the identity and affiliation of participants may be revealed, but no views expressed or other information received may be attributed to any participant.
The CIGI Rule is a variation of the Chatham House Rule. It was established to encourage open discussion in a relaxed environment while allowing for the public distribution of participant lists and social media sharing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How is the CIGI Rule different from the Chatham House Rule?
A. Unlike the Chatham House Rule, participants can be identified in lists or social media provided that neither their identity nor their institutional affiliation(s) are attributed to information or opinions presented in the meeting.
Q. Can you attribute information that you shared to yourself?
A. Yes. Participants are free to share their own information, attributable only to themselves, should they choose.
Q. Is the CIGI Rule used for all meetings at CIGI?
A. No. When the CIGI Rule is used, participants will be notified ahead of time as well as at the beginning of the event. The CIGI Rule is often used for smaller, round table discussions or when a more sensitive topic is being discussed.
Q. Can you use social media while at an event under the CIGI Rule?
A. Social media can be used to share information without attribution. For example, a photograph of a slide presentation, in isolation, that doesn’t identify the source (individual or affiliation) can be posted. A video of the same slide with audible audio of the speaker, however, is not permissible.
Q. How is the CIGI Rule enforced?
A. At events hosted by CIGI, participants who violate the CIGI Rule may be asked to leave and/or excluded from future events.
If you have a question about the CIGI Rule that is not answered by the above, please contact us.