What is the difference between a Red Notice and a diffusion, and can both be checked?

A Red Notice is a formal international alert published through Interpol’s centralised system, while a diffusion is circulated directly between member countries without Interpol’s central review — often faster to issue but less visible. Diffusions do not appear in Interpol’s public database and are frequently used for urgent cases. Both can trigger border detentions. A Subject Access Request to the CCF will reveal whether either type of alert exists against you, though response times for diffusion inquiries may vary depending on which National Central Bureaus hold the data.