Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) for the Policy List

LAC-2018-13-v3 LAC-2018-13-v4 Vs
References:
New
Deleted
Modified
Authors

Name: Jordi Palet Martinez
Email: jordi.palet@theipv6company.com
Organization: The IPv6 Company
Name: Edwin Salazar
Email: edwin.salazar@wifitelecom.ec
Organization: Wifitelecom

Name: Jordi Palet Martinez
Email: jordi.palet@theipv6company.com
Organization: The IPv6 Company
Name: Edwin Salazar
Email: edwin.salazar@wifitelecom.ec
Organization: Wifitelecom

Summary

This proposal seeks to implement an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) for the Policy List, as no such document currently exist
s.

This proposal seeks to implement an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) for the Policy List, as no such document currently exist
s.

Rationale (Describe the problem you intend to solve)

On several occasions there have been annoying activities that are contrary to the purpose and spirit of the Policy List,
cases of misuse, various attacks and even election advertising.
Participants must have explicit knowledge of what can and cannot be done on the list, as well as the potential penalties
for infringing the rules. Otherwise, we will continue to see these actions that affect the community as a whole.
The global nature of list participants and the fact that participants are in different time zones make it impossible to
solve this issue either permanently or repetitively by implementing temporary moderations of the list. This moderation a
ffects the openness of the list and especially its dynamics, two essential features of the Policy Development Process, w
hich specifies that the list must be “completely open.” Any form of moderation constitutes censorship, even if only temp
orary, and therefore breaches the principle of openness.

On several occasions there have been annoying activities that are contrary to the purpose and spirit of the Policy List,
cases of misuse, various attacks and even election advertising.
Participants should have explicit knowledge of what can and cannot be done on the list, as well as of the potential pena
lties for infringing the rules. Otherwise, we will continue to see these actions that affect the community as a whole.
The global nature of list participants and the fact that they are posting from different time zones make it impossible t
o solve this issue either permanently or repetitively by implementing a temporary moderation of the list. This moderatio
n affects the openness of the list and especially its dynamics, two essential features of the Policy Development Process
, which specifies that the list must be “completely open.” Any form of moderation constitutes censorship, even if only t
emporary, and therefore breaches the principle of openness.

Current text

Current text: N/A
New text:
(Note: The following text would be added at the end of the current PDP.)
8. Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) for the Public Policy List
8.1. Purpose, Operation and Acceptable Use of the Public Policy List
The sole and exclusive purpose of the Public Policy List is the presentation and discussion of policy-related aspects, i
ncluding ideas, suggestions, proposals, results of the PDP, and other clearly related aspects.
Except in case of prior and explicit decision of the chairs, any discussion not in line with this purpose, such as event
announcements, calls for papers, advertising of any kind (including electoral propaganda), expressions of support for c
andidates and, in general, any topic that is not explicitly policy-related, is outside the scope of this list. Note that
the examples listed above are for illustrative purposes only.
Only the chairs and/or LACNIC staff may call for and/or announce candidates and the voting procedure. The remaining step
s in the procedure will necessarily take place off the list. By way of example, candidate nominations, expressions for o
r against a candidate or other similar actions are not allowed on the list.
Only the chairs may issue a warning to those in violation of the AUP and take the corresponding actions, announcing thei
r decision through the list. Any suspected violation must be reported exclusively to the chairs.
A link to the PDP and the text of the AUP will be sent to each new list subscriber, who must explicitly check their acce
ptance. Until confirming this link by checking both options, the subscriber will only be able to receive messages from t
he list. If subscription reminders are sent, such messages must also remind subscribers of the AUP.
Likewise, the at the bottom of each message, a link will be included to allow list subscribers to manage their subscript
ion preferences.
LACNIC will periodically add different email addresses outside its domains to be used as a honeypot.
All mailing list posts are archived, they are publicly available and may not be censored by LACNIC.
In very exceptional cases, the chairs may decide the temporary moderation of the list, informing of such moderation and
the reasons for their decision, for example, to avoid “attacks” of any kind that might affect the normal functioning of
the list, provided that the moderation is only for brief and perfectly defined periods of time and that there is the gua
rantee that messages will not be delayed more than eight hours (approximately). For this task the chairs will be support
ed by the staff.
If additional mechanisms are used other than a mailing list (forums, applications, etc.), the entire content of this pol
icy will also apply, under the same or technically equivalent terms.
8.2. Violations of the Applicable Use Policy (AUP) for the Policy List
The following are considered violations of the AUP:
a) Any use of the list that goes against the section above, as well as any announcement without the prior and explicit a
uthorization of the chairs, including those related to an electoral process.
b) Ad hominem attacks, foul language, disrespect, and the sending (or forwarding) of private messages (unless with the p
rior and explicit consent of the parties involved).
c) Responses to inappropriate messages.
d) Auto-reply messages as well as unsubscribe, email address modification and other similar requests.
e) Use of the list to collect participants’ contact information and using such information for sending spam (any message
that has not been previously and explicitly requested).
i) Any attempt to commit fraud or bypass a penalty, such as the use of alternative mail addresses.
Based on the above, the chairs may determine what other actions also constitute unacceptable uses of the list.
8.3. Penalties in Case of Violation of the AUP
Considering the global nature of list participants, when deciding on potential violations of the AUP, the chairs will ta
ke into account relevant cultural aspects and language differences.
The first violation of the AUP will automatically result in a temporary suspension of the offender's right to post to th
e list for a period of one (1) month, which will be extended to one (1) year in case of a second violation. At the discr
etion of the chairs, successive violations may result in longer suspensions.
Violations relating to election processes may result in the loss of the right to participate as a candidate, as well as
the right to nominate candidates, in election processes for four (4) years. This penalty may also apply in case of repea
t violations once the offender has been penalized for at least one year.

Current text: does not exist
New text:
Note: The following text would be added at the end of the current PDP.)
8. Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) for the Public Policy List
8.1. Purpose, Operation and Acceptable Use of the Public Policy List
The sole and exclusive purpose of the Public Policy List is the presentation and discussion of
policy-related aspects, including ideas, suggestions, proposals, results of the PDP, and other clearly related aspects.
Except in case of prior and explicit decision of the chairs, any discussion not in line with this purpose, such as event
announcements, calls for papers, advertising of any kind (including electoral propaganda), expressions of support for c
andidates and, in general, any topic that is not explicitly policy-related, is outside the scope of this list. Note that
the examples listed above are for illustrative purposes only.
Only the chairs and/or LACNIC staff may call for and/or announce candidates and the voting procedure. The remaining step
s of the procedure will necessarily take place off the list. By way of example, candidate nominations, expressions for o
r against a candidate or other similar actions are not allowed on the list.
Only the chairs may issue a warning to those in violation of the AUP and take the corresponding actions, announcing thei
r decision through the list. Any suspected violation must be reported exclusively to the chairs.
A link to the PDP and the text of the AUP will be sent to each new list subscriber, who must explicitly check their acce
ptance. Until confirming this link by checking both options, the subscriber will only be able to receive messages from t
he list. If subscription reminders are sent, such messages must also remind subscribers of the AUP.
Likewise, at the bottom of each message, a link will be included to allow list subscribers to manage their subscription
preferences.
LACNIC will periodically add different email addresses outside its domains to be used as a honeypot.
Mailing list posts are archived, they are publicly available and may not be censored by LACNIC.
In very exceptional cases, the chairs may decide the temporary moderation of the list, informing of such moderation and
the reasons for their decision, for example, to avoid “attacks” of any kind that might affect the normal functioning of
the list. Such moderation will be only for brief, perfectly defined periods of time, ensuring that messages will not be
delayed longer than strictly necessary. For this, the chairs will be supported by the staff.
The AUP has been designed based on current use, as an official means of communication of the PDP, of the Public Policy L
ist. However, if additional systems other than the list are used in the future (e.g. forums or applications) that “repli
cate” the list (i.e. if everything that is posted on the list is automatically posted on such systems and vice versa), t
he AUP
will apply under the same or technically equivalent conditions.
8.2. Violations of the Applicable Use Policy (AUP) for the Policy List
At the discretion of the chairs, the following are considered violations of the AUP:
a) Any use of the list that goes against the section above, as well as any announcement without the prior and explici
t authorization of the chairs, including those related to an election process.
b) Ad hominem attacks, foul language, disrespect, and the sending (or forwarding) of private messages (unless with th
e prior and explicit consent of the parties involved).
c) Replies to inappropriate messages.
d) Auto-reply messages, unsubscribe, email address modification and other similar requests.
In addition, when evidence exists:
e) Use of the list to collect participants’ contact information and the use of such information to send spam (any pre
viously and explicitly unrequested email).
f) Any attempt to commit fraud or bypass a penalty, for example, by using alternative mail addresses. The chairs may
determine what other actions also constitute unacceptable uses of the list.
8.3. Penalties in Case of Violation of the AUP
Considering the global nature of list participants, when deciding on potential violations of the AUP, the chairs will ta
ke into account any relevant cultural aspects and language differences.
The first violation of the AUP may result in a temporary suspension of the offender's right to post to the list for a pe
riod of one (1) month, which may be extended up to one (1) year in case of a second violation. At the discretion of the
chairs, successive violations may result in longer suspensions.
Violations relating to election processes are considered extremely serious and may result in the loss of the right to pa
rticipate as a candidate, as well as of the right to nominate candidates, in election processes for two (2) years and fo
r up to four (4) years in case of repeated violations.

New text

Current text: N/A
New text:
(Note: The following text would be added at the end of the current PDP.)
8. Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) for the Public Policy List
8.1. Purpose, Operation and Acceptable Use of the Public Policy List
The sole and exclusive purpose of the Public Policy List is the presentation and discussion of policy-related aspects, i
ncluding ideas, suggestions, proposals, results of the PDP, and other clearly related aspects.
Except in case of prior and explicit decision of the chairs, any discussion not in line with this purpose, such as event
announcements, calls for papers, advertising of any kind (including electoral propaganda), expressions of support for c
andidates and, in general, any topic that is not explicitly policy-related, is outside the scope of this list. Note that
the examples listed above are for illustrative purposes only.
Only the chairs and/or LACNIC staff may call for and/or announce candidates and the voting procedure. The remaining step
s in the procedure will necessarily take place off the list. By way of example, candidate nominations, expressions for o
r against a candidate or other similar actions are not allowed on the list.
Only the chairs may issue a warning to those in violation of the AUP and take the corresponding actions, announcing thei
r decision through the list. Any suspected violation must be reported exclusively to the chairs.
A link to the PDP and the text of the AUP will be sent to each new list subscriber, who must explicitly check their acce
ptance. Until confirming this link by checking both options, the subscriber will only be able to receive messages from t
he list. If subscription reminders are sent, such messages must also remind subscribers of the AUP.
Likewise, the at the bottom of each message, a link will be included to allow list subscribers to manage their subscript
ion preferences.
LACNIC will periodically add different email addresses outside its domains to be used as a honeypot.
All mailing list posts are archived, they are publicly available and may not be censored by LACNIC.
In very exceptional cases, the chairs may decide the temporary moderation of the list, informing of such moderation and
the reasons for their decision, for example, to avoid “attacks” of any kind that might affect the normal functioning of
the list, provided that the moderation is only for brief and perfectly defined periods of time and that there is the gua
rantee that messages will not be delayed more than eight hours (approximately). For this task the chairs will be support
ed by the staff.
If additional mechanisms are used other than a mailing list (forums, applications, etc.), the entire content of this pol
icy will also apply, under the same or technically equivalent terms.
8.2. Violations of the Applicable Use Policy (AUP) for the Policy List
The following are considered violations of the AUP:
a) Any use of the list that goes against the section above, as well as any announcement without the prior and explicit a
uthorization of the chairs, including those related to an electoral process.
b) Ad hominem attacks, foul language, disrespect, and the sending (or forwarding) of private messages (unless with the p
rior and explicit consent of the parties involved).
c) Responses to inappropriate messages.
d) Auto-reply messages as well as unsubscribe, email address modification and other similar requests.
e) Use of the list to collect participants’ contact information and using such information for sending spam (any message
that has not been previously and explicitly requested).
i) Any attempt to commit fraud or bypass a penalty, such as the use of alternative mail addresses.
Based on the above, the chairs may determine what other actions also constitute unacceptable uses of the list.
8.3. Penalties in Case of Violation of the AUP
Considering the global nature of list participants, when deciding on potential violations of the AUP, the chairs will ta
ke into account relevant cultural aspects and language differences.
The first violation of the AUP will automatically result in a temporary suspension of the offender's right to post to th
e list for a period of one (1) month, which will be extended to one (1) year in case of a second violation. At the discr
etion of the chairs, successive violations may result in longer suspensions.
Violations relating to election processes may result in the loss of the right to participate as a candidate, as well as
the right to nominate candidates, in election processes for four (4) years. This penalty may also apply in case of repea
t violations once the offender has been penalized for at least one year.

Current text: does not exist
New text:
Note: The following text would be added at the end of the current PDP.)
8. Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) for the Public Policy List
8.1. Purpose, Operation and Acceptable Use of the Public Policy List
The sole and exclusive purpose of the Public Policy List is the presentation and discussion of
policy-related aspects, including ideas, suggestions, proposals, results of the PDP, and other clearly related aspects.
Except in case of prior and explicit decision of the chairs, any discussion not in line with this purpose, such as event
announcements, calls for papers, advertising of any kind (including electoral propaganda), expressions of support for c
andidates and, in general, any topic that is not explicitly policy-related, is outside the scope of this list. Note that
the examples listed above are for illustrative purposes only.
Only the chairs and/or LACNIC staff may call for and/or announce candidates and the voting procedure. The remaining step
s of the procedure will necessarily take place off the list. By way of example, candidate nominations, expressions for o
r against a candidate or other similar actions are not allowed on the list.
Only the chairs may issue a warning to those in violation of the AUP and take the corresponding actions, announcing thei
r decision through the list. Any suspected violation must be reported exclusively to the chairs.
A link to the PDP and the text of the AUP will be sent to each new list subscriber, who must explicitly check their acce
ptance. Until confirming this link by checking both options, the subscriber will only be able to receive messages from t
he list. If subscription reminders are sent, such messages must also remind subscribers of the AUP.
Likewise, at the bottom of each message, a link will be included to allow list subscribers to manage their subscription
preferences.
LACNIC will periodically add different email addresses outside its domains to be used as a honeypot.
Mailing list posts are archived, they are publicly available and may not be censored by LACNIC.
In very exceptional cases, the chairs may decide the temporary moderation of the list, informing of such moderation and
the reasons for their decision, for example, to avoid “attacks” of any kind that might affect the normal functioning of
the list. Such moderation will be only for brief, perfectly defined periods of time, ensuring that messages will not be
delayed longer than strictly necessary. For this, the chairs will be supported by the staff.
The AUP has been designed based on current use, as an official means of communication of the PDP, of the Public Policy L
ist. However, if additional systems other than the list are used in the future (e.g. forums or applications) that “repli
cate” the list (i.e. if everything that is posted on the list is automatically posted on such systems and vice versa), t
he AUP
will apply under the same or technically equivalent conditions.
8.2. Violations of the Applicable Use Policy (AUP) for the Policy List
At the discretion of the chairs, the following are considered violations of the AUP:
a) Any use of the list that goes against the section above, as well as any announcement without the prior and explici
t authorization of the chairs, including those related to an election process.
b) Ad hominem attacks, foul language, disrespect, and the sending (or forwarding) of private messages (unless with th
e prior and explicit consent of the parties involved).
c) Replies to inappropriate messages.
d) Auto-reply messages, unsubscribe, email address modification and other similar requests.
In addition, when evidence exists:
e) Use of the list to collect participants’ contact information and the use of such information to send spam (any pre
viously and explicitly unrequested email).
f) Any attempt to commit fraud or bypass a penalty, for example, by using alternative mail addresses. The chairs may
determine what other actions also constitute unacceptable uses of the list.
8.3. Penalties in Case of Violation of the AUP
Considering the global nature of list participants, when deciding on potential violations of the AUP, the chairs will ta
ke into account any relevant cultural aspects and language differences.
The first violation of the AUP may result in a temporary suspension of the offender's right to post to the list for a pe
riod of one (1) month, which may be extended up to one (1) year in case of a second violation. At the discretion of the
chairs, successive violations may result in longer suspensions.
Violations relating to election processes are considered extremely serious and may result in the loss of the right to pa
rticipate as a candidate, as well as of the right to nominate candidates, in election processes for two (2) years and fo
r up to four (4) years in case of repeated violations.

Additional information

If this proposal achieves consensus, once it is ratified by the Board, this text will be emailed to all Public Policy Li
st subscribers along with a link to a page where they will have to explicitly check their acceptance of the AUP and conf
irm that they are familiar with the PDP. Until confirming this link by checking both options, the subscriber will only b
e able to receive messages from the list.

If this proposal achieves consensus, once it is ratified by the Board, this text will be emailed to all Public Policy Li
st subscribers along with a link to a page where they will have to explicitly check their acceptance of the AUP and conf
irm that they are familiar with the PDP. Until confirming this link by checking both options, the subscriber will only b
e able to receive messages from the list.
If system used for the list (mailman or similar) creates any difficulties for implementing the proposal, it is expected
that the proposal will become effective once it reaches consensus, even if certain “technical” aspects cannot be immedia
tely implemented. For example, it would be enough to immediately send the AUP to the Policy list without limiting subscr
ibers’ ability to post to the list, and then, once the system is ready, subscribers would be required to accept the AUP
in order to continue to post to the list.

References

AUPs are commonly used for mailing lists, including those of several RIRs. Many examples were considered when drafting t
his proposal.

AUPs are commonly used for mailing lists, including those of several RIRs. Many examples were considered when drafting t
his proposal.