Clarification of RIPE IPv6 Allocation Policy and the RIPE Policy Development Process (PDP)

21 June 2007 - In response to recent articles in the press regarding the RIPE IPv6 address allocation policy, the RIPE NCC would like to clarify the RIPE policy making procedure.

The RIPE NCC itself does not accept or reject any policies. All policies that govern how Internet number resources (IPv4, IPv6 and Autonomous System (AS) Numbers) are allocated by the RIPE NCC are proposed, discussed and accepted by the RIPE community using an open and inclusive process. The RIPE community is a collaborative forum open to all parties interested in IP networking. This means that anyone with an interest in IP networking, whether their organisation is a member of the RIPE NCC or not, can submit a new policy proposal or suggest a change to an existing policy. New proposals or changes to existing policies can only be implemented once consensus has been reached.

The RIPE Policy Development Process (PDP) is used by the RIPE community to create and discuss policies for Internet number resource distribution. Input into and discussion on each policy proposal is publicly documented and tracked.

If an organisation or individual believes that the current Internet number resource policies exclude a set of users, they are encouraged to propose changes and take part in discussions using the RIPE PDP.