[address-policy-wg] 2006-04 Draft Document will be produced (Contact e-mail Address Requirements)

> But the issue here
> is if I can identify an individual spammer who is causing me problems
> who should I contact to try to have this person/organisation
> disconnected?

The answer is; you should contact someone who has committed
to receive and act upon reports of network abuse. RIPE can
get involved by requiring its LIRs to maintain an abuse desk
that commits to receive and act upon abuse reports. Beyond this
RIPE can publish the contact details for any 3rd parties who
have committed to receive and act upon abuse reports.

> This brings us back to the question of how to enforce a policy that says
> everyone should keep their contact details up to date. I know it is a
> difficult question, but until it is addressed the whole policy on abuse
> handling fails.

You are right that this is the key question. "Everyone" does
not have a contractual relationship with RIPE therefore RIPE
policies do not apply to "Everyone". This is unlikely to change.
In any case, it is a waste of time directing abuse reports 
at "Everyone" because, chances are, "Everyone" has not made 
a commitment to receive and act upon abuse reports.

Some might say; but "Everyone" should make such a commitment.
That is a noble sentiment and one which often drives politicians
to make laws. If you really believe in this sentiment then
RIPE is the wrong place to discuss it because RIPE members
are not politicians and RIPE has no input into national or
EU laws.

--Michael Dillon