[db-wg] country codes in the RIPE Database (was: ORGANISATION country code)

On Mon, 20 Feb 2023 at 07:25, denis walker <ripedenis at gmail.com> wrote:
> On Mon, 20 Feb 2023 at 15:58, Leo Vegoda <leo at vegoda.org> wrote:

[...]

> > Setting semantics aside... I don't know whether changing definitions —
> > and adding a missing definition is a de facto change — would improve
> > things or make them worse. What research do we have to support the
> > position that it would be an improvement?
>
> An interesting question. But take a step back and consider the current
> situation. We have an element of mandatory data with no definition.
> This data has been entered into millions of INET(6)NUM objects but it
> has no meaning. No one can reliably use this information for anything.
> And yet we know many people DO interpret this data and assume a
> meaning for it without any justification. So where we are now is not a
> good place.
>
> Let me make a quick modified suggestion. We make "country:" an
> optional attribute in INET(6)NUM objects. The RIPE NCC removes this
> attribute from ALL existing objects. Consider it as a reset, removing
> undefined data. We give this attribute a definition related to
> geolocation. Anyone who chooses to add this attribute with the new
> definition may do so. Now we have meaningful information that anyone
> can use in a reliable way.

The RIPE NCC has been publishing country-related data and refining
draft text about its unreliable nature for more than 20 years. We know
that users infer what they want to infer about what country-related
data means. Can we make predictions about changes in user behaviour
with any degree of accuracy? If not, are there ways we can influence
user behaviour?

My concern is that lots of users will not be aware of the change, or
not have the resources to adapt to it in a timely fashion. So, if any
change is made, it ought to be accompanied by a change management
plan. The alternative is guessing and hoping and I personally believe
that is not the responsible path.

Kind regards,

Leo