[members-discuss] Feedback Requested: RIPE NCC Broker List

Hi Christian,

On Thu, Dec 19, 2019 at 10:17:54AM +0100, Christian Kaufmann wrote:
> Removing the list is straightforward and would spare the RIPE NCC a few
> headaches. However, it is worth considering whether the current model
> provides some incentive for brokers to play by the rules and what might
> happen if this incentive is gone.

How about keep the list but amend the Recognised IPv4 Transfer
Broker Agreement to explicitly mention acceptable use of the RIPE
database¹, and also that breach of these terms shall result in
immediate removal from the list for a period of (for example) 3
months and a fee for re-admittance to the list to cover the time
spent by RIPE staff in investigating any complaints? Then force the
entire current list onto the new terms after 30 days.

There is clearly value to brokers in being on this list.

There is clearly value to the RIPE community in knowing that a
broker is not in persistent breach of community norms.

Having such a list without enforcing rules makes the list worthless,
and that is the state we are currently in, since right now the
document states that brokers must obey policies yet several brokers
do not do so and remain on the list until there is a major outcry
against them.

Actually investigating complaints and enforcing the policy will take
resources which is why I suggest that brokers who break the rules
pay for that activity. If robust enforcement of the Recognised IPv4
Broker Agreement is not going to take place then I think there
should not be such a thing, i.e. abolish the list.

I would not suggest changing the current situation where being
initially added to the list is free, since this might give the
impression that RIPE is evaluating these applications in some way.

Cheers,
Andy

¹ The document already does state that brokers shall adhere to RIPE
  policies and procedures, but perhaps worth being explicit in this
  case since it does seem to be the most common complaint.

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