RFC 8962 · INFORMATIONAL · 2021

Establishing the Protocol Police

Overview

RFC 8962, “Establishing the Protocol Police”, is an Informational document published in April 2021 by G. Grover, N. ten Oever, C. Cath, S. Sahib. The canonical text is published by the RFC Editor.

Abstract

One mantra of the IETF is, "We are not the Protocol Police." However, to ensure that protocols are implemented and deployed in full compliance with the IETF's standards, it is important to set up a body that is responsible for assessing and enforcing correct protocol behavior.

This document formally establishes the Protocol Police. It defines the body and sets out what aspects of IETF protocols they will police. This document acts as a point of reference for networking engineers, law enforcement officials, government representatives, and others. It also provides advice on how to report issues to the Protocol Police.

Abstract as published in the RFC, via rfc-editor.org.

What “Informational” means

Published for the general information of the community. It does not define an IETF standard and carries no standards-track status.

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