The IAOC is seeking community feedback on a proposed policy by the IAOC to impose
fees to produce information and authenticate documents in response to subpoenas and
other legal requests.
The IETF receives requests for information, documentation, authentication or other
matters through subpoenas and less formal means that require manpower and materials
to be expended. These requests are on the rise. During the period 2005 to 2010 the IETF
responded to nine subpoenas. Since 2011 the IETF has received five subpoenas and three
other legal requests for authenticated documents.
Each such request is time sensitive and involves the IETF Counsel, the IAD, and members
of the IAOC, who together form the Legal Management Committee, to rapidly analyze and
identify the means for satisfying the request. Often there is a need to retain outside counsel,
especially in cases that might lead to depositions or court testimony.
The IAOC believes a Schedule of Fees is an appropriate and reasonable means to recover
costs associated with such efforts.
The draft policy entitled Draft Fee Policy for Legal Requests can be found
at: http://iaoc.ietf.org/policyandprocedures.html
Before adopting a policy the IAOC would like feedback on this before making a
decision. Comments appreciated to ietf@ietf.org by 6 August 2012.
Ray Pelletier
IETF Administrative Director
Internet Society