[11725] in Commercialization & Privatization of the Internet
Re: In the matter of advertisements and lawsuits
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Kent W. England)
Fri Apr 15 16:22:23 1994
Date: Thu, 14 Apr 1994 20:12:02 -0700
To: Paul Robinson <PAUL@tdr.com>,
Everyone Else Lurking on Com-Priv <com-priv@psi.com>
From: kwe@cerf.net (Kent W. England)
At 2:06 AM 4/14/94 -0400, Paul Robinson wrote:
>
>I'd like to invite some of the Internet service providers who read this
>list such as Barry Shein, Rick Adams, Doug Humphrey, Ed Vielnetti of
>MSEN, or the guy in Chicago who just became a CIX member, whose name I have
>unfortunately forgotten, to comment on my analysis of the incident and
>what their opinions are.
Most customers of Internet service providers agree to an acceptable use
policy. One of the reasons we have acceptable use policies is to persuade
clients to refrain from engaging in unacceptable uses of the Internet.
Termination of the account is the remedy if a subscriber fails to comply.
Of course, the definition of acceptable use has changed over time and most
acceptable use policies and contractual terms and conditions are rather
vague.
Here is what CERFnet says:
"CERFnet - ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY
This statement represents a guide to the acceptable use of CERFnet services.
(1) If data from any source leaves CERFnet and enters another network that
data must follow the acceptable use rules of the entered network (including
member networks, regional, or backbone networks). It is the responsibility of
the member where this traffic enters CERFnet to meet this requirement.
(2) Any traffic or usage which is disruptive from any source is prohibited.
(3) Commercial data may be exchanged if other party is a member of CIX
(Commercial Internet Exchange), or any future commercial arrangements CERFnet
may make. Subscriber is responsible for confirming that party receiving
commercial data is a member of CIX or agrees with party's acceptable use policy.
Failure to comply with these Policies and Procedures and Network usage rules
may result in the termination of SubscriberUs membership.
Failure to adhere to these guidelines can result in account termination."
I admit it doesn't make acceptable use entirely clear, but our practice is
to explain to offenders exactly what is at issue and to seek remedy before
terminating an account. Account termination is rare and reserved for the
most egregious offenders who show no remorse or indicate unwillingness to
change behaviour. We don't wish to inconvenience all our other paying
customers for the behaviour of a few.
No shirt, no shoes, no service. We reserve the right to refuse service to
anyone. This ticket is not a license and management reserves the right ...
Illegal and disruptive behaviour requires a legal out for termination and
acceptable use policy is our means to reserve that right.
--Kent
