Hello Everyone, Now that everyone has had enough time to comment, it seems that the definition of abuse now works for all types of Internet abuse. So, there is not a technical definition of what abuse actually is, which is very helpful to have, as this is an ABUSE WG, so knowing what abuse means is crucial to the group itself. (As well as to RIPE) Someone said something which caused me to think that the definition, as a technical definition, and not a contractual definition or a definition that intends to regulate, control or subjugate - It may be specifically useful to add a preamble (and possibly other sections?) Here is my proposal for the preamble, it is a very rough first draft sucked from my thumb in less than 3 minutes..., so if you see something that needs refinement, please pitch in. Of course, if it looks good, this is great also! ============ Internet Abuse ============ Understanding what constitutes Internet Abuse is not an easy undertaking as the topic is very technical. The Internet consists of resources and the understanding of Internet abuse relates to also understanding the use and interaction between these resources. Examples of Internet resources include also processes, protocols,credentials as well as other types of resources. More practical examples could be Internet Protocol numbers, Domain names or even Email addresses. This technical definition of abuse does not include identifying the authority for any specific resource as it is not intended to define any rights to resources but simply to define what technically constitutes Internet abuse as it relates to all Internet resources. ================= Definition of abuse ================= "The non sanctioned use of a resource to infringe upon the usage rights of another resource" ----------------------------------------------- Terminology used in the definition ----------------------------------------------- (1) Resource Any Internet Resource (2) Use and Usage Any direct or indirect action involving a resource (3) Rights The correct assignment or allocation of a resource by he authoritative holder of such a resource which results in the entitlement or reasonable expectation to use, or ability to use, such an allocated or assigned resource (4) Sanctioned An action, event or situation originating from the authoritative holder of rights to a resource that gives permission, or permission is granted by direct implication, which authorises that situation, event or action. (5) Infringe An action, event or situation which limits, reduces, undermines or encroaches upon the fair use of a resource