ACSP Consultation 2018.8: Orphaned Organization (Org) and Point of Contact (POC) records

Consultation Tracking Information

  • Requested By: Staff
  • Status: Closed
  • Comments Opened: Linked to Discussion Archives: 01 August 2018
  • Comments Closed: 31 August 2018
  • Suggestion Number: n/a

Consultation Description

In an effort to improve the quality and integrity of the data in the ARIN database, we are exploring a number of new and improved processes and procedures. As part of this effort, we are proposing that ARIN establish a routine procedure for deleting and archiving orphaned Organization (Org) and Point of Contact (POC) records in the ARIN database.

We have defined an “orphaned Organization” as one that has no registered number resources. An “orphaned POC” is defined as one that is not directly associated with any number resources nor associated with any organization that has registered number resources.

There are several compelling reasons to consider deletion of orphaned Orgs and POCs. Long orphaned Orgs and POCS are likely to serve no purpose in the registry, they often contain outdated information, and their presence may expose personal data in a manner that may be inconsistent with ARIN’s personal data privacy policy.

An analysis of the ARIN registry for orphaned records has shown the following results:

Total # of registered Orgs in ARIN’s database: 926,474
Total # of Orgs that have been orphaned for 1+ years: 317,730
Total # of Orgs that have been orphaned for 2+ years: 254,275

Total # of registered POCs in ARIN’s database: 919,050
Total # of POCs that have been orphaned for 1+ years: 351,644
Total # of POCs that have been orphaned for 2+ years: 291,741

The proposed procedure would result in the deletion and archival of all Orgs and POCs that have been orphaned for 2 or more years. This procedure would be run on a quarterly basis initially, with the plan being to move to a more frequent basis (such as monthly) once there is operational experience. All orphaned data will be removed from the database and archived in perpetuity. Note that deleted unique Org and POC handles will not be re-utilized.

We are seeking community feedback on this proposed modification to current ARIN practices with regards to data maintenance.

This consultation will remain open for thirty (30) days, after which the staff will re-evaluate our direction based on any community feedback received.

Comments and Feedback

Please provide comments to arin-consult@arin.net. You can subscribe to this mailing list at: http://lists.arin.net/mailman/listinfo/arin-consult.

Discussion on arin-consult@arin.net will close on 31 August 2018.

If you have any questions, please contact us at info@arin.net

ARIN Actions

ARIN thanks those who provided valuable feedback during this consultation on options for handling orphaned Organization (Org) and Point of Contact (POC) records. This important feedback will help inform ARIN’s path forward in this area. We will provide a report on our way forward after we have analyzed this and other related feedback on this topic.