[rpd] [Last Call] Draft Policy Proposal - Hierarchical Names for New AS-SETs (AFPUB-2026-ASN-001-DRAFT02)

[Frank Habicht]

Hi,

inline...

On 7/19/2026 9:38 PM, Fundiswa Nadia Maseko wrote:
> Dear Hendrik,
> 
> Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.
> 
> I think we actually agree on one important point: hierarchical naming 
> authenticates who creates the object,

can we also agree that this is a good thing?

> but it does not guarantee that the 
> contents of the object are accurate.

I agree with that.
Also, please note: noone claimed it does that.
This proposal is not the perfect solution which guarantees accuracy.
There are also many other problems this proposal does not solve.....

> That was the distinction I was 
> trying to make.

So the proposal is an improvement, right?
So should we adopt it?

Since AfriNIC does operate an IRR, do we want AfriNIC to do that in the 
best possible way?


> Where we still differ is on whether that justifies making the naming 
> convention mandatory.

I tried to explain with the AS-GOOGLE example - if we don't make it 
mandatory, collisions may be created. Actually by anyone in the world.

> I understand your position that this is the 
> narrowest solution available, but I'm not yet convinced that less 
> restrictive alternatives have been ruled out.

I don't think it's possible to prove to you that there are no less 
restrictive alternatives. But if there are, I think it's possible for 
you to show us.

> I still think that point 
> deserves more discussion.

And we should start to clarify where the "burden of proof" is ;-)

> I also don't believe that the fact that other RIRs have adopted the same 
> approach automatically means AFRINIC must do so. It's useful context, 
> but I don't think it replaces the need to show why this is necessary for 
> our own policy process.

About the necessity:
Can we agree that collisions happen, that hey are bad, that they have 
let to operational problems?

> I'm not trying to oppose operational improvements. I'm simply asking 
> whether a mandatory policy is the only way to achieve the intended 
> outcome.

If we can find a better way, we can use it.
If we can't find a better way, I think we should use this proposal.
Isn't this how this choice should work?

Regards,
Frank