Technical Summary
A number of application-layer protocols make use of IP broadcasts or
multicast messages for functions like local service discovery or name
resolution. When using broadcasts or multicast messages, a passive
observer in the same broadcast/multicast domain can trivially record
these messages and analyze their content. This document highlights
potential privacy issues that occur when protocol designers make
use of broadcast / multicast messages to exchange information that
can expose individuals to privacy threats.
Working Group Summary
The document was discussed at length in the WG, following some experiments that were made over the IETF network. Because of the obviousness of the issues and usefulness of the document, there was little real discussion about the intention the document. There were comments for completeness from C. Huitema, T. Chown, T. Hebert, J. Touch, and the document shepherd, and these were all addressed.
Document Quality
The document is based on protocol behavior observed during experiments on operational networks (including the IETF meeting network)
Personnel
The document shepherd is Juan Carlos Zuniga. The responsible Area Director is Suresh Krishnan.