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New IETF Note Well
- Roman Danyliw IETF Chair
23 Oct 2025
The IETF Note Well reminds IETF participants about IETF processes and policies they agree to follow. A new version has been approved by the Internet Engineering Steering Group (IESG) following a comprehensive review by the IETF Executive Director and IETF Counsel.
The new version of the Note Well improves upon the previous version in the following ways:
- Moves to the top the notice that by participating in the IETF, you agree to follow IETF processes and policies;
- Changes the emphasis with the first substantive point being about behavior;
- Uses direct quotes from BCPs or text provided by counsel;
- Merges the two lists into one by using inline references; and
- References individual RFCs not BCPs so that people can find the referenced document immediately.
The Note Well will continue to be shown at the start of every session in an IETF Meeting and every interim meeting. The IESG has provided updated guidance to Working Group (WG) Chairs on what to say when presenting the Note Well, and the template slides have been updated.
Given the short time before IETF 124 Montreal, the new version should be used if reasonably possible but if not then the old version will suffice for this meeting.