Privacy issues with RIPE Database

Hi,

I would like to bring an issue to your attention,
which has caused VAS-NET some commercial harm.

VAS-NET have been a local registry for over 3 years now.
VAS-NET are also an active member of RIPE, we usually 
send delegates to participate in RIPE meetings, and we
make sure our staff are properly trained in RIPE procedures.

We always endeavor to keep our entries in the RIPE database
up to date. I'm now finding that our diligence in keeping
the RIPE database up to date, is working in our detriment.

We are finding that other companies who are in competition with
us, are using the RIPE database as a tool to extract a list
of our customer base and hence canvass our customers with marketing
information. I do not wish to make allegations or name the parties
involved, but we have witnessed this three times in the last 6 months.

The Ripe Database is the only publicly accessible source which
contains a list of our clients. I do not feel that these companies
could have gleaned this information from any other source. The
evidence is even more compelling when all of the mail shots have been
sent to the admin contacts listed in the RIPE database.

As a company, VAS-NET endorse RIPE's open policy concerning IP
Registrations. In the past we've always had issues with other registries
for not containing information which is important for peering decisions.
(especially the American registries).

I suppose the biggest problem, is finding a way of safeguarding our
customers from being targeted in this way. A solution to this problem,
doesn't seem likely with the way the RIPE NCC procedures are laid down
at the moment. But, I would appreciate any input from yourselves 
regarding this matter.

Best Regards,

Jules Desforges
VAS-NET