The IETF Administration LLC (IETF LLC) has secured insurance coverage for members of duly constituted committees, including boards and steering groups, of the IETF community to protect their personal assets against any liability arising from their fiduciary duties and actions as part of these groups. This document provides general information about this coverage.
The form of insurance is Directors and Officers (D&O). This is the type of insurance applied to individuals in a position of authority within an organization who make significant decisions on behalf of the organization.
The coverage applies to members of decision making groups, including the Internet Engineering Steering Group (IESG), the Internet Architecture Board (IAB), the Internet Research Steering Group (IRSG), the Nominating Committee (NomCom), and the IETF Administration LLC Board of Directors. It also covers decision making roles, including the Independent Series Editor, the Ombudsteam, the Moderation Team, Working Group Chairs and Research Group Chairs. Notice is provided to leadership groups each year as part of their orientations.
The insurance secured by the IETF LLC covers all actions taken by individuals in the groups and roles listed above that can reasonably be considered to be part of their work in those groups and roles. As with any insurance, the Insurer will determine coverage for specific situations once a claim is submitted.
The insurance cover continues after leaving the role for actions taken while acting in that role. This is a standard feature of D&O insurance.
If you become aware of legal action taken against yourself related to your role in the IETF, you should inform the IETF LLC and IETF counsel by email to legal@ietf.org. The IETF LLC will coordinate with the insurers to determine how the coverage is applied.
For more information contact the IETF Executive Director.