About network abuse and spamming

Network abuse queries

If a standard search refers you to APNIC, it means that the network in question is registered in the Asia Pacific region. It does not mean that APNIC is responsible or that the hacker/spammer is using our network.

To get information on the actual network involved you need to use the APNIC Whois Database.
The source field shows the RIR responsible for keeping records of the IP address allocation.
It does not show the organization responsible for the administration or operation of the network.

Using the APNIC Whois Database

Learn about how to search the APNIC Whois Database.

For a complete guide to using the APNIC Whois Database, please refer to the Quick Beginner's Guide.

Why does the website I've consulted tell me APNIC is responsible?

There are five Regional Internet Registries (RIRs).

Each maintains a database holding details of IP address registrations in their regions:
AfriNIC Africa	ARIN North America	APNIC Asia Pacific	LACNIC Southern and Central America and the Caribbean	RIPE NCC Europe and the Middle East

For historical reasons, the ARIN Whois Database is generally the starting point for searches.

If an address resides outside ARIN's regions, the database will provide a reference to one of the other whois databases. Unfortunately, many people misinterpret this referral to mean that the RIR network is the network from where the problem arose. In fact, all the RIRs perform the same function as ARIN.

APNIC implemented mandatory IRT references on 8 November 2010. This means an IRT object reference will be mandatory when any 'inetnum', 'inet6num' and 'aut-num' objects are updated or created in the APNIC Whois Database. Find out more . . .

Can APNIC investigate my complaint?

APNIC cannot investigate your complaint, but you are welcome to use the APNIC Whois Database to find out where to take your complaint.

As a registry, APNIC adopts and applies policies relating to the way in which networks are addressed.
APNIC does not have any powers (legally or practically) to regulate the conduct of Internet activity. Laws relating to network abuse vary around the world.

If you are not able to get the cooperation of the network administrators, then you may need to contact law enforcement agencies either in your jurisdiction or the jurisdiction where the problem originates.

Reporting abuse and spam

Does APNIC have a role in preventing network abuse?

APNIC's main role is to provide publicly accessible registration information, but APNIC also has a role in the education of network operators in the Asia Pacific community.

We conduct training courses relating to addressing policy around the Asia Pacific region. As a component of those courses, we do seek to raise awareness of the need for responsible network management.
Discussions on these issues are also raised in the course of APNIC meetings.

What if the registered contact details are wrong?

APNIC requires that organizations register valid contact details, but we are not automatically notified if those details later cease to be valid.

So, if you do find invalid contact details in the APNIC Whois Database, you can submit details of the invalid contact using the invalid contact report form clearly stating the IP address and the incorrect contacts.

Report invalid contacts

Found invalid contact details in the Whois database?
Submit details of the invalid contact using the Report invalid contact in the APNIC Whois Database form.