Peter, let me first review how BR 4.2.1 got where it is in Ballot 190.  We 
started the ballot by adding back 7 validation methods from Ballot 169.  Then 
there was a question of whether this meant CA could, or could not, reuse domain 
validation data under 4.2.1 for validation methods that had changed.  The 
Validation Working Group did not intend that data that was still in the 
permissible “re-use” period under 4.2.1 had to be thrown out, so we made that 
clear in an amendment to 4.2.1.  Then there was an additional question of 
whether a “validation” itself (for example, combining vetting data for both an 
organization and its domains in OV vetting a week before the Ballot 190  
becomes effective) could still be used under 4.2.1 – this was tied to some very 
specific language that some were interpreting as requiring revalidation of data 
where a domain method had changed.  So we clarified that as well by another 
amendment to 4.2.1 – a prior completed validation (domain and/or organization) 
could still be reused under 4.2.1 for the permitted period.

I’m not sure I completely follow your examples below.  If someone has collected 
OV validation data (both organization data and domain data) on July 1, 2017, 
then both the data itself and the validation using that date can be reused 
under 4.2.1 (right now) for 39 months from that date.  If the customer wants to 
add a new domain on July 20, 2017, that bit of data could also be reused for 39 
months, but the related organization validation data will expire 39 months 
after it was collected on July 1, 2017.  No one could rebundle the old data one 
day before expiration and say “look, I just revalidated the organization and 
domains” and use it for another extended period under 4.2.1.

Again, the only reason we added “the validation itself” to the ballot was to 
counter a different interpretation offered on the list.  I don’t think the 
amended 4.2.1 language could be used as you suggest – but if you want to come 
up with a better way to express these concepts in a post-190 ballot, please 
draft it and add it to the list of further improvements the VWG will be working 
on.  We agree on the ultimate goal.

From: Peter Bowen [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Wednesday, September 6, 2017 12:53 PM
To: Kirk Hall <[email protected]>; CA/Browser Forum Public 
Discussion List <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL]Re: [cabfpub] Ballot 190 - Discussion Period is starting

Kirk,

As I have said previously, I think the changes in 4.2.1 regarding reuse are 
problematic for two reasons.

First, the proposed text says "the CA obtained the data or document from a 
source specified under Section 3.2 or completed the validation itself”.  It is 
not clear if the CA can choose to do both, which would effectively extend the 
reuse period, or if these are mutually exclusive options.  For example, 
assuming a reuse of 825 days, can a CA do the following?

- 1 March 2018 - Fetch a copy of domain registration information and corporate 
registration, complete a new validation, and issue a certificate
- 1 May 2020 - Reuse the previously obtained registration information, complete 
a new validation, and issue a new certificate with the same info as the 
previous certificate
- 1 July 2022 - Reuse the last validation and issue a new certificate with the 
same info as the previous certificates

Second, the proposed text says "After the change to any validation method 
specified […], a CA may continue to reuse […] the validation itself, for the 
period stated in this BR 4.2.1 unless otherwise specifically provided in a 
ballot.”

Right now CAs can reuse data and documents collected during validation.  It 
isn’t that hard to run the validation workflow for each certificate issuance, 
using the existing data, and make sure you have everything in place.  I don’t 
think having the output reusable makes a lot of sense.

Thanks,
Peter

On Sep 5, 2017, at 10:52 AM, Kirk Hall via Public 
<[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> wrote:

As agreed on our CABF teleconference last week, we are starting the formal 
discussion period for Ballot 190 (in this case, v8).  I have attached the 
ballot in two formats and in three modes.

The title of the actual ballot to be voted on uses all capital letters “BALLOT 
190 v8 (9-5-2017)”.  I also attach a version that includes some explanatory 
comments, and a “clean” version showing how the BRs will read if Ballot 190 v8 
is adopted “Ballot 190 v8 (9-5-2017) (showing BRs if adopted)”.

The discussion period ends Sept. 12 at 18:00 UTC, and the voting period runs 
Sept. 12-19.

This version 8 is based on the prior version 7, but includes a limited number 
of changes as outlined in emails among me, Ryan, and Doug on Aug. 29-30.

We are almost there!  Thanks to everyone who has worked on this effort over the 
past two years.  Assuming Ballot 190 passes, the Validation Working Group can 
then start work on further amendments as outlined in my prior emails.
<BALLOT 190 v8 (9-5-2017).docx><BALLOT 190 v8 (9-5-2017).pdf><Ballot 190 v8 
(9-5-2017) with comments.docx><Ballot 190 v8 (9-5-2017) with 
comments.pdf><Ballot 190 v8 (9-5-2017) (showing BRs if adopted).docx><Ballot 
190 v8 (9-5-2017) (showing BRs if 
adopted).pdf>_______________________________________________
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