Part 3: Data Retention Summary and Background
93.Communications data is the who, where, when and how of a communication, but not its content. Internet Protocol (IP) address resolution is the ability to identify who in the real world was using an IP address at a given point in time. An IP address is automatically allocated by a network provider to a customer’s internet connection, so that communications can be routed backwards and forwards to the customer. Communications service providers (CSPs) may share IP addresses between multiple users. The providers generally have no business purpose for keeping a log of who used each address at a specific point in time.