IETF's General Area is concerned with general issues that impact the IETF, such as intellectual property rights, and the IETF's processes.

The IETF has had a rather informal structure and way of operating over the years. However, due to increased recognition of the body's significance for the Internet's architecture, outside pressures are mounting for more formalized procedures. The General Area is trying to confront such questions with a view to maintaining a sense of community while promoting efficiency and transparency.