Archived forums:

• Bylaw Amendments Related to GNSO Restructuring (ends 29 July 09)
• GNSO Stakeholder Group Charters (ends 21 July 09)
• .PRO Fee Amendment (ends 17 July 09)
• One & Two-Character Names in dot-travel (ends 10 July 09)
• Proposals for Systematization of Organizational Review Processes
  (ends 8 July 09)
• New gTLDs – Final Reports on Competition and Pricing (ends 20 July 09)
• Board Review – Second Review Working Group Report
  (ends 5 July 09)
• City TLD Constituency Petition and Charter
  (ends 10 July 09)
• Travel Support Guidelines for Community Members
  (ends 6 July 09)
• Applicant Guidebook Analysis and Excerpts
  (ends 20 July 09)
• Fast Track Implementation (3rd Revision)
  (ends 15 July 09)
• Trademark Protection (IRT Final Report)
  (ends 6 July 09)
• Expense Analysis
  (ends 29 June 09 Extended to 13 July 09)
• Root Server System Scaling Study
  (ends 31 July 09)

• Revised Conflicts of Interest Policy
  (ends 5 June 09)
• Proposed Registrar Disqualification Procedure
  (ends 28 May 09)
• Fast Track Implementation Plan (IDN ccTLDs)
  (ended 7 Jan 09)
• New gTLDs – Preliminary Reports on Competition and Pricing
  (ended 17 April 09)
• ccNSO Review (Terms of Reference)
  (ends 28 June 09)
• Plan for Enhanced Internet Security, Stability and Resiliency
  (ends 19 June 09)
• SSAC review (Final report)
  (ends 28 June 09)
• Draft FY10 Operating Plan and Budget
  (ends 17 June 09)

• Reallocation of Dot-info Sunrise Domains
• Revised gTLD Registries Stakeholder Petition
• Fast Track Proposed Solutions
• Applicant Guidebook, version 2
• Report on Improving Institutional Confidence Plan
• Single, Two and Select Three Character Names in Dot-pro

• May
• April
• March
• February
• January
• 2008
• 2007
• Prior to July 2007

Explanation: Implementation of the Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO) Review/Improvements process requires the amendment of a substantial number of the ICANN Bylaws to reflect new GNSO structures, processes and mechanisms. In particular, a specific package of draft Bylaws and additional Staff recommendations has been developed for Public review and comment so that the ICANN Board can move forward with Bylaw amendments to seat the new GNSO Council by the annual ICANN meeting in Seoul, Korea. Approving the Bylaws amendments is a key step toward seating a newly structured Council consistent with the recommendations of the ICANN Board.

The draft Bylaw amendments included in the package being posted for public comment are the work product of a GNSO Council Restructure Drafting Team (consisting of the entire GNSO Council and additional GNSO community members) which has been working on a set of Bylaws Amendments for the last several months. The version developed by the GNSO Drafting Team has not been approved by the GNSO Council, and is the subject of a pending motion for approval at the next GNSO Council meeting. The additional draft Staff recommendations included with the package are designed to address specific areas that are impacted by community discussions during the ICANN meeting in Sydney, Australia.

The package consists of three documents. The first document is a comparison document [PDF, 122K] showing the existing Bylaws and comparing them to the amendments proposed by the GNSO Council deliberations so far. The second document is a clean version [PDF, 67K] of what the Bylaws would look like if those amendments were approved. The third document is a Staff list of additional amendment components [PDF, 17K] that have been necessitated by community discussion at the ICANN Sydney meeting and suggestions from the Board’s Structural Improvements Committee.

Staff Responsible: Robert Hoggarth

Deadline and How to Submit Comments: The Staff is opening a 30-day public consultation forum, from 30 June 2009 through 29 July 2009, and invites community comments on this topic.

To submit comments: Comments on the document are welcome via email at gnso-council-draft@icann.org. This public forum will be open through 29 July 2009.

To view comments: An archive of all comments received will be publicly posted at http://forum.icann.org/lists/gnso-council-draft/.

For a copy of the public Announcement of this forum please see http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-30jun09-en.htm. That Announcement provides inks to a number of documents that give some useful context and background regarding the issues in this forum.

Announcement | Comments | Add a comment | Summary/analysis of comments

Explanation: As part of the comprehensive GNSO Improvements effort, last year the ICANN Board approved the formation of four new GNSO Stakeholder Groups (SGs). After considering proposed SG Charters that were submitted by the community and posted for public comment, the ICANN Board passed a Resolution in May directing its Structural Improvements Committee (SIC) and ICANN Staff to revise the SG Charters to make them consistent with the Board’s GNSO Improvements Report (and related Resolutions). Stakeholder Groups are integral elements of a new, restructured GNSO, and are intended to be lightweight “caucuses” bringing together like-minded international groups (Constituencies) to elect the best representatives to fill the SG’s allotted Council seats. Stakeholder Groups ensure that the ratio of Council seats among SGs remains the same while encouraging the formation of new Constituencies and the continued growth and diversification of the GNSO community. The overall GNSO Improvements effort and the role SGs will play in that arena is more fully described in the Stakeholder Group section of the GNSO Improvements Information Web Page.

The SIC provided the community with the revised charters listed below and discussed these documents during ICANN’s recent Sydney meeting. The revised charters are posted here to further encourage public comment through 21 July 2009.

• Commercial SG Charter [PDF, 29K]
• Non-Commercial SG Charter [PDF, 59K]
• Registrars SG Charter [PDF, 60K]
• Registries SG Charter [PDF, 117K]

 Staff Responsible: Robert Hoggarth

Deadline and How to Submit Comments: The SIC is opening a 21-day public consultation forum, from 30 June 2009 through 21 July 2009, and invites community comments on the revised SG charters.

To submit comments: Comments on the documents are welcome via email to gnso-stakeholder-charters@icann.org.

To view comments: An archive of all comments received will be publicly posted at http://forum.icann.org/lists/gnso-stakeholder-charters/

The public announcement of this forum can be viewed http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-01jul09-en.htm

Announcement | Comments | Add a comment | Summary/analysis of comments

Explanation: RegistryPro has proposed an amendment to its fee structure that would reduce its annual payment to ICANN. RegistryPro seeks the change to brings its fee structure into alignment with other similarly sized TLDs and so it may be able to invest in growth strategies for .PRO.

Announcement | Comments | Add a comment | Summary/analysis of comments

Explanation: Tralliance has proposed allocation of one and two-character second-level domain names in Dot-travel through the Registry Services Evaluation Process, and is seeking an amendment to proceed with an allocation program. The amendments provide for changes to Appendix 6, Schedule of Reserved Names, and a new Section 9 in Appendix 7, Functional Specifications.

Announcement | Comments | Add a comment | Summary/analysis of comments

Explanation: Under its Charter, the Structural Improvements Committee of the Board has – among its duties – the responsibility of 'Reviewing, and suggesting changes as warranted to, ICANN's policies and processes governing organizational review'.

In this role, and taking stock from the lessons learned in the recent past, the Structural Improvements Committee undertook an analysis of the processes, timeline and methodology of the Organizational Review activity, which is crucial for the organizational improvement of ICANN. Based on this analysis, the Structural Improvements Committee presents now for public comments its proposals for a systematization of the OR processes [PDF, 673K].

The paper analyses – for each of the phases making up the Organizational Review processes - the opportunities in revising the phases, their objectives, the lessons learnt, and proposals for their systematization. It includes an Executive Summary allowing a high-level appreciation of the objectives of the proposed systematization of OR processes.

Announcement | Comments | Add a comment | Summary/analysis of comments

Explanation: ICANN posted today two reports relating to the introduction of new gTLDs, both by Dr. Dennis Carlton:

• Report Of Dennis Carlton Regarding ICANN's Proposed Mechanism for Introducing New gTLDs [PDF, 628K], and
  العربية [PDF, 5,690K] | 中文 [PDF, 788K] | Français [PDF, 216K] | Русский [PDF, 340] | Español [PDF, 276K]
• Comments on Michael Kende's Assessment of Preliminary Reports on Competition and Pricing [PDF, 52K]
  العربية [PDF, 2,170K] | 中文 [PDF, 496K] | Français [PDF, 152K] | Русский [PDF, 216] | Español [PDF, 160K]

A public comment forum has been opened on these reports prepared by Professor Carlton for 45 days, until 20 July 2009. Post comments to competition-pricing-final@icann.org and view comments at http://forum.icann.org/lists/competition-pricing-final.

Announcement | Comments | Add a comment | Summary/analysis of comments

Explanation: ICANN appointed the Boston Consulting Group/Colin Carter & Associates to perform the external review of its Board of Directors; their review report was presented during a public workshop at the Cairo meeting. A public comment period followed and comments received can be viewed at http://forum.icann.org/lists/board-review-report/.

The Board review WG, considering the Independent Reviewer's final report, Board input, and comments from stakeholders and the public, issued an Interim Report for consultation with the Community, which was presented at the ICANN meeting in Mexico City. This Interim Report [PDF, 124K] presented the WG's "initial thinking" on the questions under review; a public comment period allowed for comments from interested parties.

Following this second round of consultation the Board review WG continued its activity and presents now its second Interim Report [PDF, 133K]. Most issues related to the external reviewer's report have now been finalized, while the WG seeks further inputs from the community on three issues that remain outstanding, in view of the finalization of its report.

Announcement | Comments | Add a comment | Summary/analysis of comments

Explanation: The ongoing GNSO Improvements process has created significant community interest in the formation of new GNSO constituencies and several groups have stepped forward to begin the process of forming a new GNSO constituency. The ICANN Board has now received its fourth formal petition from the prospective City Top-Level Domain (CTLD) Constituency. All members of the ICANN community and the public are now invited to review this petition and charter and share comments with the Board and community through 10 July 2009.

In June 2008, the Board of Directors endorsed a series of recommendations on how to improve the GNSO's structures and operations. One of the significant drivers of those recommendations was an interest in maximizing participation in the GNSO and its policy development processes. Among the various recommendations endorsed by the Board was that ICANN take steps to clarify and promote the option to self-form new constituencies.

The current ICANN Bylaws provide that any group of individuals or entities may petition the Board for recognition as a new or separate constituency, in accordance with Section 5(4) of Article X. Such a petition must explain (1) why "the addition of such a Constituency will improve the ability of the GNSO to carry out its policy-development responsibilities" and (2) why "the proposed new Constituency would adequately represent, on a global basis, the stakeholders it seeks to represent."

At the direction of the Board, the ICANN Staff developed a two-step process for potential new constituencies to follow. The proponents of the City Top-Level Domain (CTLD) Constituency completed the first step of the process on 15 February 2009 by filing a Notice of Intent to Form a New Constituency [PDF, 73K]. The second step of the process, submission of a New Constituency Petition and Charter [PDF, 125K] and Introduction Letter [PDF, 20K] were completed on 1 June 2009.

Staff Responsible: Robert Hoggarth

Deadline and How to Submit Comments:

The Staff is opening a 30-day public consultation forum, from 6 June 2009 through 10 July 2009, and invites community comments on this topic.

To submit comments: Comments on the document are welcome via email at ctld-petition@icann.org. This public forum will be open through 10 July 2009.

To view comments: An archive of all comments received will be publicly posted at http://forum.icann.org/lists/ctld-petition/.

Announcement | Comments | Add a comment | Summary/analysis of comments

Explanation: ICANN community participants dedicate substantial time and resources to advance ICANN's work, and it is reasonable for ICANN to use travel funding to facilitate participation. In order to ensure that the resources are prioritized and administered appropriately, the Travel Support Guidelines have been updated for FY10, as reflected in this Community Travel Support Guidelines for public comment paper [PDF, 209K]. The community is encouraged to provide feedback on the travel support guidelines on an online public forum, feedback via conference calls with community groups, and/or at the workshop to be held in Sydney http://syd.icann.org/node/4035.

Announcement | Comments | Add a comment | Summary/analysis of comments

Explanation: This public comment page exists to collect input on the New gTLDs Draft Applicant Guidebook "Excerpts" and additional "Explanatory Memoranda". All materials are in draft form for public comment and review. Since these are not the final documents, applicants should not rely on the details contained in the document since they remains subject to further consultation and revision.

The current public comment period will last for at least forty-five (45) days. As the materials become available in five (5) additional languages - Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish - there will be an opportunity to comment in these additional languages for at least 45 days.

Announcement | Comments | Add a comment | Summary/analysis of comments

Explanation: ICANN is pleased to announce the public posting of the revised Draft Implementation Plan for the IDN ccTLD Fast Track Process.

A public comment forum opens today and closes on 15 July 2009. ICANN is particularly interested in feedback on a number of proposed implementation features in the Fast Track Process. Separate papers on these topics are being made available.

Announcement | Comments | Add a comment | Summary/analysis of comments

Explanation: IRT Final Report on Trademark Protection Issues [PDF, 300K] now available for Public Comment

The IRT team participated in numerous teleconferences and several face-to-face meetings in Washington, D.C. and San Francisco, California, over a two month period. The resulting recommendations report on Trademark Protection Issues identifies several proposed solutions, including:

• IP Clearinghouse, Globally Protected Marks List and associated Rights Protection Mechanisms, and standardized pre-launch rights protection mechanisms;
• Uniform Rapid Suspension System;
• Post delegation dispute resolution mechanisms;
• Whois requirements for new TLDs; and
• Use of algorithm in string confusion review during initial evaluation.

Announcement | Comments | Add a comment | Summary/analysis of comments

Explanation: As one important element of transparency and accountability, ICANN strives to publish meaningful, accessible financial and operational information. Through its history, ICANN has consistently increased the quantity and quality in the amount of detail provided in its financial reporting. Within the last 24 months, for example, ICANN developed monthly dashboard reporting on financial data. Earlier this year, the dashboard started to provide financial information by primary functions. See http://forms.icann.org//idashboard/public/.

In response to community requests to view ICANN's expenses in reports more aligned with stakeholder interest areas, ICANN has developed a new financial report: Expense Area Group (EAG) reporting (formally known as Cost Analysis Group). The categories depicted in this view of ICANN's budget are based on ICANN's organizational structure. http://www.icann.org/en/structure/

The attached paper [PDF, 272K] describes the Expense Area Group reporting, the analysis and methodology used to create these reports, and more information on cost accounting at ICANN.

This new EAG reporting is simply one more view of ICANN's finances, equal in importance with a functional representation, or a representation by ICANN's accounting codes. In fact, no single representation captures the fundamentally interconnected nature of ICANN's work and mission. ICANN is responsible for coordinating the Internet's unique identifiers at a global level, which is only possible when all of ICANN's organizational structures are working with each other, and on a global basis. Still, this EAG analysis should provide another useful way to understand the totality of ICANN's financial operation.

The community is encouraged to provide feedback on this new financial report, to help ensure that this type of reporting is responsive to the needs of the community.

Announcement | Comments | Add a comment | Summary/analysis of comments

Explanation: Responding to a request from the ICANN Board, the Security and Stability Advisory Committee (SSAC) and the Root Server System Advisory Committee (RSSAC) have commissioned a study of the potential impact on the operation of the root server system of adding IPv6 address records, IDN top level names, other new TLDs, and new records to support DNS security to the root zone.

The Terms of Reference [PDF, 88K] for the study cover all aspects of root zone operation, including data production, compilation, and publication to the root servers (including anycast instances) and serving data from the root servers.

Announcement | Comments | Add a comment | Summary/analysis of comments

Explanation: ICANN's bylaws require that Supporting Organizations, Councils and Advisory Committees be reviewed by an entity or entities independent of them.

In accordance with Article IV, Section 4, Clause 1 of ICANN bylaws, the review of each key structure of ICANN is designed to determine:

• Whether the organization has a continuing purpose in the ICANN structure; and
• If so, whether any change in structure or operations is desirable to improve its effectiveness.

The Structural Improvements Committee approved for public comments the proposed Terms of Reference [PDF, 205K], which detail questions that would guide the independent review of ICANN's Country Code Names Supporting Organization (ccNSO); the ICANN Board agreed and directed staff to post these Terms of Reference.

Announcement | Comments | Summary/analysis of comments

Explanation: ICANN has developed a plan to enhance the security, stability and resiliency [PDF, 1,930K] of the Internet's naming and addressing systems as called for in its Strategic Plan and in accordance within its bylaws.

The plan notes how the Internet has thrived by engaging many stakeholders who collaborate to foster communication, creativity and commerce in a global commons. The interoperability of the global commons depends on the operation and coordination of the Internet's unique identifier systems. ICANN and the operators of these systems acknowledge that maintaining and enhancing the security, stability and resiliency of these systems is a core element of their collaborative relationship. The plan notes the growing risks to the security, stability and resiliency of the unique identifier systems and the need to collaboratively address these risks.

The plan delineates ICANN's specific programs that will address security, stability and resiliency. It also details planned activities that will enhance its contributions through the next operational year. This first version of the plan is intended as a foundation for ICANN and its community to establish a framework for organizing its security, stability and resiliency efforts. The plan does not envision major new roles or programs for ICANN in this area.

The programs and initiatives in which ICANN plans to engage during the 2009-2010 operating year include:

• Improving root zone management through automation; improve authentication of communications with TLD managers and support implementation of DNS Security Extensions (DNSSec)
• Ensure the maturation of the gTLD registry continuity plan and test the data escrow system
• Build on the collaborative efforts of the Internet security community efforts to effectively respond to malicious abuses of the Domain Name System (DNS).

Announcement | Comments | Summary/analysis of comments

Explanation: ICANN appointed JAS Communications as the consultants for the independent review of SSAC, the Security and Stability Advisory Committee. The consultants released their draft final report [PDF, 673K], which was presented and discussed at the ICANN Mexico City meeting. Slides used during the presentation and transcript of the discussion are available here.

A public comment period was then open to allow inputs from the community. Based on comments and feedbacks received from the community and the SSAC review Working Group, JAS Communications finalized their report to ICANN.

The final report of external reviewers is available in English [PDF, 745K]; further linguistic versions will follow shortly.

Announcement | Comments | Summary/analysis of comments

Explanation: Draft FY10 Operating Plan and Budget for Community Review [PDF, 936K]

• العربية [PDF, 1,210K]
• 中文 [PDF, 989K]
• Français [PDF, 1,160K]
• Русский [PDF, 1,230K]
• Español [PDF, 999K]

The draft FY10 Operating Plan and Budget is posted and ready for community feedback.

The draft plan and budget follows the plans described in the FY10 Framework which was posted in mid February prior to the Mexico City meeting. The FY10 Framework was discussed with members of the ICANN community at the Mexico City meeting in March, through online public fora, and through conference calls with ICANN constituencies. The comments received and the summary analysis of those comments can be found here: http://www.icann.org/en/public-comment/public-comment-200904.html#op-budget-fy2010.

This draft FY10 Operating Plan and Budget provides more detailed information but follows the essence of the plan and budget described in the Framework with adjustments in response to community feedback and further research including:

• Constrain budget growth to 5% over FY2009 budget
• Revenues declining somewhat due to reductions in estimated domain transaction volume
• Possible fee reductions to offset the costs to registrars to adopt early the RAA amendments currently under consideration
• Some increases in travel support
• Offsetting cost reductions in a number of areas

In addition, more detailed analysis and more views of ICANN's budget are provided.

ICANN has now completed its 10th year, and this draft FY10 Operating Plan and Budget reflects a growing organization that is attaining operational maturity in many areas. Many of the organizational support elements envisioned for ICANN are at levels adequate to provide sufficient support for the current scale of community work. This means that ICANN's spending growth is anticipated to slow substantially in the FY10 budget as compared with previous years (4.9% compared with 30.1% in FY09).

After more public comment and feedback, the budget is expected to be adopted by the ICANN Board at its Sydney meeting in June 2009.

The world economic environment has dictated that costs that can be deferred will be. ICANN will likely under run its FY09 budget through some explicit cost controls as well as through the shifting of some program expenses into FY10.

Announcement | Comments | Summary/analysis of comments

Explanation: A new public comment period opens today on the revised Conflicts of Interest Policy [PDF, 117K].

The ICANN Board initially adopted a Conflicts of Interest Policy on 4 March 1999, pursuant to ICANN Bylaws, Article V, Section 7, and Article VI, Section 3(b)].

The Board Governance Committee ("BGC") has responsibility for administration of ICANN's Conflicts of Interest Policy. The Committee charter specifically states that the BGC "shall periodically review the Conflicts of Interest Policy and consider whether any modifications should be made to the policy to improve its effectiveness." In furtherance of its role, the BGC has reviewed and significantly revised the Conflicts of Interest Policy in order to, among other things, remain current with legal disclosure requirements.

On 23 April 2009, the ICANN Board of Directors followed the BGC's recommendation that the revised Conflicts of Interest Policy [PDF, 117K] be posted for public comment.

Announcement | Comments | Summary/analysis of comments

Explanation: The Statement of Registrar Accreditation Policy (http://www.icann.org/en/registrars/policy_statement.html) establishes the standards applied by ICANN in granting gTLD registrar accreditation. In addition to setting minimum qualifications, the policy describes "matters potentially leading to ineligibility" for accreditation, including disqualification of a "registrar or registry administrator, or any officer, director, manager, employee, or owner (including beneficial owners) from being an ICANN-accredited registrar or registry administrator" in accordance with procedures established by ICANN.

ICANN has developed a draft, proposed Registrar Disqualification Procedure to codify its procedures for registrar disqualification. This proposed procedure is intended to enhance protection of registrants by preventing potential bad actors from causing repeated harm to registrants and other stakeholders in the domain name space.

The draft Registrar Disqualification Procedure is being posting for public comment for 90 days to ensure broad community input. Feedback will be incorporated prior to implementation of the procedure.

Announcement | Comments | Summary/analysis of comments

Explanation: ICANN is pleased to make the Draft Implementation Plan for the IDN ccTLD Fast Track Process available for public discussions. The Draft Implementation Plan can be found here [PDF, 265K].

The IDN Fast Track Process is a mechanism recommended by the IDNC Working Group, focused on the introduction of a limited number of non contentious IDN ccTLDs, associated with the ISO 3166-1 two-letter codes, to meet near term demand, while an overall IDN ccTLD policy is being developed.

Update: The new deadline for the fast-track comment is 7 January 2009.

Announcement | Comments | Summary/analysis of comments

Explanation: ICANN retained Dennis Carlton, Professor of Economics at the University of Chicago and Senior Managing Director of Compass Lexecon, to perform two independent analyses:

1. Preliminary Report of Dennis Carlton Regarding Impact of New gTLDs on Consumer Welfare [PDF, 160K]
2. Preliminary Analysis of Dennis Carlton Regarding Price Caps for New gTLD Internet Registries [PDF, 56K]

The preliminary reports represent a third party independent analysis. A public comment period is now open to allow for further inputs from the community.

Announcement | Comments | Summary/analysis of comments

Explanation: Afilias has proposed a re-allocation process for approximately 1,400 domain names determined by WIPO to be non-complaint with the Sunrise procedures in .INFO through the Registry Services Evaluation Process, and is seeking an amendment to proceed with a phased equitable re-allocation program. The amendment provides for changes to Appendix 7, Functional and Performance Specifications.

• Afilias Proposal [PDF, 40K]

Announcement | Comments | Summary/analysis of comments

Explanation: As part of the comprehensive GNSO Improvements effort, last August the ICANN Board approved the formation of four new Stakeholder Groups (SGs). These SG structures represent a new concept for the GNSO that was envisioned by the Board Governance Committee GNSO Review Working Group On GNSO Improvements (BGC WG).

On 4 March, the Registries Constituency of the GNSO (RyC) submitted its original petition and charter proposal for the gTLD Registries Stakeholder Group (RySG) in the Contracted Parties House of the GNSO. On 24 April, the RyC submitted the “final version” of its petition for approval of Articles of Operation for the RySG.

Final RyC SG Proposal [PDF, 276K]

Original 4 March 2009 Ry SG Filing [PDF, 58K]

The overall GNSO Improvements effort and the role SGs will play in that arena is more fully described in the Stakeholder Group section of the GNSO Improvements Information Page - http://gnso.icann.org/en/improvements/stakeholder-process-en.htm

All members of the ICANN community are now invited to review, compare and comment on the two RySG submissions through 10 June 2009.

Staff Responsible: Robert Hoggarth

 Deadline and How to Submit Comments: The Staff is opening a 30-day public consultation forum, from 11 May 2009 through 10 June 2009, and invites community comments on this topic.

To submit comments: Comments on the document are welcome via email at ryc-sg-petition@icann.org. This public forum will be open at least through 5 April 2009 and is subject to extension as described above.

To view comments: An archive of all comments received will be publicly posted at http://forum.icann.org/lists/ryc-sg-petition/.

For a copy of the public announcement of this forum please see http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-11may09-en.htm.

Announcement | Comments | Summary/analysis of comments

Explanation: ICANN has released an update to the Draft Implementation Plan for introduction of a limited number of IDN ccTLDs, in addition to proposed implementation details regarding a number of open issues that were identified as requiring further input from the community. Comments received will be used to revise the plan in preparation of a Final Implementation Plan.

Announcement | Comments | Summary/analysis of comments

Explanation: The Draft Applicant Guidebook, V2 is now available for review and comment at http:/www.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtlds/comments-2-en.htm. A red-lined and annotated version of the document is also available to better understand the changes that were made in progressing from Draft Applicant Guidebook, V1 to V2. A series of Explanatory Memoranda accompany the Draft Applicant Guidebook, V2, to supplement understanding of the implementation work for new gTLDs.

The Draft Applicant Guidebook, V2, and accompanying papers, will be made available in Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish in the near future.

All materials are in draft form for public comment and review. Your comments will help with the production of the Draft Applicant Guidebook, Version 3, expected to be released in Q3 2009.

Further details about the New gTLD Program can be found at: http://www.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtld-program.htm

Announcement | Comments | Summary/analysis of comments

Explanation: In ICANN's submission to the Midterm Review by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration in February 2008 of the Joint Project Agreement between ICANN and the United States government, ICANN's chairman, Peter Dengate Thrush, identified the PSC as the group to facilitate discussions with the community about issues raised regarding ICANN's transition to the private sector. The PSC was asked to outline a plan for developing such a transition framework. The report is the President's Strategy Committee's proposed framework for the continuation of ICANN's work following the conclusion of the Joint Project Agreement.

The draft Implementation Plan for Improving Institutional Confidence [PDF, 332K] was produced by the President's Strategy Committee and submitted to the Board at ICANN's Mexico City meeting. It was publicly discussed at a workshop and public forums during the ICANN meeting in Mexico City (1-6 March 2009). On 6 March 2009, the Board accepted the report and decided to post it for 60 days public comment. The Board also directed staff to evaluate implementation of the proposals and report their findings to the Board.

The draft document builds on extensive research, analysis, deliberation and consultation with the global Internet community, including two previous rounds of public comment (16 June - 31 July 2008 and 19 September ­ 20 October 2008), and a series of 9 public international meetings held between June and December, 2008.

About the PSC:

The PSC's role is to give advice to the President and the Board on strategic issues facing ICANN. Since 2006, the PSC's focus has been on ICANN's legal status and identity, and regional presence.

Related links:

The draft Implementation Plan for Improving Institutional Confidence [PDF, 332K]

• العربية [PDF, 476K]
• 中文 [PDF, 529K]
• Français [PDF, 340K]
• Español [PDF, 505K]
• Русский [PDF, 608K]

The March 2009 Board resolution accepting the report and directing further action is posted at http://www.icann.org/en/minutes/resolutions-06mar09.htm#13

The President's Strategy Committee homepages: http://www.icann.org/en/psc/

Announcement | Comments | Summary/analysis of comments