Public Comment

Public Comment is a vital part of our multistakeholder model. It provides a mechanism for stakeholders to have their opinions and recommendations formally and publicly documented. It is an opportunity for the ICANN community to effect change and improve policies and operations.

Proposed Changes to the ICANN Bylaws Article XI: Advisory Committees Relating to the Charter and Membership of the Security and Stability Advisory Committee (SSAC)

Open: 3 November 2010
Closed: 2 December 2010

Explanation/Background: As part of its program of Organizational Reviews, ICANN has undertaken a review of the Security and Stability Advisory Committee (SSAC), whose role is to advise the ICANN community and Board on matters relating to the security and integrity of the Internet’s naming and address allocation systems.  Organizational Reviews are part of ICANN’s program of continuous improvement and are intended to ensure an in-depth examination of the role and operation of key structures of ICANN, with support from external, independent professional consultants.  Oversight of the Organizational Review processes is exerted by the Structural Improvements Committee (SIC), which is a standing Committee of the ICANN Board.  The SIC is authorized to set up specific Working Groups for each of the Reviews.

In 2009, the ICANN Board appointed an SSAC Review Working Group (WG), which engaged in extensive consultations with the SSAC community.  In recommendation 18 in its final report published 29 January 2010 http://www.icann.org/en/reviews/ssac/ssac-review-wg-final-report-29jan10-en.pdf [PDF, 282 KB], the SSAC Review WG recommended that task area one of the SSAC Charter should be removed because it is out of scope of the activities of the SSAC. Task area one reads as follows: "Develop a security framework for Internet naming and address allocation services that defines the key focus areas, and identifies where the responsibilities for each area lie."  The reviewers also recommended that a process be put in place to allow for the Board to remove SSAC members.  The SIC agreed that, as the Board has the power of appointment of SSAC membership, the Bylaws should be revised to allow for the complementary power of removal, so long as its performed in consultation with the SSAC.  The proposed amendments are provided in redline form in the attachment below.

On 28 October 2010 the Board approved resolution 2010.28.10.directing that the proposed Bylaws amendment should be posted for public comment for a period of no less than 30 days.

Document Links:

The Process From Here:

At the end of this Public Comment Forum period, ICANN Staff will review the comments submitted and prepare a summary analysis of the various submissions for the ICANN Board to review.

Deadline and How to Submit Comments:

At the direction of the ICANN Board, the Staff is opening a 30-day public consultation forum, from 03 November through 02 December 2010 and invites community comments concerning this document. 

To submit comments:  bylaws-amend-article-xi2@icann.org
To view comments:  http://forum.icann.org/lists/bylaws-amend-article-xi2
For a copy of the public announcement of this forum please see: http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-03nov10-en.htm

Staff Responsible:  Julie Hedlund

Staff member responsible: Julie Hedlund

Announcement | Comments | Summary/analysis of comments