ICANN POLICY UPDATE | Volume 14, Issue 5 – May 2014 Issue
PDF Version [388 KB]
http://www.icann.org/en/resources/policy/update
CONTENTS:
Across ICANN
- The NEW Policy Update
- First Multistakeholder Ethos Award Planned for ICANN 50
- Issues Currently Open for Public Comment
ASO
ccNSO
GNSO
- Preparations Begin for GNSO Review
- Effort Launched to Develop Improved Cross-Community Working Group Operating Principles
- GNSO Council Has No Objection to Specification 13
At-Large
- ALAC Submits 10 Policy Advice Statements
- ATLAS II Planning Enters Final Month
- ATLAS II Capacity Building Webinar Series Continues
- At-Large Expands to 173 At-Large Structures
GAC
RSSAC
Read in Your Preferred Language
ICANN Policy Update is available in all six official languages of the United Nations. Policy Update is posted on ICANN's web site and available via online subscription. To receive the Update in your Inbox each month, visit the ICANN subscriptions page, enter your e-mail address, and select "Policy Update" to subscribe. This service is free.
ICANN Policy Update statement of purpose
Send questions, comments and suggestions to: policy-staff@icann.org.
Policy Supporting Organizations and Advisory Committees
| Address Supporting Organization | ASO |
| Country Code Names Supporting Organization | ccNSO |
| Generic Names Supporting Organization | GNSO |
| At-Large Advisory Committee | ALAC |
| Governmental Advisory Committee | GAC |
| Root Server System Advisory Committee | RSSAC |
| Security and Stability Advisory Committee | SSAC |
Across ICANN
1. The NEW Policy Update
At a Glance
The recent launch of the new ICANN.org site and ongoing improvements to ICANN's digital engagement strategy have prompted a closer examination about how to best leveragePolicy Update as a resource to deliver more effective policy development news and content.
Recent Developments
The Policy Development Support Team, in partnership with the Communications Team, is working to develop and soon launch a new Policy Update experience for our valued readers and community members.
The new Policy Update will continue to provide the same quality content about ICANN's policy development activities but, we hope, in a more dynamic and interactive format. The new design will encourage our readers to share content and provide the Policy Development Support Team with metrics to more effectively understand how to best serve ICANN's policy development community.
Next Steps
Once the new Policy Update launches, feedback and suggestions will be welcomed at policyinfo@icann.org. Policy Update will continue to evolve in response to our subscribers.
More Information
Staff Contact
Kelsey Suemnicht, Global Communications Coordinator
2. First Multistakeholder Ethos Award Planned for ICANN 50
Recent Developments
In April, ICANN launched the nomination period for the first Multistakeholder Ethos Award. This award program seeks to recognize community members who have served in leadership roles in multiple ICANN working groups or committees and demonstrated collaboration with different supporting organizations and/or advisory committees. ICANN hopes to acknowledge community participants who have (1) deeply invested in consensus-based solutions, (2) affirmed the importance of ICANN's multistakeholder model for Internet governance, and (3) contributed in a substantive way to the higher interests of ICANN's organization and its community.
Candidates for the award will demonstrate at least five years of participation in the ICANN community. Both individuals and organizations are eligible for the award. A panel of community members is being convened to help review all nominations and determine the best candidates for the first awards. Recipients for this award will be evaluated by the community selection panel with four primary criteria in mind:
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Demonstrated multistakeholder volunteer service via working groups or committees;
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Demonstrated spirit of collaboration through engagement with other community members with the aim of consensus building;
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Demonstrated facilitator of dialogue and open discussion in a fair, cordial and collegial manner; and
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Demonstrated additional devotional factors exhibited by time spent supporting ICANN's multistakeholder model and its overall effectiveness.
Background
ICANN's distinctive multistakeholder model brings together community members with different backgrounds and interests to work towards a joint goal: to ensure the security and stability of the Internet's unique identifier systems. Due to the presence of so many different opinions and interests within ICANN's policy-making structure, courtesy and collaboration are key behaviors that are highly valued. The Multistakeholder Ethos Award is intended to recognize those ICANN participants who have deeply invested in consensus-based solutions and in the importance of ICANN's multistakeholder model.
Next Steps
Community members are critical to ICANN's success, and ICANN is committed to recognizing them for their efforts through the Multistakeholder Ethos Award. Selected award recipients will be recognized at ICANN 50 in London.
More Information
Staff Contact
Benedetta Rossi, Community Engagement Support Coordinator
3. Issues Currently Open for Public Comment
A total of nine public comment periods are currently open on issues of interest to the ICANN community. The following six opportunities for public comment have become available since the April Issue of Policy Update.
Proposal for the Use of Mandatory Policy Advisory Boards for Regulated Industry Sector and Consumer-Trust-Sensitive New gTLD Strings. The purpose of this public comment period is to obtain feedback and collect broader community input into the further development of the PAB model, and to which TLD strings it may best apply. Comment period ended 16 April; reply period ends 21 May.
IDN Variant TLDs – LGR Procedure Implementation – Maximal Starting Repertoire Version 1 is Now Open for Public Comment. Community members and specifically those working on Internationalized Domain Names, including IDN ccTLD and new gTLD applicants, as well as experts working on the development of Label Generation Rules are kindly asked to provide feedback. Comment period ended 30 April; reply period ends 21 May.
Interim Report Internationalized Registration Data Expert Working Group. This Public Forum invites comments on the Interim Report from the Internationalized Registration Data (IRD) Expert Working Group. The Report proposes internationalization requirements for fourteen categories of data elements currently outputted by the various gTLD registration data directory services. Comment period ended 5 May; reply period ends 27 May.
Enhancing ICANN Accountability. This discussion will look at how ICANN remains accountable in the absence of its historical contractual relationship to the U.S. Government and the perceived backstop with regard to ICANN's organization-wide accountability provided by that role. While related to the ongoing discussions around the IANA Stewardship Transition, this is a separate process. The output of this process is expected to be completed on the same timeframe as the stewardship transition work. Comment period ends 27 May; reply period ends 18 June.
FY15 Draft Operating Plan and Budget. Join is in creating ICANN's annual operating plan and budget for FY15, which describes planned activities from 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015 based on ICANN's strategic objectives, fiscal year priorities and community input. Comment period ends 29 May; reply period ends 30 June.
ICANN Draft Five-Year Strategic Plan (FY16-FY20). Built on community input received throughout an extensive, public strategy conversation, the Draft Strategic Plan proposes a new Vision, reiterates ICANN's existing Mission, and describes five focus areas with Strategic Objectives and Goals. ICANN is seeking general feedback, as well as input on the proposed measurable outcomes for the Focus Area Goals. Your comments will help inform the final ICANN Five–Year Strategic Plan. Comment period ends 31 May; reply period not specified.
For the full list of issues open for public comment, plus recently closed and archived public comment forums, please visit the Public Comment web page.
The staff also populates a web page to help preview potential "upcoming" public comment opportunities. This page – "Public Comments – Upcoming" page – provides information about potential future public comment opportunities. The page is updated after every ICANN Public Meeting to help individuals and the community to set priorities and plan their future workloads.
ASO
4. NRO AND RIR Updates
At a Glance
This section highlights recent developments in the Number Resource Organization and the five Regional Internet Registries.
Recent Developments
AFRINIC | The Nominations Committee announced the slate of candidates for the upcoming Board member elections. The public is now invited to submit comment on the candidates by 20:00 UTC on 26 May 2014. For more information, please refer to the announcement page.
APNIC | APNIC recently implemented a change to its Autonomous System (AS) Numbers policy to permit the transfer of AS numbers within the region and between regions with compatible inter-regional AS Number transfer policies. For more information about the revised policy, please visit the announcement page.
ARIN | The meeting report from ARIN 33 held in April is now available. The report includes presentations, summary notes, and transcripts. Webcast archives will be made available shortly. ARIN 34 will be taking place 9-10 October 2014 in Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
LACNIC | Raúl Echeberria, LACNIC's CEO, announced his departure effective 30 June 2014. For almost 12 years, Echeberria transformed LACNIC and led its significant growth. A formal farewell session took place 8 May 2014 during LACNIC 21 in Cancun, Mexico. More information is available on the announcement page.
NRO | The NRO submitted a response to ICANN's consultation on the transition of NTIA's stewardship of the IANA functions. The document is available on the announcement page.
RIPE NCC | The RIPE NCC Member Update has been published with a particular focus on the issues and activities related to the RIPE 68 in Warsaw, Poland including the General Meeting and elections. To see the update, visit the announcement page.
Background
The five RIRs (AfriNIC, APNIC, ARIN, LACNIC, and RIPE NCC) provide Internet resource allocation and management, registration services, regional policy development activities, and technical services supporting the global operation of the Internet. RIRs participate in the global Internet community independently, and jointly through the coordination of the NRO. Per an MoU with ICANN from 2004, the NRO fulfills the role, responsibilities, and functions of the ASO.
More Information
Staff Contact
Barbara Roseman, Policy Director and Technical Analyst
Carlos Reyes, Senior Policy Analyst
ccNSO
5. Council Submits Comments on the IANA Stewardship Transition Process
At a Glance
At ICANN 49, the ccNSO Council appointed Byron Holland, Becky Burr, and Keith Davidson as members of the ccNSO Process Coordination Committee with respect to the IANA Functions Transition Process.
Recent Developments
Following the announcement from NTIA of its intention to transfer key Internet Domain Name functions, the ccNSO Council submitted a ccNSO Council Interim Statement on the proposals for the IANA Stewardship Transition Process. The Interim Statement focused first on the proposed scope of the process. Secondly, it alluded to the need to include two representatives selected by the ccTLD operators and two selected by the gTLD operators as "affected parties" in the proposed steering committee. The final points referred to the principles, mechanisms and processes for the transition proposal.
Next Steps
The ccNSO Process Coordination Committee will monitor the proposed IANA transition process closely and following further steps and proposals. It will also inform, invite, and involve the ccNSO Council and ccTLD community at-large.
Background
Following the announcement of NTIA on its intention to transition key Internet domain name functions, the ccNSO Council created a "Coordination Committee with respect to the IANA Transition Process" at its meeting in Singapore. The purpose of this committee is to coordinate ccNSO efforts to participate in the IANA Functions Transition Process, and coordinate the ccNSO with other efforts aimed at including the broad ccTLD community in the process.
The committee may invite other members of the ccTLD community to participate in the work of the committee, if deemed necessary and appropriate.
More Information
- ccNSO Council Statement [PDF, 81 KB]
- More information on the committee and material related to the IANA Transition Process
Staff Contact
Bart Boswinkel, Senior Director, ccNSO Policy Development Support
GNSO
6. Preparations Begin for GNSO Review
At a Glance
The objective of the latest GNSO Review is to examine the organizational effectiveness of the GNSO, including its structure components (GNSO Council, GNSO Working Groups, GNSO Stakeholder Groups and Constituencies). The review, scheduled to begin on or about 1 July 2014, will be tightly scoped based on objective and quantifiable criteria provided to an independent examiner.
Recent Developments
On 22 April 2014, ICANN announced that it is looking for an independent expert to conduct an independent review of the Generic Names Supporting Organization. The independent expert may use the following methods to gather information:
- Examination of available documentation, records and reports.
- Outcomes from a 360 Assessment, an online mechanism to collect and summarize feedback from members of the GNSO structure, interested members from the ICANN community and participants in other structures, members of the Board and staff.
- Integration of Assessments of the Second Accountability and Transparency Review Team – see Appendix A of the Second Accountability and Transparency Review Team Report and Recommendations [PDF, 3.46 MB].
- Limited interviews, if needed.
Involvement of the GNSO community as well as input and participation from the broader ICANN community are important components of this review process. The Structural Improvements Committee of the Board (SIC), which is overseeing the review process, has requested that a GNSO Review Working Party be assembled to function as a liaison between the GNSO, the independent examiner and the SIC. The work party will likely provide input on review criteria and the 360 Assessment, coordinate interviews and otherwise objectively supply clarification and assess responses to the reviewer's draft findings and recommendations. Once a final report is issued by the reviewer and the Board takes action on it, as appropriate, the GNSO Review Working Party would be expected next to plan and coordinate a solid implementation plan and champion implementation of improvement activities.
Next Steps
The GNSO Council is in the process of forming the GNSO Review Working Party which is expected to represent the diversity of the GNSO community, mirroring the make-up of the GNSO Council (up to 3 representatives from the Registry Stakeholder Group, up to 3 representatives from the Registrar Stakeholder Group, up to 2 representatives from the Nominating Committee appointees, up to 2 representatives from the Business Constituency, up to 2 representative from the Intellectual Property Constituency, up to 2 representatives from the Internet Service and Connectivity Providers Constituency, up to 6 representatives from the Non-Commercial Stakeholder Group, in addition to the possibility for other SO/ACs to appoint 1 observer to the effort). The activities of the GNSO Review Working Party will be conducted in an open and fully transparent manner.
The timeline and milestones for the GNSO review are as follows:
| Activities And Milestones | Tentative Completion Date |
|---|---|
| GNSO to identify GNSO Review Working Party | 14 May |
| Assist with refining examination criteria | 30 May |
| Contribute to the development of the 360 assessment and coordinate the self-review component | 15 June |
| Review Kick-Off and ongoing participation as needed | 1 July – 31 October |
| Summary results from 360 Assessment | 30 July |
| Draft Report 1 | 30 September |
| Clarification and rebuttal from GNSO | 11-12 October (ICANN 51) |
| Draft Report 2 | 31 October |
| Public Comment period | 1 November – 5 January 2015 |
| Final Report | 15 January |
| Implementation plan in coordination with the GNSO | 16 January – 20 February |
| Implement Recommendations | By end of May 2014 |
Background
As part of ICANN's ongoing commitment to its evolution and improvement, Article IV – Section 4 of ICANN's Bylaws contains provisions for "periodic review of the performance and operation of each Supporting Organization, each Supporting Organization Council, each Advisory Committee (other than the Governmental Advisory Committee), and the Nominating Committee." These periodic reviews present ICANN structures with opportunities for continuous improvement through consistent application of compliance review principles to objectively measure performance relative to specific and quantifiable criteria developed by ICANN based on the unique nature of its structures. The resulting implementation of improvements and the systematic means of measuring performance and validating effectiveness of implementation are of utmost importance to the ongoing legitimacy of ICANN.
More Information
Staff Contact
Marika Konings, Senior Policy Director and Team Leader for the GNSO
7. Effort Launched to Develop Improved Cross-Community Working Group Operating Principles
At a Glance
A Cross-Community Working Group (CWG) will develop a finalized Framework of Operating Principles to govern the chartering, operations, decision-making and termination of future CWGs. Noting the increasing number of issues of common interest across multiple Supporting Organizations and Advisory Committees, a Call for Volunteers has been issued across all ICANN SOs and ACs.
Recent Developments
On 26 March 2014, the ccNSO and GNSO Councils both approved the charter for a new CWG to carry forward the initial work done by the GNSO and ccNSO relating to the creation of a Framework of Operating Principles for future Cross-Community Working Groups. Community members from the ALAC, ccNSO and GNSO drafted the charter.
Next Steps
The new CWG is expected to begin meeting in May, with the goal of producing a final framework for community consideration as soon as is feasible. Community members who are interested in joining the CWG should contact the GNSO Secretariat, which is coordinating the call for volunteers, at gnso-secs@icann.org. Participation in the CWG is limited to a certain number of members and observers from each SO and AC, so interested community members are also encouraged to notify their respective chairs of their interest in participation.
Background
In 2012, the GNSO Council approved an initial set of proposed principles for CWGs and requested feedback on them from the other ICANN SOs and ACs. In 2013, the ccNSO Council provided detailed feedback and suggestions on further refining and adding to the initial proposed principles. In October 2013 the ccNSO and GNSO Councils convened and co-chaired a Drafting Team (DT) to create a Charter for a new CWG that would take forward the initial work of the GNSO as supplemented by feedback from the ccNSO. The DT developed a charter that aimed to reflect the diversity of remit and procedures across several SOs and ACs. Both the ccNSO and GNSO Councils approved the charter at their respective meetings in March 2014.
More Information
- Charter for the new CWG [PDF, 136 KB]
- Webpage for the new CWG (GNSO)
- Webpage for the new CWG (ccNSO)
- Wiki space for the new CWG
Staff Contact
Mary Wong, Senior Policy Director
Bart Boswinkel, Senior Director, ccNSO Policy Development Support
8. GNSO Council Has No Objection to Specification 13 – Additional Registry Agreement Clause Allows Brand Registries to Designate up to Three Exclusive Registrars
At a Glance
At its 8 May 2014 meeting, the GNSO Council approved a resolution noting that, given the specific circumstances surrounding the proposed implementation of a new Specification 13 in the new gTLD Registry Agreement, the Council had no objection to implementing Specification 13 as a whole, including an additional clause which will allow Brand Registries of new gTLDs to designate up to three exclusive Registrars.
Recent Developments
A clause in the new Specification 13 in the New gTLD Registry Agreement, if implemented by ICANN, would permit "dot"Brand Registries to designate up to three exclusive Registrars (see Background section below). The ICANN Board's New gTLD Program Committee (NGPC) asked the GNSO Council to consider if that clause would be inconsistent with Recommendation 19 of the Introduction of New gTLDs Policy Development Process.
After deliberating on the topic, the GNSO Council approved a resolution on the Specification 13 issue. In its resolution, the GNSO Council stated that while it believed implementing this particular clause would be inconsistent with Recommendation 19, it had no objection in light of the specific circumstances surrounding the proposed implementation of Specification 13. The Council noted the lack of objection from the GNSO during the public comment forum dedicated to the issue.
The GNSO Council specifically reserved the right to initiate a Policy Development Process on this topic in the future. The PDP could result in Consensus Policy affecting existing and new Registries should the Council believe there to be circumvention or augmentation of the specific conditions in Specification 13. The Council also noted that its action in making an exception on this one issue should not be interpreted as setting a precedent for the future. Following the successful passage of the resolution, the GNSO Council Chair sent a letter [PDF, 366 KB] to the Chair of the NGPC notifying the NGPC of the GNSO resolution.
Next Steps
The ICANN Board's NGPC will now conduct further deliberations taking into account the GNSO's resolution regarding the implementation of Specification 13.
Background
On 26 March 2014, the NGPC adopted a resolution to approve the proposed Specification 13 of the new gTLD Registry Agreement that provides limited accommodations to Registry Operators that qualify as ".Brand TLDs." As many as one-third of all new gTLD applications might qualify. The same resolution also approved the incorporation of an additional clause into Specification 13 with implementation not being effective until 45 days from the publication of the resolution.
The additional clause allows a Registry Operator of a "dot"Brand TLD to designate no more than three ICANN accredited Registrars at any point in time to serve as the exclusive Registrar(s) for the TLD. The implementation of this clause was delayed to provide the GNSO Council with an opportunity to advise ICANN as to whether the additional clause was inconsistent with the letter and intent of GNSO Recommendation 19 on the Introduction of New Generic Top Level Domains. The NGPC Chair sent a letter [PDF, 861 KB] to the GNSO Council Chair on 3 April 2014, requesting GNSO Council input on the matter.
Prior to the NGPC's resolution, a public comment forum on Specification 13 had been initiated on 6 December 2013. The public comment period concluded on 31 January 2014, with no objections to the additional clause from the GNSO except for a number of individual Registrars, who subsequently withdrew their objection.
The GNSO Council began deliberating the NGPC's request regarding Specification 13 in early April 2014. The issue was discussed extensively at two GNSO Council Meetings on 10 April 2014 and 8 May 2014, and included discussion of the issue on the GNSO Council mailing list.
Staff Contact
Berry Cobb, GNSO Consultant
At-Large
9. ALAC Submits 10 Policy Advice Statements
At a Glance
The ALAC has doubled its high rate of preparing statements in response to ICANN public comment periods. Between mid-April and early-May, the ALAC submitted a total of ten policy advice statements, five of which are pending ALAC ratification.
Recent Developments
The ten ALAC policy advice statements submitted are summarized below.
ALAC Statement on the ICANN Future Meetings Strategy
- The ALAC supports the recommendations of the Meeting Strategy Working Group report.
- The differentiation of the 3 annual meetings would improve the geographic rotation, minimize the number of conflicting sessions, facilitate cross community interactions, increase concentrated policy work, engage with local Internet communities, and increase thematic, regional or language-based interactions.
- The ALAC also appreciates very much that visa deliverance becomes one of the main criteria for the selection of the meetings venue.
- The ALAC suggests that 1) local availability of an open Internet be added to the selection criteria, 2) venues without facilities for the disabled communities shouldn't be considered, and 3) video coverage of meetings uses cameras and camera-work (pan and zoom) instead of a stationary Webcam.
- The ALAC welcomes the recommendation not restricting rotation of any meeting to ICANN hub cities.
ALAC Statement on the Initial Report Inter-Registrar Transfer Policy (IRTP) Part D PDP
- The ALAC strongly supports these recommendations.
- The ALAC particularly supports Recommendation 5 that would extend the statute of limitation to launch a Transfer Dispute Resolution Policy (TDRP) from the current 6 months to 15 months from the initial transfer.
- In Recommendation 9, the term "user-friendliness" should be augmented comprehensively to make it clear that this site should be understandable to a registrant who does not have to deal with such problems on a regular basis.
- In recommendation 10, it is essential that, in addition to Registrars, Resellers be explicitly included.
- The ALAC strongly supports amending the Privacy Proxy Specification such that: 1) It is applicable to all Privacy and Proxy providers; 2) the personal details of the beneficial user are verified in accordance with verification requirements in the 2013 RAA; and 3) limits on access to the personal information of the beneficial user must be clear and balanced.
- In the case where a beneficial user is revealed during the process of a UDRP, and that UDRP proceeding finds in favor of the registrant, the identity and contact information of the beneficial user must NOT be revealed in any public document resulting from the UDRP.
ALAC Statement on the Draft Implementation Plan for the WHOIS Online Accuracy and Reporting System
- The ALAC is very supportive of the ICANN initiative to take responsibility for measuring and ultimately ensuring WHOIS accuracy.
- In parallel with developing the measurement methodology and tools, a plan must be developed regarding how the accuracy metrics developed be used.
- It is important that ICANN not only monitor WHOIS accuracy and address the problems resolved, but that the community is kept informed of the results in sufficient detail
- The ALAC views the lack of response from the Cyrillic, Greek, Georgian, Hebrew, Lao, Latin and Thai communities as of the ICANN 49 meeting in Singapore to be a matter of concern.
- The ALAC recommends that the ICANN IDN Variant TLD Program Team: 1) Work together with the ICANN Global Stakeholder Engagement Team to raise awareness; 2) provide a briefing to the GAC, the ccTLD community, and RALOs to seek their support; 3) work with the ICANN Communications Team to simplify key documents related to the Root Zone Project; 4) provide concrete examples of how Generation Panels can be formed; 5) facilitate or enable appropriate facilitation to support the collaboration of language communities; 6) ensure that language communities that share a script are all represented in a script Generation Panel; and 7) leverage on the Internet Governance Forum to widen awareness.
- The ALAC commends the Integration Panel for producing a Maximal Starting Repertoire (MSR) in a format that is easy for language communities to understand and use.
- The ALAC advises against freezing script segments of the MSR without receiving sufficient input from language communities either via a script Generation Panel or from the script community.
- The ALAC requests that the Integration Panel provide confirmation to the community that subsequent versions of the MSR may include an expanded set of possible code points based on the review and input received from language communities.
- The ALAC believes that a version-release timeline should be published for the MSR and LGR which can be used by language communities to plan their submissions as well as to expect version updates.
- The ALAC calls on the Integration Panel to ensure that its work does not discriminate against language communities with a smaller number of speakers.
- The ALAC strongly supports the report from the Panel on ICANN's Role in the Internet Governance Ecosystem, particularly its conclusion that 'the multistakeholder model is by far preferable and should be elaborated and reinforced'.
- The diagram on Governance, grouped into the Logical layer and Infrastructure Layer is a very helpful way to conceptualize Internet governance issues.
- The Panel's discussions under the following headings also have some very useful pointers on directions for ICANN's new role in: Globalize not internationalize, Consolidation and simplification of root-zone management, and a web of affirmation of commitments.
- Globalizing the process of accountability through a web of relationships and suggesting accountability panels is indeed a potential way forward but only if a panel can provide recourse. The ALAC has concerns about the practical workability of this scenario but is ready to assist.
- The ALAC strongly supports the report from the Panel on Public Responsibility Framework.
- This Panel is a useful reminder of the ways ICANN has started to globalize its activities, but real assistance and support for participation in ICANN is a critical element in the globalization of ICANN and Internet Governance.
- The issue is additional funding for those unable to self fund real participation in ICANN. There may be other models for funding participation that do not rely on the 'contracted parties' model that can ensure all parties have equal seats at the table.
- The ALAC supports the report from the Panel on Multistakeholder Innovation with some reservations.
- This panel is a useful reminder of the need to reach beyond the 'usual suspects' with suggestions on how new techniques and technologies can be used to support global engagement.
- However, we are concerned that some of the suggestions, such as crowdsourcing, for obtaining broad-based input may be seen as alternatives to existing methods of reaching consensus on issues. New techniques should not be seen as replacing the valuable policy processes of collaboration and dialogue. Crowdsourcing for policy input risks breaking the truly bottom-up policy development.
- The ALAC suggests the development and use of tools to assist participation for those whose voice should be heard but do not communicate, or not communicate easily in the English language.
- Ultimately, multistakeholder innovation should be targeted at enabling widespread participation at grassroots level as opposed to encouraging counter-arguments at top level.
- The ALAC strongly supports the report from the Panel on Identifier Technology Innovation. Indeed, the report provides valuable insights and recommendations for future identifier technology developments.
- ALAC is surprised that the recommendations of the Panel do not include any acknowledgement or recommendations about the threats to the DNS.
- A key missing recommendation should have been made that there should be a coordinated risk management program concerning the DNS itself.
- The ALAC has already commented on this PC in its Statement Referenced AL-ALAC-ST-0314-06-00-EN, focusing on the overall Principles of any Process.
- The ALAC agrees with the proposal for the creation of a Steering Group on the condition that the creation of such a Steering Group should not jeopardize or otherwise hinder the creation of a Community-led ICANN Cross Community Working Group on the same topic.
- The ALAC recommends good coordination and a clear division of tasks in order to maximize volunteer time and yield a solution that will uphold the Public Interest.
More Information
Staff Contact
Xinyue (Ariel) Liang, At-Large Policy Coordinator
10. ATLAS II Planning Enters Final Month
At a Glance
Planning for the Second At-Large Summit (ATLAS II) continues to progress as the At-Large community shifts into deeper engagement on current end-user issues as well as preparation for its gathering in London this June. Nearly 160 delegates will be participating in the ATLAS II with the theme of the "Global Internet: The User Perspective."
Recent Developments
The ATLAS II Events Group continues to make progress on its preparatory efforts ahead of the June summit by finalizing the agenda. The Public Relations Working Group is reviewing potential keynote speakers for the ATLAS II "Fayre of Opportunities" after approving promotional materials for the Summit. Already, the delegates have engaged in five capacity building webinars exploring technology and communications tools for outreach, IPv4 to IPv6 migration, ICANN's policy development processes, and the future of Internet governance (in a two-part webinar). The first edition of the ATLAS II Newsletter has been distributed to all ATLAS II participants. Finally, the ICANN Constituency Travel Team continues to make travel arrangements for participants and the Communications Team is making progress on ALS interviews.
Next Steps
In the coming weeks, the second issue of the ATLAS II newsletter, the ATLAS II wiki, and webpage will launch to provide more comprehensive outreach tools to attendees and observers. The capacity building webinar series will continue with upcoming sessions on security and stability, policy, and rules of procedure.
Background
The first At-Large Summit was held in March 2009 at ICANN 34 in Mexico City. The ICANN Board of Directors approved ATLAS II in August 2013 to strengthen the bottom-up structure of the At-Large community by building capacity and awareness of the 170+ ALSes. Moreover, ATLAS II will further develop the At-Large community's engagement in ICANN.
More Information
Staff Contacts
Heidi Ullrich, Senior Director for At-Large
Carlos Reyes, Senior Policy Analyst
11. ATLAS II Capacity Building Webinar Series Continues
At a Glance
Representatives from the At-Large community are participating in a total of 8 capacity building webinars in preparation for the Second At-Large Summit (ATLAS II) to further develop the At-Large community's ability to engage in ICANN by increasing knowledge and understanding of key issues confronting At-Large, ICANN, and ICANN's roles and responsibilities.
Recent Developments
The overarching theme of the ATLAS II is "Global Internet: The User Perspective." Accordingly, the preparatory activities of the At-Large community, including the webinars, have the ultimate goal of organizing and empowering Internet end-users to actively participate in ICANN's policy development processes.
The ATLAS II capacity building webinars have been designed to cover a comprehensive range of topics which provide an in depth analysis of the most important and current Internet governance issues. To date, five webinars have been held to give participants enough time to bridge any knowledge gaps that may exist between At-Large insiders and the broader membership and RALO organizations.
The objective of the ATLAS II capacity building webinars is to provide an opportunity for all At-Large Structures (ALSes) to fully integrate into the At-Large community, review their knowledge, update it and get more acquainted with recent developments on Internet governance issues.
The webinars are focused on eight issues, which will provide a good foundation for all participants to come prepared to discuss key issues to be addressed during the ATLAS II:
- Communications
- IPv4-IPv6 migration
- Policy Development
- Future of Internet Governance Part 1
- Future of Internet Governance Part 2
- Security and stability
- Policy Issues
- Rules of Procedure
See the full schedule of ATLAS II capacity building webinars for detailed information.
Webinar presenters include knowledgeable and experienced members of various ICANN communities as well as senior ICANN staff. The webinar format consists of presentations followed by a question and answer session. Participants also have the chance to use the Q & A wiki page to follow-up on issues with the presenters, who have committed to providing answers within a week of receipt. At the end of the webinar, At Large staff sends an Evaluation Sheet [DOCX, 14 KB] to gather feedback from all participants. All of the above is envisioned to provide staff with the ability to perfect and replicate this activity in the future and thus enable sustainability of capacity building activities.
Next Steps
The capacity building webinar series will continue with upcoming sessions on security and stability, policy, and rules of procedure.
Join us for the upcoming webinars:
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Policy Issues on 22 May
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Rules of Procedure on 29 May
Background
The first At-Large Summit was held in March 2009 at ICANN 34 in Mexico City. The ICANN Board of Directors approved ATLAS II in August 2013 to strengthen the bottom-up structure of the At-Large community by building capacity and awareness of the 170+ ALSes. Moreover, ATLAS II will further develop the At-Large community's engagement in ICANN.
More Information
Staff Contacts
Silvia Vivanco, Manager, At-Large Regional Affairs
12. At-Large Expands to 173 At-Large Structures
At a Glance
The At-Large Advisory Committee (ALAC) has recently certified five new organizations as At-Large Structures (ALSes): ISOC Disability and Special Needs, Fundetic Bolivia, Native Public Media, Visually Impaired and Blind Users Group (VIBUG), and Open Media. Two more organizations are currently being voted on: ISOC Yemen and ISOC Portugal. Due diligence is also being carried out for 3 other organizations.
Recent Developments
The ALAC has voted for the certification of ISOC Disability and Special Needs, Fundetic Bolivia, Native Public Media, Visually Impaired and Blind Users Group (VIBUG), Open Media as At-Large Structures (ALSes). The certification process included due diligence carried out by ICANN staff and regional advice provided by Regional At-Large Organizations. These new ALSes expand the regional diversity of the At-Large community, which represents thousands of individual Internet end-users. With the addition of these new organizations, the number of accredited ALSes will now total 173.
Additional information on the new At-Large Structures:
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ISOC Disability and Special Needs is situated in Alexandria, Virginia and is located in the US. The mission of ISOC Disability and Special Needs includes, among others to make the Internet accessible to all. This organization will be an ALS within NARALO.
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Fundetic Bolivia is situated in La Paz, Boliva. This organization aims to promote and coordinate the relationships between the government and Bolivian society through the management of ICT instruments within all areas and sectors. This organization will be an ALS within LACRALO.
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Native Public Media is situated in Flagstaff, Arizona, located in the US. This ALS strives to promote healthy, engaged, independent Native communities through media access, control and ownership. This organization will be an ALS within NARALO.
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Visually Impaired and Blind Users Group is based in Wellesley, Massachusetts, located in the US. The organization's main objectives are to exchange information and advice among visually impaired technology users, to expand computer literacy within the visually impaired community and to provide a resource for community members, developers, and students who are interested in developing mainstream and/or adaptive products to be used by blind people. This organization will be part of NARALO.
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Open Media is in Vancouver, Canada. Its main mission is to support transparent and participatory processes for making Internet policy based on five basic principles set out in the Declaration of Internet Freedom: Do Not Censor the Internet: 1) promote universal access to fast and affordable networks, 2) keep the Internet an open network where everyone is free to connect, communicate, write, read, watch, speak, listen, learn, create, and innovate, 3) protect the freedom to innovate and create without permission, 4) do not block new technologies, and do not punish innovators for their users' actions, and 5) protect privacy and defend everyone's ability to control how their data and devices are used. This is an ALS within NARALO.
Background
One of the strengths of the At-Large community is that it incorporates the views of a set of globally diverse, Internet end-user organizations, or ALSes, organized within five RALOs. The views of these grassroots organizations are collected through an internal, bottom-up, consensus-driven process and are represented in the official documents of the ALAC.
More Information
- A complete list of certified and pending ALSes
- Statistical information on global ALS representation
- Global map of certified ALSes
- Information on how to join At-Large
- ICANN At-Large web site
Staff Contacts
Nathalie Peregrine, Policy staff support for At-Large
GAC
13. High-Level Governmental Meeting to be Held at ICANN 50
At a Glance
In addition to the traditional GAC meetings at ICANN 50, a High-Level Governmental Meeting is scheduled for the morning of Monday 23 June, following the ICANN 50 Welcome Ceremony. This meeting will be open to the public.
Recent Developments
The High-Level Governmental Meeting will be hosted by the UK and will be chaired by the UK Minister Vaizey with the GAC Chair as co-chair. Relevant ministers from across the world have been invited, including from countries outside the GAC's current membership. This is the second time that such a meeting is being held. The first was hosted by Canada in conjunction with ICANN 45, inspired by an ATRT recommendation suggesting this kind of meeting to take place every two years.
Next Steps
A wide attendance is expected, including multiple ministers. The agenda is not yet finalized but will include briefings by ICANN's leadership, discussions about the role of the GAC, and about current high-profile topics, such as the transition of US stewardship of IANA.
Background
ICANN receives input from governments through the GAC. The GAC's key role is to provide advice to ICANN on issues of public policy, especially where there may be interaction between ICANN's activities or policies and national laws or international agreements. The GAC usually meets three times a year at ICANN Public Meetings to discuss issues with the ICANN Board, Supporting Organizations, Advisory Committees and other groups. The GAC may also hold discussions with the Board at other times, meeting face-to-face or by teleconference.
More Information
- GAC website
- GAC Singapore Communiqué [PDF, 146 KB]
Staff Contact
Olof Nordling, Senior Director, GAC Relations
Julia Charvolen, Coordinator, GAC Services
RSSAC
14. RSSAC Seeks Caucus Members
At a Glance
The ongoing restructure process of the Root Server System Advisory Committee (RSSAC) continues as the Membership Committee seeks members for the Caucus.
Recent Developments
In November 2013, the RSSAC Executive Committee formed a Membership Committee to oversee the process of admitting new RSSAC members and to establish the RSSAC Caucus. The Caucus of DNS and root server system experts will be responsible for the essential work of the RSSAC. Interested applicants should submit a statement of interest to rssac-membership@icann.org. More information about the requirements for the statement of interest and the Caucus – including its purpose, principles, and procedures – can be reviewed here.
Next Steps
The RSSAC Membership Committee will review applications and make its recommendation to the RSSAC Executive Committee on an ongoing basis. The Caucus will be formally convened for the first time at ICANN 50 and again at IETF 90.
More Information
Staff Contact
Barbara Roseman, Policy Director and Technical Analyst
Carlos Reyes, Senior Policy Analyst
policy-update-may14-en.pdf [430 KB]