closed Proposed Revisions to Community Anti-Harassment Policy

Outcome

The Public Comment proceeding on the proposed revisions to the ICANN Community Anti-Harassment Policy and Terms of Participation and Complaint Procedure (Policy) garnered significant and diverse input from the community, with thirteen detailed submissions from organizations, governments, companies, and individuals. The feedback emphasized the importance of inclusivity, clarity, and due process within the Policy framework. As a direct result of the comments, the ICANN Board will consider refinements, including enhancing confidentiality provisions, clarifying definitions and procedures, and addressing the applicability of the Policy to staff. Additionally, suggestions regarding the Policy’s name, expanded examples of harassment, and the Ombuds’ role will be evaluated to ensure the Policy remains inclusive and robust.

This proceeding has advanced ICANN’s ongoing efforts to foster a safe, welcoming, and respectful community environment. The input underscored the community’s commitment to strengthening this vital Policy and highlighted opportunities to align it more closely with global best practices. ICANN deeply values the thoughtful and constructive feedback provided through this Public Comment process, as it underscores the importance of multistakeholder participation in shaping policies that affect all community members. The next steps will involve careful evaluation of the proposed changes to ensure the Policy reflects the shared values and priorities of the ICANN community.

What We Received Input On

The ICANN Board Anti-Harassment Working Group is proposing revisions to the ICANN Community Anti-Harassment Policy and is seeking community feedback on the changes.

The Policy now includes a definition of harassment, additional examples of harassment, and expanded and strengthened reporting and complaint procedures. It offers clarity around the role of the Ombuds, including details regarding updates throughout the evaluation process, complaints received from ICANN staff, referrals to the Board, and the resolution process. There is also the opportunity to provide feedback regarding the name of the Policy.

Community input is welcome on any or all of the four elements: (I) the name of the Policy, (II) the Policy and terms of participation, (III) the definition of harassment and examples provided, and/or (IV) the reporting and complaint procedure.

Background

ICANN’s global multistakeholder community includes a diversity of backgrounds, cultures, and identities. Ensuring mutual respect across this community is essential, and ICANN takes a firm stance against harassment in any form. Following the establishment of the ICANN Community Anti-Harassment Policy in April 2017, the Board established the Anti-Harassment Working Group in 2019 to oversee a review of the community's understanding of the existing policy.

Since then, the Board has worked on initiatives to raise awareness of the policy, to highlight the processes and avenues to report harassment, and to provide training and education on the topic. More recently, the Board Anti-Harassment Working Group has evaluated and strengthened the ICANN Community Anti-Harassment Policy and is keen to gather community feedback on the proposed revisions in this Public Comment Proceeding.

Supporting Information