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Frederic Teboul, Manager of At-Large Regional Affairs has left ICANN
by At-Large Staff Oct. 15, 2008

Oct. 15, 2008

Frederic Teboul has left ICANN to pursue other opportunities and recruiting for his replacement is underway. If you are aware of any candidates you believe would be suitable, please refer them to http://www.icann.org/en/general/jobs.htm#manageriug. The At-Large staff is covering Frederic's duties during the recruiting period. To help ensure a high level of support for the At-Large community is maintained, we will be assisted by a temporary staff person in Brussels assigned to cover many of the administrative functions. Feel free to send any concerns, questions, or suggestions on these matters to staff(a)atlarge.icann.org -- Regards, Nick Ashton-Hart, Matthias Langenegger, Frederic Teboul ICANN At-Large Staff email: staff(a)atlarge.icann.org

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REMINDER: Next ALAC teleconference 14 October 1330 UTC
by At-Large Staff Oct. 13, 2008

Oct. 13, 2008

Dear all, This is to remind you about the next ALAC teleconference scheduled on Tuesday October 14th from 1330 to 1500 UTC. Please find further details and a draft agenda on the meeting page: https://st.icann.org/alac/index.cgi?14_october_2008 Regards, Nick Ashton-Hart, Matthias Langenegger, Frederic Teboul ICANN At-Large Staff email: staff(a)atlarge.icann.org

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ICANN Proposal To Sign the Root Zone Made Public
by At-Large Staff Oct. 10, 2008

Oct. 10, 2008

ICANN Proposal To Sign the Root Zone Made Public http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-2-09oct08-en.htm 9 October 2008 A proposal [PDF, 276K] http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/dnssec-proposal-09oct08-en.pdf to sign the root zone file with Domain Name System Security Extensions, or DNSSEC, technology was released by ICANN today. DNSSEC provides a way for software to validate that Domain Name System (DNS) data have not been modified during Internet transit. This is done by incorporating public-private signature key pairs into the DNS hierarchy to form a chain of trust originating at the root zone. Importantly, DNSSEC is not a form of encryption. It is backward compatible with existing DNS, leaving records as they are - unencrypted. DNSSEC ensures record integrity through the use of digital signatures that attest to their authenticity. This proposal has been written by ICANN staff, as authorized by ICANN's Board, with the goal to proceed with appropriate speed and deploy DNSSEC at the root level as a step towards improving the overall security of the DNS. "The proposal has already been reviewed by a group of global DNSSEC experts. The feedback ICANN received from this group indicates that the proposal is technically sound, and appropriate" ICANN's President and CEO Paul Twomey said. At the core of DNSSEC is the concept of a 'chain of trust'. ICANN's proposal builds on that notion and, based on security advice, recommends that the entity responsible for making changes, additions and deletions to the root zone file and confirming those changes are valid (ICANN presently performs this function - called the IANA function - under contract from the United States Department of Commerce), should generate and digitally sign the resulting root zone file update. This signed file should then be passed to another organization (presently VeriSign Corporation) for distribution. In other words, the organization responsible for the initial basis of trust - validating root zone changes with top level domain operators - should also authenticate the validity of the final product before it is distributed. The release occurs as the United States Department of Commerce also announced a Notice of Inquiry on the concept of signing the Root Zone. Details can be found here: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-23974.pdf [PDF, 72K]. "ICANN has more than a year of experience in producing a signed root zone that has already been widely tested by DNS software vendors and the interested DNSSEC community. ICANN also has "built-in" the participation of a group of world-class DNS experts" Dr Twomey said. "This is a moment of challenge and opportunity in addressing the overall stability and security of the DNS system - the mission around which ICANN was formed" he added. A set of questions and answers http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/dnssec-qaa-09oct08-en.htm on what DNSSEC is and why it is important is also published to assist with the reading of the proposal. -- Regards, Nick Ashton-Hart, Matthias Langenegger, Frederic Teboul ICANN At-Large Staff email: staff(a)atlarge.icann.org

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US Government's NTIA Seeks Public Comments for the Deployment of Security Technology Within the Internet Domain Name System
by At-Large Staff Oct. 9, 2008

Oct. 9, 2008

Press Release: NTIA Seeks Public Comments for the Deployment of Security Technology Within the Internet Domain Name System http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press/2008/DNSSEC_081009.html For Immediate Release: October 9, 2008 Media Contact: Todd Sedmak, (202) 482-7002 or press(a)ntia.doc.gov WASHINGTON--Commerce¹s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today issued a Notice of Inquiry seeking public comments regarding the deployment of Domain Name and Addressing System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) into the Internet¹s DNS infrastructure, including the authoritative root zone. Comments are due by November 24, 2008. The Notice of Inquiry is available online at www.ntia.doc.gov. "NTIA is committed to preserving the security and stability of the DNS," Acting NTIA Administrator Meredith Attwell Baker said. "In light of existing and emerging threats to the Internet DNS, the time is ripe to consider solutions such as DNSSEC. As we consider deploying this technology in the root zone, it is critical that we get feedback from all the interested stakeholders." Background The DNS is a critical component of the Internet infrastructure, which is used by almost every application to associate domain names with the Web addresses required to deliver information on the Internet. The accuracy, integrity, and availability of the information supplied by the DNS are essential to the operation of any system or service that uses the Internet. Over the years, a number of vulnerabilities have been identified in the DNS protocol that threaten the accuracy and integrity of the DNS data and undermine the trustworthiness of the system. In particular, due to technical advances, vulnerabilities in the existing DNS have recently become easier to exploit. Malicious parties may use these vulnerabilities to distribute false DNS information, and to improperly re-direct Internet users. DNSSEC was developed to mitigate these vulnerabilities. Accordingly, the Department is exploring the deployment of DNSSEC at the top level of the DNS hierarchy, known as the root zone. NTIA is responsible for the development of the domestic and international telecommunications policy of the Executive Branch. -- Regards, Nick Ashton-Hart, Matthias Langenegger, Frederic Teboul ICANN At-Large Staff email: staff(a)atlarge.icann.org

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Borrador del Comunicado del ALAC sobre los Resultados del Grupo de Trabajo de GNSO WHOIS Hipótesis
by At-Large Staff Oct. 8, 2008

Oct. 8, 2008

Estimados, El comité ejecutivo del ALAC nos solicitó que les anunciemos la disponibilidad del borrador del comunicado del ALAC sobre los resultados del grupo de trabajo de GNSO WHOIS hipótesis que ha propuesto algunos posibles estudios para profundizar el trabajo sobre temas relacionados con el WHOIS. En el siguiente hipervinculo encontrarán las versiones en español, francés, árabe, chino, ingles y ruso de aquel documento: https://st.icann.org/alac-docs/index.cgi?statement_on_whois_hypothesis_worki ng_group_studies_al_alac_st_0908_3 Cordialmente, Nick Ashton-Hart, Matthias Langenegger, Frederic Teboul ICANN At-Large Staff email: staff(a)atlarge.icann.org

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Draft ALAC Statement on the Outcomes of the GNSO WHOIS Hypothesis Working Group
by At-Large Staff Oct. 8, 2008

Oct. 8, 2008

Dear Community: The ALAC Executive Committee asked that we announce the availability of a draft ALAC Statement on the outcomes of the GNSO WHOIS Hypothesis Working Group, who have proposed a number of possible studies for further work on WHOIS issues. Versions in Spanish, French, Arabic, Chinese, and Russian may be found alongside the english version at this URL: https://st.icann.org/alac-docs/index.cgi?statement_on_whois_hypothesis_worki ng_group_studies_al_alac_st_0908_3 Regards, Nick Ashton-Hart, Matthias Langenegger, Frederic Teboul ICANN At-Large Staff email: staff(a)atlarge.icann.org

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Brouillon du Communiqué du ALAC sur les Résultats du Groupe de Travail du GNSO WHOIS Hypothèse
by At-Large Staff Oct. 8, 2008

Oct. 8, 2008

Bonjour à tous, Le comité exécutif du ALAC nous a sollicité de vous annoncer la disponibilité du brouillon du communiqué du ALAC sur les résultats du groupe de travail du GNSO WHOIS hypothèse qui a proposé un certain nombre des études possibles pour approfondir le travail sur des questions liées à l¹WHOIS. Des versions en français, espagnol, arabe, chinois, anglais et ruse sont accessibles par le lien suivant: https://st.icann.org/alac-docs/index.cgi?statement_on_whois_hypothesis_worki ng_group_studies_al_alac_st_0908_3 Cordialement, Nick Ashton-Hart, Matthias Langenegger, Frederic Teboul ICANN At-Large Staff email: staff(a)atlarge.icann.org

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Result of Voting for ALAC Liaison to the Board of Directors of ICANN, 2008-2009
by At-Large Staff Oct. 3, 2008

Oct. 3, 2008

Dear Community: With 14 out of 15 ALAC Members having voted in the balloting to appoint the ALAC Liaison to the Board of Directors of ICANN, we can confirm that the vote is quorate. The results are as follows: Question: Who shall serve as ALAC Liaison to the Board of Directors of ICANN for the 2008-2009 period? As at poll close: Thu 02 Oct 2008 23:59 UTC Number of voters: 14 · Group size: 15 · Percentage voted: 93.33 Ranked by votes Rank Candidate Votes % 1 Wendy Seltzer 9 64.29 2 Beau Brendler 5 35.71 3 Abstain 0 0.00 We can therefore declare that the incumbent, Wendy Seltzer, shall be returned as the Liaison with a term from the end of the ICANN AGM in 2008 (the Cairo meeting) until the close of the AGM in 2009. The Secretary of the Board of ICANN, John Jeffrey Esq., has been copied on this message. The results of the balloting may be independently verified at: https://www.bigpulse.com/pollresults?code=RRkRDL39WVSXbgX9AXFL When announcing the results of voting, we have been requested by the Chair to provide a listing of those who have not voted. Accordingly, we can confirm that the following ALAC member did not participate in the balloting: 1 Carlos Aguirre -- Regards, Nick Ashton-Hart, Matthias Langenegger, Frederic Teboul ICANN At-Large Staff email: staff(a)atlarge.icann.org

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COMMUNITY COMMENTS REQUESTED: Draft ALAC Statement on WHOIS Hypothesis WG Study Report
by At-Large Staff Oct. 3, 2008

Oct. 3, 2008

Dear Community Members: The ALAC Executive Committee asked that we announce the availability of a draft ALAC Statement on the outcomes of the GNSO WHOIS Hypothesis Working Group, who have proposed for AC and SO comments a number of possible studies which might be suitable to further work on WHOIS issues. You may find the statement at this URL: https://st.icann.org/alac-docs/index.cgi?statement_on_whois_hypothesis_worki ng_group_studies_al_alac_st_0908_3 HOW TO MAKE COMMENTS: Please navigate to the page above and use the Comment¹ button to leave your views on the page itself so that all concerned may easily see everyone¹s comments in one place. Please make sure that you include your name in your comments as otherwise your views will be anonymous. DEADLINE FOR MAKING COMMENTS: Comments should be made on or before 10th October 2008, in order to allow them to be incorporated before the ALAC Meeting on 14th October; the Chair of the ALAC has resolved to put the finalised statement to the vote at that meeting. It will then be transmitted on behalf of the community. Translations of the statement are in progress and will be available soon. The report of the GNSO WHOIS Hypothesis WG is available here (English only): http://gnso.icann.org/issues/whois/whois-study-hypothesis-group-report-to-co uncil-26aug08.pdf. -- Regards, Nick Ashton-Hart, Matthias Langenegger, Frederic Teboul ICANN At-Large Staff email: staff(a)atlarge.icann.org

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Proposed Bylaws Revision Related to NomCom Evaluation of Diversity Requirements Open For Public Comment
by At-Large Staff Oct. 1, 2008

Oct. 1, 2008

Proposed Bylaws Revision Related to NomCom Evaluation of Diversity Requirements Open For Public Comment http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-23sep08-en.htm 23 September 2008 Today ICANN is opening a public comment period on a proposed bylaw revision ( http://www.icann.org/en/general/proposed-nomcom-bylaws-revision-23sep08.pdf) [PDF, 21K] from the ICANN Nominating Committee. The proposed revision would update the diversity requirements for selecting ICANN Board members to include domicile with country of citizenship. Over the past several years, the Nominating Committee has expressed concern that being required to count more than one country of citizenship for diversity purposes often makes it difficult to select the best candidates for the Board seats that the Nominating Committee is mandated to fill. In carrying out its responsibilities to fill Seats 1 through 8, the Nominating Committee shall seek to ensure that the ICANN Board is composed of members who in the aggregate display diversity in geography, culture, skills, experience, and perspective, by applying the criteria set forth in Bylaws. The Nominating Committee also noted that some of the candidates have often lived in a country for many years, and thereby better represent the interests of that country than any country of which the candidates may be citizens. In the proposal, domicile, not just citizenship, is to be considered in the diversity calculation. The Nominating Committee members unanimously agreed that the proposed Bylaws revisions would alleviate the concerns. During the 28 August 2008 meeting of the ICANN Board of Directors, the Board passed the following resolution: Whereas, the Nominating Committee has expressed concern that, pursuant to the Bylaws mandated diversity requirements that no more than five Board members be citizens of any one geographic region, the Nominating Committee is required to count all countries of citizenship for each candidate. Whereas, the Nominating Committee has noted that the requirement to count all countries of citizenship has caused some selection difficulties each year over the past several years. Whereas, the Nominating Committee has also expressed concern that the calculation is presently limited to citizenship given that many people have lived for long periods of time in, and represent the interests of, countries in which they may not be citizens. Whereas, making a diversity calculation pursuant to the ICANN Bylaws as it relates to Board member selection for seats 1 through 14 should be consistent. It is hereby resolved (2008.08.28.03) that the following proposed revisions to Article VI, Sections 2.2 and 2.3, shall be posted for public comment in accordance with ICANN's normal process for proposed Bylaw revisions. Comments on the proposed bylaw revision may be submitted to nomcom-bylaw-revision(a)icann.org will be considered until 23 October 2008 23:59 UTC. Comments may be viewed at http://forum.icann.org/lists/nomcom-bylaw-revision/. -- Regards, Nick Ashton-Hart, Matthias Langenegger, Frederic Teboul ICANN At-Large Staff email: staff(a)atlarge.icann.org

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