- ALAC-Announce - lists.icann.org

Update #1 GNSO and At-Large calls - week of 08-12 December 2014
by ICANN At-Large Staff Dec. 7, 2014

Dec. 7, 2014

Dear all, Please find below the list of At-Large and GNSO WG meetings in which At-Large members are participants for the week of the 08-12 December 2014. Updates will follow as Doodles close. Monday: added 15:00 UTC: At-Large Technology Taskforce meeting Monday 08 December 2014 15:00 UTC: GNSO New gTLDs Subsequent Rounds Discussion https://community.icann.org/x/OrXhAg 15:00 UTC: At-Large Technology Taskforce meeting https://community.icann.org/x/FpfbAQ 20:00 UTC: NARALO Monthly https://community.icann.org/x/6o0i Tuesday 09 December 2014 14:30 UTC At-Large Ad-hoc WG on the Transition of US Government Stewardship of the IANA Function call https://community.icann.org/x/OYThAg 15:00 UTC: GNSO PPSAI WG https://community.icann.org/x/9iCfAg 20 :00 UTC : CCWG Accountability https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-2014-12-02-en 21 :00 UTC : GNSO DMPM https://community.icann.org/x/myt-Ag Wednesday 10 December 2014 17:00 UTC: GNSO IGO INGO CRP WG: https://community.icann.org/x/37rhAg 18 :30 UTC : AFRALO Monthly https://community.icann.org/x/zjDxAg 20:00 UTC: GNSO Policy and Implementation WG https://community.icann.org/x/y1V-Ag 21:00 UTC: Second Webinar of the At-Large Capacity Building Program - 2015 on the Topic of "IANA Naming Function stewardship transition" https://community.icann.org/x/E4MHAw Thursday 11 December 2014 11:00 UTC: CWG IANA Stewardship https://community.icann.org/x/37fhAg 12:00 UTC: GNSO Working Group Newcomer Open House 14:00 UTC: GNSO Translation and Transliteration Contact Information PDP https://community.icann.org/x/FTR-Ag 17:00 UTC: At-Large Metrics Working Group https://community.icann.org/x/QzXxAg Friday 12 November 2014 None at this time Please confirm your dial-out requests For GNSO calls: GNSO Secretariats gnso-secs(a)icann.org<mailto:gnso-secs@icann.org> For At-Large calls: At-Large Staff : staff(a)atlarge.icann.org<mailto:staff@atlarge.icann.org> Kind regards, Heidi Ullrich, Silvia Vivanco, Ariel Liang, Gisella Gruber, Nathalie Peregrine and Terri Agnew ICANN Policy Staff in support of ALAC E-mail: staff(a)atlarge.icann.org<applewebdata://68497759-1B04-4F9B-84B7-B9445B8F305F/Regards,%20Heidi%20Ullrich,%20Silvia%20Vivanco,%20Matt%20Ashtiani,%20Ariel%20Liang,%20Gisella%20Gruber,%20Nathalie%20Peregrine%20and%20Julia%20Charvolen%20ICANN%20Policy%20Staff%20in%20support%20of%20ALACmailto:staff@atlarge.icann.org> Facebook: www.facebook.com/icann.atlarge<https://www.facebook.com/icann.atlarge> Twitter: @ICANN_AtLarge<https://twitter.com/ICANN_AtLarge>

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GNSO and At-Large calls - week of 08-12!December 2014
by ICANN At-Large Staff Dec. 6, 2014

Dec. 6, 2014

Dear all, Please find below the list of At-Large and GNSO WG meetings in which At-Large members are participants for the week of the 08-12 December 2014. Updates will follow as Doodles close. Monday 08 December 2014 15:00 UTC: GNSO New gTLDs Subsequent Rounds Discussion https://community.icann.org/x/OrXhAg 20:00 UTC: NARALO Monthly https://community.icann.org/x/6o0i Tuesday 09 December 2014 14:30 UTC At-Large Ad-hoc WG on the Transition of US Government Stewardship of the IANA Function call https://community.icann.org/x/OYThAg 15:00 UTC: GNSO PPSAI WG https://community.icann.org/x/9iCfAg 20 :00 UTC : CCWG Accountability https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-2014-12-02-en 21 :00 UTC : GNSO DMPM https://community.icann.org/x/myt-Ag Wednesday 10 December 2014 17:00 UTC: GNSO IGO INGO CRP WG: https://community.icann.org/x/37rhAg 18 :30 UTC : AFRALO Monthly https://community.icann.org/x/zjDxAg 20:00 UTC: GNSO Policy and Implementation WG https://community.icann.org/x/y1V-Ag 21:00 UTC: Second Webinar of the At-Large Capacity Building Program - 2015 on the Topic of "IANA Naming Function stewardship transition" https://community.icann.org/x/E4MHAw Thursday 11 December 2014 11:00 UTC: CWG IANA Stewardship https://community.icann.org/x/37fhAg 12:00 UTC: GNSO Working Group Newcomer Open House 14:00 UTC: GNSO Translation and Transliteration Contact Information PDP https://community.icann.org/x/FTR-Ag 17:00 UTC: At-Large Metrics Working Group https://community.icann.org/x/QzXxAg Friday 12 November 2014 None at this time Please confirm your dial-out requests For GNSO calls: GNSO Secretariats gnso-secs(a)icann.org<mailto:gnso-secs@icann.org> For At-Large calls: At-Large Staff : staff(a)atlarge.icann.org<mailto:staff@atlarge.icann.org> Kind regards, Heidi Ullrich, Silvia Vivanco, Ariel Liang, Gisella Gruber, Nathalie Peregrine and Terri Agnew ICANN Policy Staff in support of ALAC E-mail: staff(a)atlarge.icann.org<applewebdata://68497759-1B04-4F9B-84B7-B9445B8F305F/Regards,%20Heidi%20Ullrich,%20Silvia%20Vivanco,%20Matt%20Ashtiani,%20Ariel%20Liang,%20Gisella%20Gruber,%20Nathalie%20Peregrine%20and%20Julia%20Charvolen%20ICANN%20Policy%20Staff%20in%20support%20of%20ALACmailto:staff@atlarge.icann.org> Facebook: www.facebook.com/icann.atlarge<https://www.facebook.com/icann.atlarge> Twitter: @ICANN_AtLarge<https://twitter.com/ICANN_AtLarge>

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New Public Comment: IDN TLD Program - Label Generation Ruleset (LGR) Tool Project (P1) - LGR Tool Set Specifications
by ICANN At-Large Staff Dec. 4, 2014

Dec. 4, 2014

Dear All, Kindly note that the At-Large Workspace for a new Public Comment request has been created: IDN TLD Program - Label Generation Ruleset (LGR) Tool Project (P1) - LGR Tool Set Specifications<https://community.icann.org/x/CYQHAw> Regards, Heidi Ullrich, Silvia Vivanco, Ariel Liang, Gisella Gruber, Nathalie Peregrine and Terri Agnew ICANN Policy Staff in support of ALAC E-mail: staff(a)atlarge.icann.org<mailto:staff@atlarge.icann.org> Facebook: www.facebook.com/icann.atlarge<https://www.facebook.com/icann.atlarge> Twitter: @ICANN_AtLarge<https://twitter.com/ICANN_AtLarge>

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Translated Version Available: ICANN Draft Five-Year Operating Plan (Version 1 FY2016-FY2020)
by ICANN At-Large Staff Dec. 3, 2014

Dec. 3, 2014

Dear All, Kindly note that the ICANN Draft Five-Year Operating Plan (Version 1 FY2016-FY2020) is now available in 6 UN languages plus Portuguese. Please check this page for details: https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-2014-11-11-en (translated tabs are on the top). Have comments on the Draft Plan? Please submit them on the At-Large ICANN Draft Five-Year Operating Plan Workspace<https://community.icann.org/x/izTxAg> using the comments function. Regards, Heidi Ullrich, Silvia Vivanco, Ariel Liang, Gisella Gruber, Nathalie Peregrine and Terri Agnew ICANN Policy Staff in support of ALAC E-mail: staff(a)atlarge.icann.org<mailto:staff@atlarge.icann.org> Facebook: www.facebook.com/icann.atlarge<https://www.facebook.com/icann.atlarge> Twitter: @ICANN_AtLarge<https://twitter.com/ICANN_AtLarge> From: ICANN At-Large Staff <staff(a)atlarge.icann.org<mailto:staff@atlarge.icann.org>> Date: Friday, November 21, 2014 at 7:15 AM To: "alac-announce(a)atlarge-lists.icann.org<mailto:alac-announce@atlarge-lists.icann.org>" <alac-announce(a)atlarge-lists.icann.org<mailto:alac-announce@atlarge-lists.icann.org>> Subject: CALL FOR COMMENTS: ICANN Draft Five-Year Operating Plan (Version 1 FY2016-FY2020) Dear All, Alan Greenberg, Chair of the ALAC, has asked that a call for comments be made on the ICANN Draft Five-Year Operating Plan (Version 1 FY2016-FY2020)<https://community.icann.org/x/izTxAg>. Please submit any comments on the At-Large ICANN Draft Five-Year Operating Plan Workspace<https://community.icann.org/x/izTxAg> using the comments function. Regards, Heidi Ullrich, Silvia Vivanco, Ariel Liang, Gisella Gruber, Nathalie Peregrine and Terri Agnew ICANN Policy Staff in support of ALAC E-mail: staff(a)atlarge.icann.org<mailto:staff@atlarge.icann.org> Facebook: www.facebook.com/icann.atlarge<https://www.facebook.com/icann.atlarge> Twitter: @ICANN_AtLarge<https://twitter.com/ICANN_AtLarge>

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ICANN News Alert -- Call for Volunteers to Participate in Cross Community Working Group on Enhancing ICANN Accountability (CCWG-Accountability)
by ICANN At-Large Staff Dec. 3, 2014

Dec. 3, 2014

[ICANN]<http://www.icann.org/> News Alert https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-2014-12-02-en ________________________________ Call for Volunteers to Participate in Cross Community Working Group on Enhancing ICANN Accountability (CCWG-Accountability) 2 December 2014 In brief The Cross Community Working Group (CCWG) was formed to deliver proposals that would enhance ICANN's accountability towards all stakeholders. The organizations that chartered the CCWG now call for volunteers to join this effort. How to participate There are two ways to volunteer: * Individual Participants – anyone interested can volunteer to join the CCWG as a "participant", regardless of whether they are members of the ICANN community. Participants are expected to actively contribute to mailing list conversations as well as meetings. It is anticipated that participants will provide essential input to the process. They will participate similarly to ICANN chartering organization-appointed members and will be required to provide a Statement of Interest (SOI). * Mailing list observers – for those who are merely interested to monitor the CCWG conversations, there is the possibility to sign up as a mailing list "observer" which offers read-only access to the mailing list. Mailing list observers will not be permitted to post, will not receive invitations to the various meetings or calls of the CCWG (note that audio streaming will be provided for those interested to follow the CCWG meetings) and will not have to complete a statement of interest (see below). At any point in time, a mailing list observer can join the CCWG as a participant simply by informing ICANN staff. In addition, there will be opportunities to provide input through public consultations and public comment processes that the CCWG is expected to organize. How to join If you are interested in joining the CCWG as an individual participant or mailing list observer, please contact Grace Abuhamad (accountability-staff(a)icann.org<mailto:accountability-staff@icann.org>). Members of ICANN Supporting Organizations or Advisory Committees should contact their respective SO/AC secretariats and state clearly whether they are joining as a participant or mailing list observer. All participants – chartering organization-appointed members and individual participants – will be listed on the CCWG's webpage. All participants in this process are required to submit a SOI following the procedures of their chartering organization or, in cases where that is not applicable, the GNSO procedures<https://community.icann.org/display/gnsosoi/New+SOIs>. Alternatively, a statement should be provided which, at a minimum, should include name, whether the participant is representing a certain organization or company as part of his/her participation in this effort, areas of specific interest in relation to this effort, material relationship with other parties affected by ICANN and primary country of residence. Next steps The CCWG currently is in formation. To date, the At-Large Advisory Committee (ALAC), the Country Code Supporting Organization (ccNSO) and the Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO) have adopted the charter and are in the process of appointing members. The first online meeting of the CCWG has been scheduled for Tuesday 9 December 2014 at 20.00 UTC, which also can be followed via audio streaming (please click here<http://event.on24.com/r.htm?e=908665&s=1&k=64577A9A32493659D05BE44C4F0C9C75> at the start of the meeting). Following that, regular online meetings are expected to alternate between 11.00 and 14.00 UTC to allow for maximum participation taking into account the different time zones. Background The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) requested that ICANN "convene a multistakeholder process to develop a plan to transition the U.S. government stewardship role" with regard to the IANA Functions and related root zone management. In making its announcement, the NTIA specified that the transition proposal must have broad community support and meet the following principles: * Support and enhance the multistakeholder model * Maintain the security, stability, and resiliency of the Internet DNS * Meet the needs and expectation of the global customers and partners of the IANA services * Maintain the openness of the Internet. NTIA also specified that it would not accept a proposal that replaces the NTIA role with a government-led or an intergovernmental organization solution. In response to NTIA's transition proposal, the ICANN Board, leadership and community raised the broader topic of the impact of the change on ICANN's accountability mechanisms. The Enhancing ICANN Accountability process was finalized and posted on 10 October 2014, and can be found here<https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/process-next-steps-2014-10-10-en>. The scope of the Enhancing ICANN Accountability process is defined as ensuring that ICANN remains accountable in the absence of its historical contractual relationship with the U.S. Government and the perceived backstop with regard to ICANN's organization-wide accountability provided by that role, such as the renewal process of the IANA functions contract. It calls for an examination, from an organizational perspective, of how ICANN's broader accountability mechanisms should be strengthened to address the absence of its historical contractual relationship with the U.S. Government, including looking at strengthening existing accountability mechanisms (e.g., the ICANN Bylaws and the Affirmation of Commitments<https://www.icann.org/en/about/agreements/aoc/affirmation-of-commitments-30…>). The CCWG Charter foresees that work is carried out in two work streams: * Work Stream 1: focused on mechanisms enhancing ICANN accountability that must be in place or committed to within the time frame of the IANA Stewardship Transition; * Work Stream 2: focused on addressing accountability topics for which a timeline for developing solutions and full implementation may extend beyond the IANA Stewardship Transition. In addition to individual participants and observers, there are also chartering organizations appointed members – Each ICANN Supporting Organization (SO) / Advisory Committee (AC) that has adopted the charter can appoint up to five members to the CCWG. These members are expected to have sufficient expertise to participate in the applicable subject matter; commit to actively participate in the activities of the CCWG-Accountability on an ongoing and long-term basis; and where appropriate, solicit and communicate the views and concerns of individuals in the organization that appoints them. Those interested to join as a chartering appointed member should contact their respective SO/AC for further information about the selection procedures. In developing its Proposal(s), work plan and any other reports, the CCWG-Accountability shall seek to act by consensus taking into account the views of all participants (both members and individual participants). For further information, please see the CCWG Charter at https://community.icann.org/x/XQHxAg.

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ICANN News Alert -- ICANN Welcomes the EU Council¹s Conclusions on Internet Governance
by ICANN At-Large Staff Dec. 3, 2014

Dec. 3, 2014

[ICANN]<http://www.icann.org/> News Alert https://www.icann.org/resources/press-material/release-2014-12-02-en ________________________________ ICANN Welcomes the EU Council's Conclusions on Internet Governance 2 December 2014 December 2, 2014 - The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) today welcome the EU Council on Telecommunication (TTE) for its Conclusions on Internet Governance adopted on 27 November 2014. The Conclusions underline "that the governance of Internet is expected to include all stakeholders" and "the importance of strengthening the Internet Governance Forum (IGF)", while endorsing the principles adopted by the global multi-stakeholder community at NETmundial. "In this period of transition for Internet Governance, and for ICANN in particular, Europe has a substantial role to play. We welcome Europe's public commitment to contribute proactively and constructively to the process of IANA stewardship transition and ICANN's accountability and review process," said Fadi Chehade, ICANN's President and CEO. The Conclusions by the Council of European Union governments mark an important step in supporting the continued development of the multistakeholder model of Governance of the Internet, based on inclusivity and underpinned by individual rights and democratic values. "We recognize this is the first time that EU Council Conclusions focus in such detail on Internet Governance and on ICANN specifically, and I would like to thank the Italian Presidency and in particular Under Secretary Antonello Giacomelli for setting the agenda and their vision," said Chehade. "They have worked hard to foster a single coherent approach among 28 Member States, based on the NETMundial principles." They also reaffirm that the Internet should remain a single, open, neutral, interoperable and un-fragmented network accessible to everyone, everywhere. The ICANN community is proud to have contributed to this goal and "the robust operation of the Internet" through ICANN's role in the coordination of the domain name system over the past 16 years, and we will strive to fulfill this mission going forwards, as the organization evolves. Building on the Council Conclusion, the Internet community and ICANN welcome Europe's decision and fully support the forging ahead with the implementation of national and regional multistakeholder models of Internet governance. About ICANN: ICANN's mission is to ensure a stable, secure and unified global Internet. To reach another person on the Internet you have to type an address into your computer - a name or a number. That address has to be unique so computers know where to find each other. ICANN coordinates these unique identifiers across the world. Without that coordination we wouldn't have one global Internet. ICANN was formed in 1998. It is a not-for-profit public-benefit corporation with participants from all over the world dedicated to keeping the Internet secure, stable and interoperable. It promotes competition and develops policy on the Internet's unique identifiers. ICANN doesn't control content on the Internet. It cannot stop spam and it doesn't deal with access to the Internet. But through its coordination role of the Internet's naming system, it does have an important impact on the expansion and evolution of the Internet. For more information please visit: www.icann.org<https://www.icann.org/>.

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REMINDER: IMPORTANT Invitation / At-Large Capacity Building Program - 2015: IANA Functions
by ICANN At-Large Staff Dec. 2, 2014

Dec. 2, 2014

Dear All, This is an invitation to attend the first Webinar of the At-Large Capacity Building Program - 2015 on the Topic of "IANA Functions (Standards, Naming & Numbering)". The trainer will be Patrik Fälström<https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/biographies-2014-10-08-en>, Chair of the Security and Stability Advisory Committee<https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/ssac-2012-02-25-en> at ICANN. This webinar is scheduled on Wednesday 3 December 2014 from 13:00 - 14:00 UTC (60 minutes) . For other times: http://tinyurl.com/qby4hsf The draft agenda and call details are available at: https://community.icann.org/x/2zrxAg French ad Spanish interpretation will be provided. Adobe Connect: https://icann.adobeconnect.com/alcb2015/ Conference IDs: EN: 1638 ES: 1738 FR: 1838 http://adigo.com/icann/ If you require a dial-out please contact At-Large staff at staff(a)atlarge.icann.org<mailto:staff@atlarge.icann.org> with your preferred number. At-Large Capacity Building Program 2015: wiki workspace<https://community.icann.org/x/0DrxAg> IMPORTANT - we will be holding another Webinar on the topic of "IANA Naming Function stewardship transition" on Wednesday 10 December 2014 from 21:00 to 22:30 UTC. The trainer will be Olivier Crépin-Leblond, ALAC Vice Chair and Chair of the At-Large Ad Hoc WG on IANA Issues. Thank you. Regards, Heidi Ullrich, Silvia Vivanco, Ariel Liang, Gisella Gruber, Nathalie Peregrine and Terri Agnew ICANN Policy Staff in support of ALAC E-mail: staff(a)atlarge.icann.org<mailto:staff@atlarge.icann.org> Facebook: www.facebook.com/icann.atlarge<https://www.facebook.com/icann.atlarge> Twitter: @ICANN_AtLarge<https://twitter.com/ICANN_AtLarge> One World, One Internet

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Webinars Announced: CWG On Naming Related Functions Public Consultation on Draft Transition Proposal
by ICANN At-Large Staff Dec. 2, 2014

Dec. 2, 2014

To view the original post, please see: https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-3-2014-12-01-en WEBINAR: Cross Community Working Group (CWG) On Naming Related Functions Public Consultation on Draft Transition Proposal <https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300&winname=addthis&pub=ra-52fcc7eb2…><https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-3-2014-12-01-en#><https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-3-2014-12-01-en#><https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300&winname=addthis&pub=ra-52fcc7eb2…><https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-3-2014-12-01-en#><https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-3-2014-12-01-en#> Following the request of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) forICANN to "convene a multistakeholder process to develop a plan to transition the U.S. government stewardship role" with regard to the IANA Functions and related root zone management, a Cross Community Working Group (CWG) was tasked with developing a consolidated transition proposal for the elements of the IANA Functions relating to the Domain Name System (DNS). The CWG has now published its draft transition proposal for public comment<https://www.icann.org/public-comments/cwg-naming-transition-2014-12-01-en>. Comments can be submitted until 22 December at 23:59 UTC. In order to brief the community on the contents on this draft transition proposal and encourage community feedback, the CWG will be organizing three identical webinars at different times to facilitate participation across time zones. The webinars will take place on: * 3 December from 7:00 – 8:30 UTC (time zone converter here<http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?msg=CWG-Stewardship+We…>) * 4 December from 12:30 – 14:00 UTC (time zone converter here<http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?msg=CWG-Stewardship+We…>) * 4 December from 16:00 – 17:30 UTC (time zone converter here<http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?msg=CWG-Stewardship+We…>) ________________________________ Webinar Details & How to Attend The webinars will be run in an Adobe Connect room<https://icann.adobeconnect.com/cwgiana/>. If you are interested in attending the webinar and would like to receive dial-in details, please send an email to grace.abuhamad(a)icann.org<mailto:grace.abuhamad@icann.org> and indicate which day / time you would like to attend the webinar. Please note that the webinar will be conducted in English and will be recorded and transcribed. Subsequently the transcripts will be translated in the 5 UN languages and posted on the CWG Wiki here<https://community.icann.org/x/SIEHAw>. ________________________________ The Draft Transition Proposal The CWG structured its draft transition proposal based on the IANA Stewardship Transition Coordination Group (ICG) Request for Proposals. These are: 1 Description of Community's Use of IANA Functions 2A Existing, Pre-Transition Arrangements – Policy Sources 2B Existing, Pre-Transition Arrangements – Oversight and Accountability 3 Proposed Post-Transition Oversight and Accountability Arrangements 4 Transition Implications 5 NTIA Requirements 6 Community Process Sections 1, 2A and 2B describe the current situation. Section 3, which is the heart of the transition proposal, is still a work in progress as not all details have been ironed out as of the publication of this consultation. Although lacking some details, the information provided in this section should be sufficiently detailed to allow the communities to comment on all key components. In summary, section 3 proposes the creation of 4 new entities to replace the current NTIAarrangements. These are: 1. Contract Co. – This primary function of this entity (likely a non-profit corporation) is to be signatory to the contract with the IANA Functions Operator. This entity should be lightweight and have little or no staff. 2. Multistakeholder Review Team (MRT) – The MRT would be a multi-stakeholder body with formally selected representatives from all of the relevant communities (exact composition TBD). The operation of the MRT would be based on the concept of maximum public transparency. The responsibilities of the MRT will include: * Developing the detailed contract terms for the agreement between Contract Co. and theIANA Functions Operator, based on the key contract terms proposed as part of this proposal and set forth as Annex 3 * Making key decisions for Contract Co. (e.g., whether or not to enter into a rebidding (RFP) process for the operation of the IANA Naming Functions) * Conducting the IANA Functions Operator Budget Review * Addressing any escalation issues raised by the Customer Standing Committee (CSC) including the possibility of engaging in enforcement * Performing certain elements of administration (including periodic performance reviews) currently set forth in the IANA Functions Contract and currently being carried out by theNTIA * Managing a re-contracting or rebidding (RFP) process for the operation of the IANAFunctions, both as an enforcement option and as part of a regular rebidding procedure The CWG is in the process of discussing whether there is an additional enforcement role for the MRT related to policy implementation by the IANA Functions Operator; specifically, whether the MRT should be able to commence a proceeding before the Independent Appeals Panel. 3. Customer Standing Committee (CSC) – While the exact composition is still to be determined, the CSC would primarily be made up of a number of representatives of registry operators, including ccTLD and gTLD registries. Input from the CSC would feed into and inform the work of the MRT. It is possible that the CSC would also include additional individuals with relevant expertise and/or liaisons (or representatives) from other SO/ACs. The CSC would: * Work with the MRT to establish Service Levels and Performance Indicators for the performance of the IANA Naming Functions * Receive reports from the IANA Functions Operator including regular performance reports. * Review these reports against established service levels and escalate any significant issues to the MRT 4. Independent Appeals Panel (IAP) – The CWG recommends that all IANA actions which affect the Root Zone or Root Zone WHOIS database be subject to an independent and binding appeals panel. The Appeals Mechanism should also cover any policy implementation actions that affect the execution of changes to the Root Zone File or Root Zone WHOIS and how relevant policies are applied. This need not be a permanent body, but rather could be handled the same way as commercial disputes are often resolved, through the use of a binding arbitration process using an independent arbitration organization (e.g., ICDR, ICC, AAA) or a standing list of qualified people under rules promulgated by such an organization. Sections 4, 5 and 6 are currently in development and are directly dependent on the final choices that will be made for section 3. For further details, you are encouraged the review the draft transition proposal in its entirety, availablehere<https://community.icann.org/x/SoEHAw>. ________________________________ Further information For further information about the CWG's work, please see https://community.icann.org/x/37fhAg. For further information about the ICG and the IANA Stewardship Transition, please seehttps://www.icann.org/stewardship.

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Webinars Announced: CWG On Naming Related Functions Public Consultation on Draft Transition Proposal
by ICANN At-Large Staff Dec. 2, 2014

Dec. 2, 2014

To view the original post, please see: https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-3-2014-12-01-en WEBINAR: Cross Community Working Group (CWG) On Naming Related Functions Public Consultation on Draft Transition Proposal <https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300&winname=addthis&pub=ra-52fcc7eb2…><https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-3-2014-12-01-en#><https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-3-2014-12-01-en#><https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300&winname=addthis&pub=ra-52fcc7eb2…><https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-3-2014-12-01-en#><https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-3-2014-12-01-en#> Following the request of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) forICANN to "convene a multistakeholder process to develop a plan to transition the U.S. government stewardship role" with regard to the IANA Functions and related root zone management, a Cross Community Working Group (CWG) was tasked with developing a consolidated transition proposal for the elements of the IANA Functions relating to the Domain Name System (DNS). The CWG has now published its draft transition proposal for public comment<https://www.icann.org/public-comments/cwg-naming-transition-2014-12-01-en>. Comments can be submitted until 22 December at 23:59 UTC. In order to brief the community on the contents on this draft transition proposal and encourage community feedback, the CWG will be organizing three identical webinars at different times to facilitate participation across time zones. The webinars will take place on: * 3 December from 7:00 – 8:30 UTC (time zone converter here<http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?msg=CWG-Stewardship+We…>) * 4 December from 12:30 – 14:00 UTC (time zone converter here<http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?msg=CWG-Stewardship+We…>) * 4 December from 16:00 – 17:30 UTC (time zone converter here<http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?msg=CWG-Stewardship+We…>) ________________________________ Webinar Details & How to Attend The webinars will be run in an Adobe Connect room<https://icann.adobeconnect.com/cwgiana/>. If you are interested in attending the webinar and would like to receive dial-in details, please send an email to grace.abuhamad(a)icann.org<mailto:grace.abuhamad@icann.org> and indicate which day / time you would like to attend the webinar. Please note that the webinar will be conducted in English and will be recorded and transcribed. Subsequently the transcripts will be translated in the 5 UN languages and posted on the CWG Wiki here<https://community.icann.org/x/SIEHAw>. ________________________________ The Draft Transition Proposal The CWG structured its draft transition proposal based on the IANA Stewardship Transition Coordination Group (ICG) Request for Proposals. These are: 1 Description of Community's Use of IANA Functions 2A Existing, Pre-Transition Arrangements – Policy Sources 2B Existing, Pre-Transition Arrangements – Oversight and Accountability 3 Proposed Post-Transition Oversight and Accountability Arrangements 4 Transition Implications 5 NTIA Requirements 6 Community Process Sections 1, 2A and 2B describe the current situation. Section 3, which is the heart of the transition proposal, is still a work in progress as not all details have been ironed out as of the publication of this consultation. Although lacking some details, the information provided in this section should be sufficiently detailed to allow the communities to comment on all key components. In summary, section 3 proposes the creation of 4 new entities to replace the current NTIAarrangements. These are: 1. Contract Co. – This primary function of this entity (likely a non-profit corporation) is to be signatory to the contract with the IANA Functions Operator. This entity should be lightweight and have little or no staff. 2. Multistakeholder Review Team (MRT) – The MRT would be a multi-stakeholder body with formally selected representatives from all of the relevant communities (exact composition TBD). The operation of the MRT would be based on the concept of maximum public transparency. The responsibilities of the MRT will include: * Developing the detailed contract terms for the agreement between Contract Co. and theIANA Functions Operator, based on the key contract terms proposed as part of this proposal and set forth as Annex 3 * Making key decisions for Contract Co. (e.g., whether or not to enter into a rebidding (RFP) process for the operation of the IANA Naming Functions) * Conducting the IANA Functions Operator Budget Review * Addressing any escalation issues raised by the Customer Standing Committee (CSC) including the possibility of engaging in enforcement * Performing certain elements of administration (including periodic performance reviews) currently set forth in the IANA Functions Contract and currently being carried out by theNTIA * Managing a re-contracting or rebidding (RFP) process for the operation of the IANAFunctions, both as an enforcement option and as part of a regular rebidding procedure The CWG is in the process of discussing whether there is an additional enforcement role for the MRT related to policy implementation by the IANA Functions Operator; specifically, whether the MRT should be able to commence a proceeding before the Independent Appeals Panel. 3. Customer Standing Committee (CSC) – While the exact composition is still to be determined, the CSC would primarily be made up of a number of representatives of registry operators, including ccTLD and gTLD registries. Input from the CSC would feed into and inform the work of the MRT. It is possible that the CSC would also include additional individuals with relevant expertise and/or liaisons (or representatives) from other SO/ACs. The CSC would: * Work with the MRT to establish Service Levels and Performance Indicators for the performance of the IANA Naming Functions * Receive reports from the IANA Functions Operator including regular performance reports. * Review these reports against established service levels and escalate any significant issues to the MRT 4. Independent Appeals Panel (IAP) – The CWG recommends that all IANA actions which affect the Root Zone or Root Zone WHOIS database be subject to an independent and binding appeals panel. The Appeals Mechanism should also cover any policy implementation actions that affect the execution of changes to the Root Zone File or Root Zone WHOIS and how relevant policies are applied. This need not be a permanent body, but rather could be handled the same way as commercial disputes are often resolved, through the use of a binding arbitration process using an independent arbitration organization (e.g., ICDR, ICC, AAA) or a standing list of qualified people under rules promulgated by such an organization. Sections 4, 5 and 6 are currently in development and are directly dependent on the final choices that will be made for section 3. For further details, you are encouraged the review the draft transition proposal in its entirety, availablehere<https://community.icann.org/x/SoEHAw>. ________________________________ Further information For further information about the CWG's work, please see https://community.icann.org/x/37fhAg. For further information about the ICG and the IANA Stewardship Transition, please seehttps://www.icann.org/stewardship.

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ICANN News Alert -- ICANN Finalizes Process for Requests for Release of Two-Character ASCII Labels
by ICANN At-Large Staff Dec. 2, 2014

Dec. 2, 2014

[ICANN]<http://www.icann.org/> News Alert https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-2014-12-01-en ________________________________ ICANN Finalizes Process for Requests for Release of Two-Character ASCII Labels 1 December 2014 As previously announced, ICANN has been working towards developing a process to permit registries to request the release of two-character ASCII labels at the second-level for registration to 3rd parties and activation in the DNS pursuant to Section 2 of Specification 5. That process is now final and available. For all digit/digit, letter/digit and digit/letter two-character ASCII labels, because this category has been determined not to raise significant security, stability or competition concerns and has received no objections from governments, country code top-level domain managers, and members of the technical community or rights holders, ICANN has authorized their release for all registries: * Authorization for the Release of All Digit/Digit, Letter/Digit and Digit/Letter Two-Character ASCII Labels at the Second-Level Authorization<https://www.icann.org/en/system/files/files/spec5-amend-two-char-01dec14-en…> [PDF, 142 KB] Accordingly, registries are not required to submit any individual request for release of any digit/digit, letter/digit or digit/letter two-character ASCII label, and may immediately make such labels available for third party registration and activation in the DNS. Registries seeking to release letter/letter two-character ASCII labels at the second-level will continue to follow a transparent process as recommended by the Government Advisory Committee (GAC). 1. Registry operator submits a request to ICANN to release one or more letter/letter two-character ASCII label(s). 2. ICANN reviews the request and posts it for comment for 30 days. 3. ICANN notifies the GAC of the request and the comment period. 4. If there are no relevant and reasoned objections to the request, ICANN will approve the letter/letter ASCII label(s) request within 7-10 calendar days of the close of the 30-day public posting period. In accordance to Section 6 of Specification 5 of the Registry Agreement, a list of reserved names for this section are still subject to the reservation requirements and will not be available for release at this time. To learn more about the Authorization Process for Release of Two-Character ASCII Labels at the second level, and to obtain the form for "Request for Release of Letter/Letter Two-Character ASCII Labels at the Second Level," please click here<https://www.icann.org/resources/two-character-labels>. ICANN will communicate in writing its approval of any such request, if and to the extent appropriate. ICANN's Registry Services and Engagement team looks forward to implementing these processes to allow registries and their registrants access to two-character SLDs, and thanks the community for its input. # # # Media Contact Gwen Carlson Director, GDD Communications Los Angeles, CA Tel: +1 310 578 8653 Email: gwen.carlson(a)icann.org<mailto:gwen.carlson@icann.org> About ICANN ICANN's mission is to ensure a stable, secure and unified global Internet. To reach another person on the Internet you have to type an address into your computer - a name or a number. That address has to be unique so computers know where to find each other. ICANN coordinates these unique identifiers across the world. Without that coordination we wouldn't have one global Internet. ICANN was formed in 1998. It is a not-for-profit public-benefit corporation with participants from all over the world dedicated to keeping the Internet secure, stable and interoperable. It promotes competition and develops policy on the Internet's unique identifiers. ICANN doesn't control content on the Internet. It cannot stop spam and it doesn't deal with access to the Internet. But through its coordination role of the Internet's naming system, it does have an important impact on the expansion and evolution of the Internet. For more information please visit:www.icann.org<https://www.icann.org/>

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