- ALAC-Announce - lists.icann.org

Meeting Invitation / At-Large WHOIS Briefing Call
by At-Large Staff Feb. 19, 2013

Feb. 19, 2013

Dear All, On behalf of Olivier Crepin-Leblond, Chair of the ALAC, and Carlton Samuels, Chair of the At-Large WHOIS Working Group, you are invited to participate in an At-Large briefing call on the subject of WHOIS scheduled for Wednesday 20 February 2013 between 15:00 - 16:30 UTC. For other times: http://tinyurl.com/c9oc9n2 The agenda and call details are available at: https://community.icann.org/x/koZwAg Adobe Connect Meeting Room: http://icann.adobeconnect.com/atlargewhois/ <http://icann.adobeconnect.com/atlargewhois/> During this WHOIS briefing call, Carlton will first provide an introduction to WHOIS and frame the issue in the context of At-Large. Jim Galvin, SSAC Vice-Chair, will comment on WHOIS as it concerns security and integrity of the Internet. Thereafter, members of the At-Large community and the broader ICANN community will present their various views of WHOIS. Confirmed speakers include: Garth Bruen, Olivier Crépin-Leblond, Avri Doria, Alan Greenberg, Evan Leibovitch, Michele Neylon and Holly Raiche. There will be a Question and Answer session following the speakers. Spanish and French interpretation will be provided for this briefing call. We look forward to your participation. Regards, Heidi Ullrich, Silvia Vivanco, Matt Ashtiani, Gisella Gruber, Nathalie Peregrine and Julia Charvolen ICANN Policy Staff in support of ALAC E-mail: staff(a)atlarge.icann.org One World, One Internet

1 2

Whois Registrant Identification Study, Draft Report
by At-Large Staff Feb. 16, 2013

Feb. 16, 2013

https://www.icann.org/en/news/public-comment/whois-regid-15feb13-en.htm Whois Registrant Identification Study, Draft Report Comment/Reply Periods (*)Important Information Links Comment Open:15 February 2013 Comment Close:9 March 2013 Close Time (UTC):01:00Public Comment Announcement <https://www.icann.org/en/news/announcements/announcement-15feb13-en.htm> Reply Open: To Submit Your Comments (Forum) <mailto:comments-whois-regid-15feb13@icann.org> Reply Close: View Comments Submitted <http://forum.icann.org/lists/comments-whois-regid-15feb13> Close Time (UTC): Report of Public Comments Brief Overview Originating Organization:GNSO Categories/Tags:Policy Processes Purpose (Brief):This study, conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago, uses Whois to classify entities that register gTLD domain names, including natural persons, legal persons, and Privacy/Proxy service providers. Using associated Internet content, the study classifies entities using those domains, and observed potentially commercial activities. Findings will help the community understand how Registrants identify themselves in Whois. Current Status:This Public Comment solicitation represents an opportunity for the community to consider the study results detailed in this draft report, ask questions, and request clarifications. In parallel, ICANN and NORC will conduct Webinars to facilitate feedback by summarizing this study's purpose, methodology, key findings, and conclusions. Next Steps:NORC will consider all comments submitted to this Public Comment forum during the comment period, incorporate any needed clarifications, and then publish a final version of this WHOIS Registrant Identification study report. Afterwards, the GNSO Council will use this report to inform future Whois policy-making. Staff Contact:Barbara RosemanEmail:Policy-staff@icann.org <mailto:Policy-staff@icann.org?subject=More%20information%20on%20the%20Whois %20Registrant%20Identification%20Study,%20Draft%20Report%20public%20comment% 20period> Detailed Information Section I: Description, Explanation, and Purpose The WHOIS Registrant Identification Study uses Whois to classify entities that register gTLD domain names, including natural persons, legal persons, and Privacy/Proxy service providers. Using associated Internet content, it then classifies entities using those domains and potentially commercial activities. NORC at the University of Chicago has been selected to conduct this study and has issued a draft report, which is now available for public comment. Section II: Background As part of its effort to develop a comprehensive understanding of the gTLD Whois system, the GNSO Council expressed an interest in conducting an in-depth study of how entities that register and use gTLD domain names identify themselves in Whois. At the GNSO's request, ICANN issued an RFP in October 2009 describing a study to examine the extent to which domains used by legal persons or for commercial purposes (1) are not clearly identified as such in Whois Registrant data and (2) are correlated to use of Privacy and Proxy services.After considering RFP responses received in late 2009 from researchers willing to undertake that Registrant Identification study, along with significant concerns raised by GNSO Council members regarding the above-stated study hypothesis, the GNSO Council decided to revamp the study's goals and approach.In May 2010, a revised study was approved by the GNSO Council and awarded to NORC at University of Chicago. This exploratory study detailed by this draft study report seeks a more foundational understanding of the types of entities and kinds of activities observed in gTLD domains, including (but not exclusively focused on) those registered using Privacy or Proxy services. Accordingly, the categories of entities and activities to be studied were not pre-determined, but rather generated as researchers examined representative samples of active websites and related Whois data.Study findings are intended to provide raw data needed to understand how entities that register and use gTLD domain names identify themselves in Whois, including (but not limited to) domains registered Privacy/Proxy services and domains engaged in potentially commercial activity. This empirical data will not only enable Council to respond to GAC questions, but will also create a baseline for evaluating potential Whois policy changes. Section III: Document and Resource Links * WHOIS Registrant Identification Study Revised Terms of Reference <http://gnso.icann.org/issues/whois/tor-whois-registrant-id-studies-20may11- en.pdf> [PDF, 719 KB] * WHOIS Studies Report for GNSO <http://gnso.icann.org/issues/whois/whois-studies-report-for-gnso-23mar10-en .pdf> [PDF, 487 KB] * WHOIS Registrant Identification Study Rationale for Changes <http://gnso.icann.org/issues/whois/whois-registrant-id-study-rationale-20ma y11-en.pdf> [PDF, 121 KB] * NORC Selected to Conduct a gTLD Whois Registrant Identification Study <http://blog.icann.org/2011/09/norc-at-the-university-of-chicago-selected-to -conduct-a-gtld-whois-registrant-identification-study/> * WHOIS Registrant Identification Study | Draft Project Summary Report <http://gnso.icann.org/en/issues/whois/registrant-identification-summary-06f eb13-en.pdf> [PDF, 505 KB] * ICANN WHOIS Registrant Identification Project | Appendix A: Exploratory Analysis Report <http://gnso.icann.org/en/issues/whois/registrant-identification-analysis-20 dec12-en.pdf> [PDF, 1.1 MB] * WHOIS Registrant Identification Study | Appendix B: Variable Glossary <http://gnso.icann.org/en/issues/whois/registrant-identification-glossary-30 oct12-en.pdf> [PDF, 250 KB] Section IV: Additional Information Additional WHOIS studies are now being conducted at the request of the GNSO Council, as summarized by: http://gnso.icann.org/issues/whois/ <http://gnso.icann.org/issues/whois/> (*) Comments submitted after the posted Close Date/Time are not guaranteed to be considered in any final summary, analysis, reporting, or decision-making that takes place once this period lapses. ------------------ Regards, Heidi Ullrich, Silvia Vivanco, Matt Ashtiani, Gisella Gruber, Nathalie Peregrine and Julia Charvolen ICANN Policy Staff in support of ALAC E-mail: staff(a)atlarge.icann.org One World, One Internet

1 0

Composition of the Accountability & Transparency Review Team 2 (ATRT 2)
by At-Large Staff Feb. 16, 2013

Feb. 16, 2013

https://www.icann.org/en/news/announcements/announcement-2-15feb13-en.htm <https://www.icann.org/en/news/announcements/announcement-2-15feb13-en.htm> Composition of the Accountability & Transparency Review Team 2 (ATRT 2) 15 February 2013 Background To help ensure ICANN's multi-stakeholder model remains transparent and accountable, and to improve its performance, ICANN organizes community reviews of its accountability and transparency commitments no less frequently than every three years, consistent with section 9.1 of the Affirmation of Commitments <https://www.icann.org/en/about/agreements/aoc/affirmation-of-commitments-30 sep09-en.htm> (AoC). The Accountability and Transparency reviews are performed by volunteer Community members and include the following (or their designated nominees): the Chair of the GAC, the Chair of the Board of ICANN, the Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information of the DOC, representatives of the relevant ICANN Advisory Committees and Supporting Organizations, and independent experts. On 5 October 2012, ICANN invited <https://www.icann.org/en/news/announcements/announcement-05oct12-en.htm> interested individuals to apply for a position of Volunteer Review Team Member, representing a Supporting Organization or Advisory Committee, or for a position of Independent Expert on the second Accountability and Transparency Review Team (ATRT 2). Selection The AoC designated Selectors of the ATRT 2 Steve Crocker, Chairman of the ICANN Board of Directors, and Heather Dryden, Chair of the Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC)wish to thank the applicants for their dedication and interest in this key project. In selecting the ATRT 2, multiple factors were considered, including experience with governance issues, understanding of ICANN¹s working practices, consensus-building and analytical skills, ability to draw evidence-based conclusions, aptitude to build metrics and balances of geography, gender, consistency, etc. The overall number of applications received for the ATRT 2 36 necessitated difficult choices. After careful review of the applications against these criteria, the following individuals were selected to participate in the ATRT 2: Volunteer Review Team Members in Representation of ICANN Supporting Organizations/ Advisory Committees * Alan Greenberg (ALAC) * Avri Doria (GNSO) * Brian Cute (GNSO) * David Conrad (SSAC) * Demi Getschko (ccNSO) * Fiona Asonga (ASO) * Jørgen Andersen (GAC) * Lise Fuhr (ccNSO) * Olivier Crépin-Leblond (ALAC) * Stephen Conroy (GAC) * Xinsheng Zhang (GAC) Independent Experts * Carlos Raúl Gutierrez * Michael Yakushev (Please refer to http://www.icann.org/en/about/aoc-review/atrt/2/composition <https://www.icann.org/en/about/aoc-review/atrt/2/composition> to view Review Team Members¹ information) Ex-officio Members on the Accountability and Transparency Review Team 2 (ATRT 2) are: * Heather Dryden, Chair of the Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC); * Lawrence Strickling - Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information of the US Department of Commerce (DOC); * Steve Crocker, Chair of the ICANN Board of Directors. The ATRT 2 is anticipated to commence its activities imminently with the goal of producing final recommendations by 31 December 2013. ICANN Staff will support the Review Team throughout its mandate. Mandate The AoC sets the following mandate for Accountability and Transparency reviews: ICANN commits to maintain and improve robust mechanisms for public input, accountability, and transparency so as to ensure that the outcomes of its decision-making will reflect the public interest and be accountable to all stakeholders by: (a) continually assessing and improving ICANN Board of Directors (Board) governance which shall include an ongoing evaluation of Board performance, the Board selection process, the extent to which Board composition meets ICANN's present and future needs, and the consideration of an appeal mechanism for Board decisions; (b) assessing the role and effectiveness of the GAC and its interaction with the Board and making recommendations for improvement to ensure effective consideration by ICANN of GAC input on the public policy aspects of the technical coordination of the DNS; (c) continually assessing and improving the processes by which ICANN receives public input (including adequate explanation of decisions taken and the rationale thereof); (d) continually assessing the extent to which ICANN's decisions are embraced, supported and accepted by the public and the Internet community; and (e) assessing the policy development process to facilitate enhanced cross community deliberations, and effective and timely policy development. Resulting recommendations of the reviews will be provided to the Board and posted for public comment. The Board will take action within six months of receipt of the recommendations. Schedule and Operations The ATRT will conduct its activities primarily online and through conference calls. Face-to-face meetings also are anticipated. For more information on the work of the ATRT 2, please visit the newly created WIKI page at https://community.icann.org/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=40176025 <https://community.icann.org/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=40176025> which will be updated as the ATRT 2¹s work progresses to keep the ICANN community apprised of the latest information. ------------- Regards, Heidi Ullrich, Silvia Vivanco, Matt Ashtiani, Gisella Gruber, Nathalie Peregrine and Julia Charvolen ICANN Policy Staff in support of ALAC E-mail: staff(a)atlarge.icann.org One World, One Internet

1 0

FW: ICANN News Alert -- Expert Working Group on gTLD Directory Services Members Selected
by ICANN At-Large Staff Feb. 15, 2013

Feb. 15, 2013

[http://www.icann.org/images/gradlogo_bow.jpg]<http://www.icann.org/> News Alert http://www.icann.org/en/news/announcements/announcement-14feb13-en.htm ________________________________ Expert Working Group on gTLD Directory Services Members Selected 14 February 2013 Background On 13 December 2012, Fadi Chehadé, ICANN's President and CEO, announced<http://www.icann.org/en/news/announcements/announcement-2-14dec12-en.htm> the creation of an Expert Working Group on gTLD Directory Services (EWG) and invited volunteers to submit applications to indicate their interest in serving on it. The EWG is the first step in fulfilling the ICANN Board's directive<http://www.icann.org/en/groups/board/documents/resolutions-08nov12-en.htm#1…> to help redefine the purpose and provision of gTLD registration data. This project is designed to provide a foundation for the creation of a new global policy for gTLD directory services, and requisite contract negotiations, as appropriate. Working Group Volunteers Over 70 highly qualified experts from across the Internet ecosystem were considered. In selecting the EWG, each candidates' operational knowledge and experience with registrant data or directory services (or analogous systems) was considered, along with consensus-building skills, aptitude to innovate, geographic diversity, and other published criteria<http://www.icann.org/en/news/announcements/announcement-2-14dec12-en.htm>. After an extensive evaluation of each candidate, the following individuals were selected to participate in this critical project: [http://www.icann.org/sites/default/files/assets/ala-pietila-150x200-14feb13…] Pekka Ala-Pietilä is the Co-founder and Chairman of the Board of Blyk, a mobile media company and is Chairman of the Board of Solidium (Finnish sovereign wealth fund). He additionally serves on the Boards of SAP AG (multinational software company), Pöyry Oyj (global consulting and engineering company) and Huhtamäki Oyj. He is Former President of the Nokia Corporation (1999-2005) and was President of Nokia Mobiles Phones in the nineties. He is based in Finland. [http://www.icann.org/sites/default/files/assets/ajayi-150x200-14feb13.png] Lanre Ajayi is the Managing Director of Pinet Informatics, one of the first ISPs in Nigeria. He is the Chairman of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON). He has served as the Vice-Chairman of the Internet Service providers Association of Nigeria (ISPAN) and Africa ISP Association (AfrISPA). He is a founding member of AfriNIC. He also has served as a member of the National Cybercrime Working Group of Nigeria. He currently serves as a GNSO Council member appointed by the NomCom and is based in Nigeria. [http://www.icann.org/sites/default/files/assets/hollenbeck-150x200-14feb13.…] Scott Hollenbeck is the Director of Verisign Labs where he manages a team of researchers focused on applied metadata, reputation, and web service technologies in collaboration with university partners. He is the author of the Extensible Provisioning Protocol (EPP), a standard protocol for the registration of domain names. He has been a contributor to several industry efforts related to domain names and Internet security. He is based in the US. [http://www.icann.org/sites/default/files/assets/jian-150x200-14feb13.png] Jin Jian is Assistant General Director and Director of CNNIC R&D center at CNNIC. His areas of expertise are: Domain Name Registration, DNS, software engineering, IPv6 and network protocols. He is based in the People's Republic of China. [http://www.icann.org/sites/default/files/assets/kawaguchi-150x200-14feb13.p…] Susan Kawaguchi is Domain Name Manager at Facebook. She has previous experience with eBay and is a member of ICANN's Business Constituency. Domain Name management, enforcement, data collection/access/accuracy and intellectual property issues are her main fields of expertise. She served on the WHOIS Policy Review Team. She is based in the US. [http://www.icann.org/sites/default/files/assets/nanayakkara-150x200-14feb13…] Nora Nanayakkara has a background in start-ups and SMEs in the digital and technology spaces, with particular experience in registry and registrar operations. She has worked with many domain name companies over the years and additionally brings several years' experience as a Non Executive Director at Nominet, the .uk domain name registry and a Trustee at Nominet Trust. She is knowledgeable in WHOIS issues and has served as an applicant review panelist in ICANN's new gTLD applicant support program. She is based in the UK. [http://www.icann.org/sites/default/files/assets/neylon-150x200-14feb13.png] Michele Neylon is the CEO of Blacknight Internet Solutions, an Irish registrar, and sits on the Eurid Registrar Advisory Board. He is a very active member of the ICANN Community and he has served in numerous leadership roles in GNSO working groups. Examples of his activities include the APWG, RIPE and the Anti-Abuse Working Group. He is based in Ireland. [http://www.icann.org/sites/default/files/assets/niebel-150x200-14feb13.png] Michael Niebel heads the Task Force on Internet Policy Development in the Directorate General CONNECT of the European Commission. Previously, he led the unit in charge of Internet, network and information security. In this function he was charged with the introduction of the European Top Level Domain .eu from the Commission side. He also was a member of the GAC and participated in Internet governance discussions at the global level. He is based in Belgium. [http://www.icann.org/sites/default/files/assets/rasmussen-150x200-14feb13.p…] Rod Rasmussen co-founded Internet Identity (IID) and serves as its President and CTO. He is widely recognized as a leading expert on cybercrime, and co-chairs the Anti-Phishing Working Group's (APWG) Internet Policy Committee. He is a member of the SSAC, is IID's FIRST (Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams) representative, and is an active participant in the Messaging, Malware, Mobile Anti-Abuse Working Group (M3AAWG). He is based in the US. [http://www.icann.org/sites/default/files/assets/samuels-150x200-14feb13.png] Carlton Samuels is an independent international ICT4D consultant and an adjunct lecturer at the University of the West Indies. He is a Jamaican and US national. Previously, he worked as CIO & University Director of IT. His volunteer positions include being a foundation member of, and the former secretariat for, the Latin America and Caribbean Regional At-Large Advisory Organization (LACRALO). He is a Vice Chair of the ALAC and the leader of the ALAC WHOIS WG. He is based in the West Indies. [http://www.icann.org/sites/default/files/assets/shah-150x200-14feb13.png] Faisal Shah is the Founder and former CEO of a corporate brand protection registrar –MarkMonitor, which recently was acquired by Thomson Reuters. This serial entrepreneur has strategy, registrar operations, software development, and intellectual property as his main fields of expertise. He was born in Trinidad & Tobago, raised in Puerto Rico and Venezuela, and has extensive contacts in the Middle East. He is fluent in Spanish and English, is familiar with Urdu, and is currently based in the US. [http://www.icann.org/sites/default/files/assets/vayra-150x200-14feb13.png] Fabricio Vayra serves as Assistant General Counsel for Time Warner Inc. He is a recognized intellectual property rights protection expert and brings extensive expertise in WHOIS data and trademark law. He is a former IRT member, a current member of the INTA Board, Vice Chair of the INTA Internet committee, and an active member of the IPC. He is based in the US. [http://www.icann.org/sites/default/files/assets/perrin-150x200-14feb13.png] Stephanie Perrin is conducting doctoral research focused on privacy enhanced authentication technologies, and is recognized as an international expert in privacy and data protection and the social impact of technology. She has served in several positions in the Canadian Government, including in Integrity Services at Service Canada, as Director of Research and Policy in the Office of the Privacy Commissioner, and as Director of Privacy Policy at Industry Canada where she was responsible for the development of the private sector privacy legislation (PIPEDA). She has worked in the private sector and has consulted broadly on privacy issues internationally, including advising on the first privacy policy for CIRA, the Canadian Internet Registration Authority. She is based in Canada. [http://www.icann.org/sites/default/files/assets/photo-unavailable-150x200-1…] Additional members may be added to the Expert Working Group to provide special areas of expertise and knowledge (e.g. privacy). Joining these executives will be: [http://www.icann.org/sites/default/files/assets/baril-150x200-14feb13.png] Jean-Francois Baril<http://www.icann.org/en/news/announcements/announcement-14dec12-en.htm>, Lead Facilitator of the EWG [http://www.icann.org/sites/default/files/unmanaged/en/biog/photos/crocker-p…] Steve Crocker<http://www.icann.org/en/groups/board/crocker.htm>, Board Liaison to the EWG [http://www.icann.org/sites/default/files/unmanaged/en/biog/photos/disspain-…] Chris Disspain<http://www.icann.org/en/groups/board/disspain.htm>, Board Liaison to the EWG The EWG is expected to commence its analysis and deliberations immediately, with the objective of discussing its progress online and with the community at the Beijing ICANN Meeting. Mandate A Board-directed Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO) policy development process (PDP) is expected to follow the work of the EWG to evaluate the policy implications of the EWG's recommendations. The EWG's objectives are to 1) define the purpose of collecting and maintaining gTLD registration data, and consider how to safeguard the data, and 2) provide a proposed model for managing gTLD directory services that addresses related data accuracy and access issues, while taking into account safeguards for protecting data. The EWG will be informed by Internet stakeholders' activities, and the extensive work of the GNSO work over the last decade. The group also will consider the WHOIS Policy Review Team Report<http://www.icann.org/en/about/aoc-review/whois/final-report-11may12-en.pdf> [PDF, 1.44 MB], address key questions set forth by the Security and Stability Advisory Committee (SSAC [PDF, 348 KB]), and take into consideration current and future Internet operations and services. In addition, the EWG will address concerns of the parties who provide, collect, maintain, publish or use gTLD registration data as it relates to ICANN's remit.<http://www.icann.org/en/groups/ssac/documents/sac-055-en.pdf> <http://www.icann.org/en/groups/ssac/documents/sac-055-en.pdf> EWG Schedule and Operations The EWG's activities are expected to be conducted from February through May 2013 and may be extended, if needed. Work will be conducted online and through conference calls and periodic face-to-face meetings. When the EWG's efforts get underway, the group's <http://www.icann.org/en/groups/ssac/documents/sac-055-en.pdf> WIKI page<https://community.icann.org/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=40175189> will be updated to keep the public apprised of its work. This message was sent to matt.ashtiani(a)icann.org<mailto:matt.ashtiani@icann.org> from: ICANN | 12025 Waterfront Drive Suite 300 | Los Angeles, CA 90094-2536 Email Marketing by [http://app.icontact.com/images/icontact_tryFree.gif] <http://www.icontact.com/a.pl/144186> Manage Your Subscription <http://app.icontact.com/icp/mmail-mprofile.pl?r=24564788&l=6333&s=BCA3&m=90…>

1 0

REMINDER - Webinar: Internationalized Domain Name (IDN) Variant: Examining the User Experience Implication of the Active Variant TLDs
by At-Large Staff Feb. 13, 2013

Feb. 13, 2013

Webinar: Internationalized Domain Name (IDN) Variant: Examining the User Experience Implication of the Active Variant TLDs Date: 13 February 2013 Time: 13:00 14:50 UTC (5:00am 6:30am PST) Adobe Connect: http://icann.adobeconnect.com/idnvarianttld/ <http://icann.adobeconnect.com/idnvarianttld/> Dial In: 1-800-550-6865 or 1-213-233-3193 International numbers available here <http://adigo.com/icann/> Meeting ID: 46389 Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs) serve as powerful tools for broadening the Internet's capacity and accessibility; however, they also raise novel issues. One important issue concerns "variants" which occur when a single character can be identified with two or more different Unicode Code Points with graphic representations that may or may not be visually similar. IDN variants contain one or more such characters and therefore, if not handled correctly, might result in user confusion or a poor user experience. In an effort to develop potential solutions for the delegation of IDN variant Top-Level Domains (TLDs), IDN Variant Project Teams, consisting of volunteers, subject matter expert consultants and ICANN staff, have conducted case studies in six scripts, produced an integrated report, and are currently underway to completing three projects investigating potential solutions for IDN Variant TLDs delegation. One of these projects is called the Examining the User Experience Implications of Active Variant TLDs Project (P6). The purpose of the project is to gain an understanding of issues that could arise from activating IDN Variant TLDs and offer recommendations to users to avoid such issues. Examples of user roles that have been identified include registrants, registrars, registry operators, system administrators, network operators, application developers, and end users. Project team has published for public comment the Draft Final Report for Examining the User Experience Implications of Active Variant TLDs <http://www.icann.org/en/news/public-comment/variant-ux-18jan13-en.htm> and is seeking to establish a dialog with the community to refine proposed principles, impacts and recommendations of the study. This webinar is offered to complement that process both by presenting the key concepts and gathering user input. The IDN Variant TLDs Program team is looking forward to your participation.

1 0

FW: ICANN Newsletter -- 8 February 2013
by ICANN At-Large Staff Feb. 12, 2013

Feb. 12, 2013

[http://www.icann.org/images/gradlogo_bow.jpg]<http://www.icann.org/> ICANN Weekly Newsletter News from the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers http://www.icann.org/ Week ending 8 February 2013 ________________________________ Announcements This Week Upcoming Multi-stakeholder Internet Governance Events in the Middle East and Africa<http://www.icann.org/en/news/announcements/announcement-07feb13-en.htm> ICANN will participate with the regional IG community in two important events in March 2013. These events will be attended by regional leaders from government, the private sector and civil society. 7 February 2013 Internet Groups Discuss New Priorities In Latin America and Caribbean<http://www.icann.org/en/news/press/releases/release-07feb13-en.pdf> [PDF, 164 KB] Montevideo, Uruguay… The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and the Internet Address Registry for Latin America and the Caribbean (Lacnic) are discussing how to expand the availability and quality of Internet services in the area. 7 February 2013 Revised New gTLD Registry Agreement Including Additional Public Interest Commitments Specification<http://www.icann.org/en/news/announcements/announcement-3-05feb13-en.htm> ICANN is seeking public comment on a revised draft of the New gTLD Registry Agreement that will serve as the contractual document between successful New gTLD Applicants and ICANN, and will govern the rights and obligations of new gTLD registry operators. 5 February 2013 "Closed Generic" gTLD Applications<http://www.icann.org/en/news/announcements/announcement-2-05feb13-en.htm> ICANN is seeking public comment on the subject of "closed generic" gTLD applications and whether specific requirements should be adopted corresponding to this type of application. 5 February 2013 Interim Report IDN ccNSO Policy Development Process<http://www.icann.org/en/news/announcements/announcement-05feb13-en.htm> In the framework of the ccNSO Policy Development Process on IDN ccTLD's the purpose of the Interim Report is to report on and seek feed-back on feasible recommendations for overall policy for the selection of IDN country code Top Level Domains strings (IDN ccTLD's) and the inclusion of IDN ccTLD managers in the ccNSO. 5 February 2013 ________________________________ Upcoming Events [http://beijing46.icann.org/files/meetings/toronto2012/beijing-draft-logo-23…]<http://beijing46.icann.org/> 7 - 11 April 2013: 46th International Public ICANN Meeting - Beijing<http://beijing46.icann.org/> About ICANN ICANN Bylaws<http://www.icann.org/en/general/bylaws.htm> Our bylaws are very important to us. They capture our mission of security, stability and accessibility, and compel the organization to be open and transparent. Learn more at www.ICANN.org<http://www.icann.org/>. Strategic Plan, 2012 - 2015<http://www.icann.org/en/planning/> Adopted FY13 Operating Plan and Budget<http://www.icann.org/en/financials/budget-opplan.htm> This message was sent to matt.ashtiani(a)icann.org<mailto:matt.ashtiani@icann.org> from: ICANN | 12025 Waterfront Drive Suite 300 | Los Angeles, CA 90094-2536 Email Marketing by [http://app.icontact.com/images/icontact_tryFree.gif] <http://www.icontact.com/a.pl/144186> Manage Your Subscription <http://app.icontact.com/icp/mmail-mprofile.pl?r=24564788&l=6333&s=BCA3&m=90…>

1 0

CALL FOR COMMENTS: ALAC Statement on the IDN Variant TLD Program Procedure to Develop and Maintain the Label Generation Rules for the Root Zone in Respect of IDNA Labels Second Public Comment Draft
by ICANN At-Large Staff Feb. 10, 2013

Feb. 10, 2013

Dear All, Olivier Crépin-Leblond, Chair of the ALAC, has asked that a call for comments be made on the draft "ALAC Statement on the IDN Variant TLD Program – Procedure to Develop and Maintain the Label Generation Rules for the Root Zone in Respect of IDNA Labels – Second Public Comment Draft<https://community.icann.org/x/7YxEAg>" in preparation for the start of the ALAC ratification process. Additional information on this Statement is available on the At-Large IDN Variant TLD Program – Procedure to Develop and Maintain the Label Generation Rules for the Root Zone in Respect of IDNA Labels – Second Public Comment Draft Workspace<https://community.icann.org/x/7YxEAg>. Please submit any comments on the workspace using the comments function by 13-January-2013 23:59 UTC. A vote is to commence after comments have been collected. Heidi Ullrich, Silvia Vivanco, Matt Ashtiani, Gisella Gruber, Nathalie Peregrine and Julia Charvolen ICANN Policy Staff in support of ALAC E-mail: staff(a)atlarge.icann.org

1 2

Webinar: Internationalized Domain Name (IDN) Variant: Examining the User Experience Implication of the Active Variant TLDs
by At-Large Staff Feb. 9, 2013

Feb. 9, 2013

Webinar: Internationalized Domain Name (IDN) Variant: Examining the User Experience Implication of the Active Variant TLDs Date: Wednesday 13 February 2013 Time: 13:00 14:30 UTC (5:00am 6:30am PST) Adobe Connect: http://icann.adobeconnect.com/idnvarianttld/ <http://icann.adobeconnect.com/idnvarianttld/> Dial In: 1-800-550-6865 or 1-213-233-3193 International numbers available here <http://adigo.com/icann/> Meeting ID: 46389 Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs) serve as powerful tools for broadening the Internet's capacity and accessibility; however, they also raise novel issues. One important issue concerns "variants" which occur when a single character can be identified with two or more different Unicode Code Points with graphic representations that may or may not be visually similar. IDN variants contain one or more such characters and therefore, if not handled correctly, might result in user confusion or a poor user experience. In an effort to develop potential solutions for the delegation of IDN variant Top-Level Domains (TLDs), IDN Variant Project Teams, consisting of volunteers, subject matter expert consultants and ICANN staff, have conducted case studies in six scripts, produced an integrated report, and are currently underway to completing three projects investigating potential solutions for IDN Variant TLDs delegation. One of these projects is called the Examining the User Experience Implications of Active Variant TLDs Project (P6). The purpose of the project is to gain an understanding of issues that could arise from activating IDN Variant TLDs and offer recommendations to users to avoid such issues. Examples of user roles that have been identified include registrants, registrars, registry operators, system administrators, network operators, application developers, and end users. Project team has published for public comment the Draft Final Report for Examining the User Experience Implications of Active Variant TLDs <http://www.icann.org/en/news/public-comment/variant-ux-18jan13-en.htm> and is seeking to establish a dialog with the community to refine proposed principles, impacts and recommendations of the study. This webinar is offered to complement that process both by presenting the key concepts and gathering user input. The IDN Variant TLDs Program team is looking forward to your participation. --------------- Regards, Heidi Ullrich, Silvia Vivanco, Matt Ashtiani, Gisella Gruber, Nathalie Peregrine and Julia Charvolen ICANN Policy Staff in support of ALAC E-mail: staff(a)atlarge.icann.org One World, One Internet

1 0

VOTE RESULT (174) Armenian Association for the Disabled 'Pyunic'
by ICANN At-Large Staff Feb. 8, 2013

Feb. 8, 2013

Dear All, With 14 out of 15 ALAC Members having voted in the recent vote on the ALS application from the Armenian Association for the Disabled 'Pyunic', we can confirm that the result is quorate. Question: Should the regional advice from APRALO for ALS Applicant (172) University of Library Studies and Information Technologies (UniBIT)be accepted? The regional advice was to accept the application. (174) Armenian Association for the Disabled 'Pyunic' As at Poll close: Thursday 07 February 2013 18:01 UTC Number of voters: 14 . Group size: 15 . Percentage voted: 93.33 Ranked by votes Rank Candidate Votes % 1 Yes 14 100.00 2 No 0 0.00 2 Abstain 0 0.0 You may verify the results independently under: http://www.bigpulse.com/pollresults?code=2914MqDSdthpIcdAZup3KSLr We can confirm that the following ALAC members did not participate in the balloting: Titi Akinsamni You can find all the results of closed ALAC votes under: https://www.bigpulse.com/m7097 -- Regards, Heidi Ullrich, Silvia Vivanco, Matt Ashtiani, Gisella Gruber, Nathalie Peregrine and Julia Charvolen ICANN Policy Staff in support of ALAC E-mail: staff(a)atlarge.icann.org

1 0

VOTE RESULT (172) University of Library Studies and Information Technologies (UniBIT)
by ICANN At-Large Staff Feb. 8, 2013

Feb. 8, 2013

Dear All, With 14 out of 15 ALAC Members having voted in the recent vote on the ALS application from the University of Library Studies and Information Technologies (UniBIT), we can confirm that the result is quorate. Question: Should the regional advice from APRALO for ALS Applicant (172) University of Library Studies and Information Technologies (UniBIT)be accepted? The regional advice was to accept the application. ALS Application: (172) University of Library Studies and Information Technologies (UniBIT) As at Poll close: Thursday 07 February 2013 18:01 UTC Number of voters: 14 . Group size: 15 . Percentage voted: 93.33 Ranked by votes Rank Candidate Votes % 1 Yes 13 92.86 2 Abstain 1 7.14 3 No 0 0.00 You may verify the results independently under: http://www.bigpulse.com/pollresults?code=2913SRxDmnncRkybKjqmf2FQ We can confirm that the following ALAC members did not participate in the balloting: Titi Akinsamni You can find all the results of closed ALAC votes under: https://www.bigpulse.com/m7097 -- Regards, Heidi Ullrich, Silvia Vivanco, Matt Ashtiani, Gisella Gruber, Nathalie Peregrine and Julia Charvolen ICANN Policy Staff in support of ALAC E-mail: staff(a)atlarge.icann.org

1 0