[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 21 March 2014 ________________________________ Announcements This Week ICANN Seeks Public Comment on 2013 RAA Data Retention Specification Data Elements and Legitimate Purposes for Collection and Retention<http://www.icann.org/en/news/announcements/announcement-3-21mar14-en.htm> ICANN has been in discussions with a number of Registrars regarding data retention waiver requests (“Waiver Requests”) submitted under the 2013 Registrar Accreditation Agreement (the "2013 RAA"). 21 March 2014 Notice of Preliminary Determination To Grant Registrar Data Retention Waiver Request for NAMEWEB BVBA<http://www.icann.org/en/news/announcements/announcement-2-21mar14-en.htm> ICANN has made a preliminary determination that it is prepared to grant a data retention waiver request submitted by Registrar NAMEWEB BVBA under the 2013 Registrar Accreditation Agreement (the "2013 RAA"). 21 March 2014 Public Comment Invited: Proposal for the Use of Mandatory Policy Advisory Boards for Regulated Industry Sector and Consumer-Trust-Sensitive New gTLD Strings<http://www.icann.org/en/news/announcements/announcement-21mar14-en.htm> The purpose of this public comment period is to obtain feedback and collect broader community input into the further development of the PAB model, and to which TLD strings it may best apply. 21 March 2014 ICANN Expands Global Stakeholder Engagement Team<http://www.icann.org/en/news/announcements/announcement-20mar14-en.htm> ICANN has announced new developments to enhance its Global Stakeholder Engagement (GSE) efforts, with the creation of two new leadership positions and the hiring of two new regional Vice Presidents. 20 March 2014 Global Community to Discuss the Future of the Internet at ICANN's Singapore Meeting<http://www.icann.org/en/news/press/advisories/advisory-19mar14-en> ICANN Leaders to Answer Journalists' Questions At Opening News Conference 19 March 2014 Audio Files, Transcripts from Community Calls with ICANN Board Chair and CEO<http://www.icann.org/en/news/announcements/announcement-19mar14-en.htm> Were you unable to join the community call with ICANN Board Chair Steve Crocker and ICANN President and CEO Fadi Chehadé on Saturday? Don't worry that you missed out, because an audio file and transcript is available online now. 19 March 2014 Annual Independent Audit RFP<http://www.icann.org/en/news/announcements/announcement-18mar14-en.htm> ICANN is issuing today a Request for Proposals (RFP) to identify audit firms interested in performing ICANN's annual independent audit. 18 March 2014 ________________________________ Upcoming Events [http://meetings.icann.org//files/meetings/meetings/Singapore49_Logo_300x155_72.png]23-27 March 2014: 49th International Public ICANN Meeting – Singapore<http://singapore49.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 FY14 Operating Plan and Budget<http://www.icann.org/en/financials/budget-opplan.htm>