On behalf of the Expert Working Group on gTLD Directory Services (EWG) Dear All, As you may recall, in December 2012, ICANN announced <http://www.icann.org/en/news/announcements/announcement-2-14dec12-en.htm> the creation of an Expert Working Group (EWG) on gTLD Directory Services, as a first step in fulfilling the ICANN Board¹s directive <http://www.icann.org/en/groups/board/documents/resolutions-08nov12-en.htm#1 .a.rationale> to help redefine the purpose and provision of gTLD registration data. The work of the EWG is expected to serve as a foundation to help GNSO create a new global policy for gTLD directory services, as part of a Board requested Policy Development Process (PDP) to be commenced upon the conclusion of the EWG¹s activities. Beijing presents a unique opportunity for the EWG to provide an update on its progress and to hear from the ICANN community to inform its post-Beijing work. The EWG invites you to attend their session on Monday, 8 April 2013 at 11:00-12:30 in Grand Hall A to share your comments and feedback with them (please refer to session details: http://beijing46.icann.org/node/37051). Participants will be invited to comment on questions currently under discussion within the EWG, including: · Whether collection, storage and provision of registrant data is necessary; · Whether to incorporate different registration data requirements for domain names for commercial use versus non-commercial use; · Whether and how anonymous registrations should be accommodated; · Potential costs/benefits of a distributed versus a centralized database; · Possible safeguards to minimize abuse and protect the privacy of registrants; · Whether and how remedies for inaccurate data should differ (for example, in cases of fraudulent, criminal, or malicious conduct); · Whether tiered access is desirable, depending upon the requestor¹s purpose. Any additional feedback will be welcome. If you are interested in learning more about the EWG¹s work, please visit EWG¹s wiki at: https://community.icann.org/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=40175189 for meeting reports and other information regarding the EWG¹s activities. The EWG looks forward to this exchange and thanks you in advance for your participation. Safe travels and see you in Beijing. Very best regards, ICANN Staff on behalf of the Expert Working Group on gTLD Directory Services (EWG)