Besides perhaps philosophy a salient reason ICANN doesn't want to
appear to be a regulator is because it's potentially a huge job with
no apparent income stream. How could they possibly fund such an
activity? It could cost billions.
Not necessarily.
It would involve the resolution of
the laws and mores of 200 countries.
With its GAC, it may not turn out to be as complicated.
And of course opening themselves up to criticism and worse --
lawsuits, govt action -- for doing it badly or even just singular
errors.
The jurisdiction debate in CCWG A had a focus on geography. If it had focused on the costs and complexities instead, we would have progressed towards a solution that would eventually take away this concern about the threat and cost of lawsuits as well.
Sivasubramanian M