Dear At-Large Community Members, I hope this message finds you well. Please kindly note the release of the ICANN 78 GAC Communique: <https://gac.icann.org/contentMigrated/icann78-hamburg-communique?fbclid=IwAR...> https://gac.icann.org/contentMigrated/icann78-hamburg-communique?fbclid=IwAR... (and attached). Here is a summary of the key points discussed in the document, relevant to the At-Large: 1. Future Rounds of New gTLDs: - The GAC acknowledged the Board's decision, as outlined in the September Scorecard regarding GAC Advice, to postpone GAC Advice on auctions in New gTLDs. This delay was due to ongoing discussions about policy recommendations in this area. The GAC also observed that the Board had engaged an expert to assess the matter and anticipated ongoing collaboration with the Board and the broader community before a final Board decision was reached. - The GAC emphasized the importance of GAC Consensus Advice and its "strong presumption" language in the future Applicant Guidebook. - The GAC welcomed efforts to develop the Applicant Support Program and stressed the need for support beyond fee reductions, including training and assistance for potential applicants. 2. Registration Data Request Service (RDRS): - The GAC welcomed the launch of the voluntary RDRS in November and encouraged its members to inform their communities about it. - The GAC noted that widespread use of the system would help gather sufficient data for policy recommendations related to a future System for Standardized Access and Disclosure (SSAD) of domain name registration data. - The GAC supported the idea of requiring registrars to use the RDRS. - The GAC emphasized the importance of users receiving data about the underlying registrant rather than just information related to privacy or proxy services. 3. Urgent Requests for Disclosure of Registration Data: - The GAC supported the separation of Urgent Requests from the publication of the Registration Data Consensus Policy and the need for discussions on this topic to achieve an outcome acceptable to all parties. - The GAC highlighted its concerns about the response time for Urgent Requests, particularly the use of "business" days, and emphasizes the need to meet public safety considerations. 4. DNS Abuse: - The GAC urged contracted parties to adopt DNS Abuse amendments to establish baseline obligations for gTLD registries and registrars. - The GAC noted that its suggestions in the public consultation on contract amendments were not fully reflected in the final amendments. - The GAC emphasized the importance of proactive monitoring and transparency in reporting DNS Abuse, supported by dedicated capacity building efforts. 5. Transparency and GNSO Statements of Interest: - The GAC “strongly supported” transparency at ICANN and expressed concerns about proposed exceptions in SOI requirements. It is also looking forward to continued engagement with the GNSO, Board, and community on this issue. Do feel free to review this communique carefully. If you have any questions or would like to discuss the content of the communique further, please feel free to reach out. Best regards, Joanna Kulesza ALAC Liaison to the GAC