Just an update on our Councilors' work in advancing WHOIS studies. The BC has supported accuracy and access in WHOIS data, and we were instrumental in designing studies that could help ICANN do fact-based development on WHOIS policies. Last week, our Councilor John Berard introduced a resolution to proceed with 3 planned studies (see Motion 2 at https://st.icann.org/gnso-council/index.cgi?16_march_motions ) On Saturday in SFO, John argued for his motion in the face of significant opposition. Registrars are against further studies of WHOIS, especially regarding privacy and proxy services. And most Non-commerical councilors value registrant privacy over accuracy and access. On Sunday, Zahid Jamil and I planned a question to ask the GAC, regarding their request for WHOIS studies 3 years ago. Zahid put it this way: In Brussels last week the GAC expressed its concerns quite well, with regard to GAC Advice being taken into account. The Scorecard described the Brussels consultation as "a critical next step in ensuring the perspectives of governments are fully taken into account in the ICANN private sector-led, multi-stakeholder model that ICANN represents.” My question relates to a similar request and recommendations made by the GAC 3 years ago. In 2008 the GAC issued a letter "RECOMMENDATIONS FOR WHOIS STUDIES" where the GAC had made several recommendations for collecting data and conducting studies. We are now in 2011 and looking at New gTLDs. Does the GAC have concerns with respect to the delay in reverting to the GAC with the result of studies requested by the GAC? GAC Chair Heather Dryden responded immediately, saying the GAC was indeed disappointed that Board and GNSO had not responded to GAC advice on WHOIS studies. Heater added an exclamation point with her final word, "Yes" Given the GAC has found its voice over new gTLDs, we'll make sure that Council is aware of GAC concern when they consider the BC's WHOIS motion when they meet on Wednesday. The Registrars are likely to defer the vote to next month, but we'll keep up the pressure. -- Steve DelBianco Executive Director NetChoice http://www.NetChoice.org and http://blog.netchoice.org +1.202.420.7482