Dear BC Members, In forwarding the following announcement to the BC list. I also take this opportunity to note that there will be a high interest within the BC and other constituencies to understand how certain issues have been addressed. Accordingly, I have contacted ICANN staff to ask about an update on the economic analysis, among other topics shown below in the Board's announcement and will update the BC list upon reaching staff. Marilyn Cade BC Chair
http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-26sep10-en.htm
Continuing to Move New gTLDs Forward
26 September 2010
The ICANN Board met in Trondheim Norway on 24-25 September, focusing specifically on new gTLD issues. As ICANN completes preparations for expansion of the top-level domain space, the Board is working to ensure that key issues (including competition, consumer protection, security, stability and resiliency, malicious abuse issues, and rights protection) will be adequately addressed prior to implementation.
The expansion of the top level domain space is intended to promote competition and consumer choice, and the work this week will ensure an effective application and evaluation process with safeguards to mitigate costs and risks.
The detailed Board discussion was guided by recent community input and provided direction in the implementation of trademark protections, the new registry agreement terms, measures to mitigate malicious conduct, and ensuring root zone stability. The resolutions http://www.icann.org/en/minutes/resolutions-25sep10-en.htm indicate that many important issues have been addressed, including trademark protection, morality and public order, and vertical integration.
Chairman Peter Dengate Thrush indicated that "The board made considerable progress on the remaining issues and has asked staff to prepare additional working papers and a modified applicant guidebook for public review prior to the upcoming ICANN meeting in Cartagena in December 2010. The meeting results represent a key milestone after years of work by the ICANN community as we prepare for community discussion and debate in Cartagena."
Reviewing the Board direction, President and CEO Rod Beckstrom stated, "ICANN is prepared to implement this important new offering to increase consumer choice and to promote competition."