You are invited to interact with the Expert Working Group prior to the ICANN Meeting regarding their Initial Report by attending its webinar onMonday, 8 July at 15:00-16:30 UTC (time converter: http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?msg=Explore+the+Draft+N...). Background ICANN has embarked on an effort to reinvent today's WHOIS system. A significant milestone was reached on 24 June 2013 with the publication <https://www.icann.org/en/news/announcements/announcement-3-24jun13-en.htm> of the Expert Working Group on gTLD Directory Services (EWG)'s initial report<http://www.icann.org/en/news/announcements/announcement-3-24jun13-en.htm> for community input and comment. The initial report<http://www.icann.org/en/news/announcements/announcement-3-24jun13-en.htm> proposes a paradigm shift - a new system in which gTLD registration data is collected, validated and disclosed for permissible purposes only, with some data elements being accessible only to authenticated requestors that are then held accountable for appropriate use. The EWG has identified the design features and principles that they believe are essential in this new system, and a proposed Model for the next generation data directory services to replace WHOIS. Your Input is Needed The Expert Working Group wishes to hear the Community's reaction to their recommendations<https://www.icann.org/en/groups/other/gtld-directory-services/initial-report...> and has prepared a set of questions on which input would be especially useful to the group's ongoing work. The Expert Working Group also welcomes any additional feedback and requests that the Community submit their feedback by 12 August 2013. Community input, publicly available at:https://www.icann.org/en/groups/other/gtld-directory-services/responses-27ju..., will be carefully considered as the Expert Working Group brings its work to a conclusion. In addition to the online questionnaire<https://www.icann.org/en/groups/other/gtld-directory-services/share-24jun13-...> and the EWG email list<applewebdata://3F977BB3-4E7A-42C6-9EBC-4A473FA35CAF/input-to-ewg@icann.org>, you have an opportunity to voice your comments and questions in Durban on Monday, 15 July <http://durban47.icann.org/node/39627> at 14:45-16:15 as well as on the upcoming webinar<https://www.icann.org/en/about/learning/webinars/gtld-directory-services-24j...>. Webinar Details On Monday's Webinar, the Expert Working Group will present the outcome of its work and open the floor for any questions or feedback. A recording of the session will be made available shortly after the meeting. To receive dial-in details, please register via email to alice.jansen@icann.org<applewebdata://3F977BB3-4E7A-42C6-9EBC-4A473FA35CAF/alice.jansen@icann.org> by Monday, 8 July - 12:00 UTC. Thanks, Best regards ICANN staff