September 2007 - EURO-Discuss

ICANN to Issue Advisory Regarding Transferring Domains Between Registrars, Asks for Public Comment
by Nick Ashton-Hart Sept. 27, 2007

Sept. 27, 2007

Notice of Intent to Issue Advisory Regarding the Inter-Registrar Transfer Policy 19 September 2007 ICANN has observed that there is confusion within the registrar community concerning the circumstances under which registrars may validly deny transfer requests pursuant to the Inter-Registrar Transfer Policy (“Transfer Policy”). The purpose of this Notice of Intent to Issue an Advisory regarding the Inter-Registrar Transfer Policy is to allow interested parties 30 days to comment on the proposed advisory (which can be viewed at: http://www.icann.org/ announcements/proposed-advisory-19sep07.htm). ICANN will consider all comments received at the close of the 30-day comment period. Interested parties have until 19 October 2007 to submit comments at retransfers-comments(a)icann.org. Posted comments can be viewed at http://forum.icann.org/lists/retransfers-comments/. The purpose of the proposed advisory is to assist ICANN-accredited registrars in understanding that under the Transfer Policy: Registrars are prohibited from denying a domain name transfer request based on non-payment of fees for pending or future registration periods during the Auto-Renew Grace Period; and A registrant change to Whois information is not a valid basis for denying a transfer request. Developed through ICANN’s consensus policy process, the Transfer Policy was approved unanimously by ICANN’s Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO) and its Board of Directors. After consultation with several interested parties, the Transfer Policy was adopted in 2004. The Transfer Policy provides domain name holders with a standardized process for transferring their domain names from one ICANN-accredited registrar to another upon request. All ICANN- accredited registrars and unsponsored gTLD registry operators are required to comply with the Transfer Policy pursuant to their agreements with ICANN. With over 900 ICANN-accredited registrars operating in the marketplace, offering a myriad of services, consumers have a diversity of options for the provision of registration services, from full service registration packages with web-hosting options, to bargain registration packages providing minimal customer service. However, this diversity of options cannot be fully appreciated by consumers if the provisions of the Transfer Policy are interpreted and applied inconsistently by registrars, thereby preventing consumers from freely transferring their domain names when they choose to do so. The Transfer Policy allows domain name holders to transfer their domain names from one ICANN-accredited registrar to another, except under nine limited circumstances. Registrar transfer denials that are not based on the nine reasons enumerated in the Transfer Policy discourage competition, create confusion, encourage abuse and violate the Transfer policy. The purpose of the proposed advisory is to provide clarity and promote consistent handling of transfer requests. The Transfer Policy has proven to be a valuable resource for consumers enabling them to exercise freedom of choice in the domain name registration marketplace. For the benefit of consumers, registrars, registries and other interested parties, ICANN issued today’s proposed advisory to clarify the limited circumstances under which the Transfer Policy allows registrars to deny transfer requests. Comments regarding the proposed advisory are encouraged. ICANN is aware that the GNSO’s Transfers Working Group is currently studying several issues related to the Transfer Policy with the intention of recommending language modifications to the GNSO Council. However, the purpose of ICANN’s proposed advisory is to clarify existing policy. -- Regards, Nick Ashton-Hart Director, At-Large ICANN Tel: +33 (450) 40 46 88 USA Tel: +1 (202) 657-5460 Fax: +41 (22) 595 85 44 mobile: +41 (79) 595 54 68 email: nick.ashton-hart(a)icann.org Win IM: ashtonhart(a)hotmail.com / AIM/iSight: nashtonhart(a)mac.com / Skype: nashtonhart Online Bio: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashtonhart

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ICANN Posts Communication from the Universal Postal Union (UPU) Regarding its Sponsorship of the .POST Top-Level Domain
by Nick Ashton-Hart Sept. 27, 2007

Sept. 27, 2007

ICANN Posts Communication from the Universal Postal Union (UPU) Regarding its Sponsorship of the .POST Top-Level Domain ICANN Continues Negotiations with UPU for .POST sTLD 6 September 2007 (Update 7 September with Public Comment Closing Date) The attached communication from the UPU (http://www.icann.org/ correspondence/donohoe-to-pritz-05sep07.pdf) [PDF, 193K] describes aspects of its intended sponsorship of the .POST sponsored top-level domain. ICANN and the UPU have entered into negotiations intended to result in the delegation of the .POST registry. This outreach by the UPU is intended to inform the community about proposed aspects of the UPU’s business model and requested contractual agreement. These proposals are based upon the UPU’s vision for adding significant value to: the DNS, its member states and their designated operators 1 of postal services, and the recipients of postal services. Certain aspects of these terms relate to the UPU’s status as an intergovernmental organization (IGO) comprised of member states and as specialized agency of the United Nations. Significantly, this outreach invites public examination and comment at an early stage of the negotiation. Negotiations will continue and comments made regarding this material will be taken into account as they are received. Comments on the UPU communication may be posted to stld-rfp- post(a)icann.org and viewed at http://forum.icann.org/lists/stld-rfp- post. Comments on this aspect of the negotiations with the UPU will close on 6 October 2007. [1] Designated Operator (DO): any governmental or non-governmental entity officially designated by the member country to operate postal services and to fulfill the obligations arising out of the Acts of the Union on its territory. For example in the UK it is Royal Mail , in the USA it is US Postal Service (USPS), in Brazil it is Empresa Brasileira de Correios e Telégrafos, in Kazakhstan it’s Kazpost, in Malaysia it’s Pos Malaysia Bhd, in Botswana it’s Botswana Post, and in Ghana it is Ghana Postal Services Corporation. -- Regards, Nick Ashton-Hart Director, At-Large ICANN Tel: +33 (450) 40 46 88 USA Tel: +1 (202) 657-5460 Fax: +41 (22) 595 85 44 mobile: +41 (79) 595 54 68 email: nick.ashton-hart(a)icann.org Win IM: ashtonhart(a)hotmail.com / AIM/iSight: nashtonhart(a)mac.com / Skype: nashtonhart Online Bio: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashtonhart

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Request for Comments — ICANN Board Review Draft Terms of Reference
by Nick Ashton-Hart Sept. 27, 2007

Sept. 27, 2007

Request for Comments — ICANN Board Review Draft Terms of Reference 20 September 2007 As part of the 2002-03 Evolution and Reform process, the ICANN community and Board established a principle of ongoing review of ICANN's structures to ensure their continuing relevance and effectiveness. This principle was embedded in the ICANN bylaws — making it a rare example in an international entity of constitutionally-required ongoing reform. In accordance with this requirement, and as part of ICANNs ongoing commitment to evolution and improvement, the Board approved at ICANN's December 2006 meeting in Sao Paulo a comprehensive schedule for independent review of ICANNs structures. The Board, on the recommendation of the Board Governance Committee, subsequently expanded this list to include the Board itself. The schedule is as follows: Nominating Committee estimated launch — December 2006 At-Large Advisory Committee estimated launch — February 2007 DNS Root Server System Advisory Committee estimated launch — July 2007 Board estimated launch — October 2007 Security and Stability Advisory Committee estimated launch — January 2008 ccNSO Supporting Organisation estimated launch — July 2008 Address Supporting Organisation (ASO) estimated launch — December 2008 The reviews are intended to ensure an independent examination of the role and operation of key elements of ICANN. As with the first two independent reviews, which were completed for the GNSO Council and the GNSO , these reviews will be conducted in an objective manner by independent reviewers, under guidance from the Board on each reviews terms of reference, and with the opportunity for public comment on the results of the reviews. As specified in Article IV, Section 4 of ICANNs Bylaws, the goal of the review, to be undertaken pursuant to such criteria and standards as the Board shall direct, shall be to determine (i) whether that organization has a continuing purpose in the ICANN structure, and (ii) if so, whether any change in structure or operations is desirable to improve its effectiveness. The results of these reviews shall be posted for public review and comment, and shall be considered by the Board not later than its second scheduled meeting after being posted for 30 days. Consideration by the Board includes the ability to revise the structure or operation of the Nominating Committee by a two-thirds vote of all members. The Draft Terms of Reference for a review of the Board is to be found at http://www.icann.org/reviews/icann-board-review-20sep07.pdf [PDF, 17K]. They are open for public comment until October 11, 2007. Public comments should be made at board-review-tor(a)icann.org and can be reviewed at http://forum.icann.org/lists/board-review-tor/. -- Regards, Nick Ashton-Hart Director, At-Large ICANN Tel: +33 (450) 40 46 88 USA Tel: +1 (202) 657-5460 Fax: +41 (22) 595 85 44 mobile: +41 (79) 595 54 68 email: nick.ashton-hart(a)icann.org Win IM: ashtonhart(a)hotmail.com / AIM/iSight: nashtonhart(a)mac.com / Skype: nashtonhart Online Bio: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashtonhart

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Results of the Voting for ALAC Nominating Committee 2008 Appointments
by Nick Ashton-Hart Sept. 27, 2007

Sept. 27, 2007

Dear Members: I have the honour to provide below the results of the above- referenced vote. With 13 or 14 out of 15 potential votes cast (depending upon the regional selection in question), I can certify this as a quorate result. The results may be verified by the following URL saved on the system which hosts the At-Large Community's elections: http:// www.bigpulse.com/pollresults?code=LQd3RxzYmVRLkU6DT5DM Members will recall that there was no vote necessary for the African Seat, as only one candidate, Khaled Koubaa of Tunisia, was proposed for that region. Poll Results Poll menu: At-Large Nominating Committee Appointments 2008 Report date: Thu 27 Sep 2007 13:54 UTC Asia/Australasia/Pacific Region Seat Number of voters: 13 Quota: 6.500 Winners ranked by order of victory Showing accumulated votes in each round after distribution of preferences and 1st, 2nd, 3rd preference votes etc Rank Winners and losers Candidate Rnd1 Rnd2 Pref1 % Pref2 % 1 won in round 1 Taiuru, Karaitiana (New Zealand) 7.000 7 53.85 6 46.15 2 lost in round 1 Agarwal, Nirmol (India) 6.000 6 46.15 7 53.85 European Region Seat Number of voters: 14 Quota: 7.000 Winners ranked by order of victory Showing accumulated votes in each round after distribution of preferences and 1st, 2nd, 3rd preference votes etc Rank Winners and losers Candidate Rnd1 Rnd2 Pref1 % Pref2 % 1 won in round 1 Miloshevic, Desiree 11.000 11 78.57 3 21.43 2 lost in round 1 Vande Walle, Patrick 3.000 3 21.43 11 78.57 Latin America and the Caribbean Islands Seat Number of voters: 14 Quota: 7.000 Winners ranked by order of victory Showing accumulated votes in each round after distribution of preferences and 1st, 2nd, 3rd preference votes etc Rank Winners and losers Candidate Rnd1 Rnd2 Rnd3 Pref1 % Pref2 % Pref3 % 1 won in round 1 Gigena, Matias Altamira 7.000 7 50.00 2 14.29 5 35.71 2 lost in round 1 Ricciardi, Sebastian 5.000 5 35.71 7 50.00 2 14.29 3 lost in round 1 Ahon, Erick Iriarte 2.000 2 14.29 5 35.71 7 50.00 North American Seat Number of voters: 14 Quota: 7.000 Winners ranked by order of victory Showing accumulated votes in each round after distribution of preferences and 1st, 2nd, 3rd preference votes etc Rank Winners and losers Candidate Rnd1 Rnd2 Pref1 % Pref2 % 1 won in round 1 Rader, Ross 10.000 10 71.43 4 28.57 2 lost in round 1 Leibovitch, Evan 4.000 4 28.57 10 71.43 -- Regards, Nick Ashton-Hart Director, At-Large ICANN Tel: +33 (450) 40 46 88 USA Tel: +1 (202) 657-5460 Fax: +41 (22) 595 85 44 mobile: +41 (79) 595 54 68 email: nick.ashton-hart(a)icann.org Win IM: ashtonhart(a)hotmail.com / AIM/iSight: nashtonhart(a)mac.com / Skype: nashtonhart Online Bio: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashtonhart

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Welcome New NomCom Appointees to the At-Large Advisory Committee
by Nick Ashton-Hart Sept. 26, 2007

Sept. 26, 2007

On behalf of the Staff, please welcome the 2008 Nominating Committee appointments to the At-Large Advisory Committee: Hue Nguyen (Vietnam - Asia) Vanda Scartezini (Brazil - Latin America and the Caribbean) Fatimata Sylla (Senegal - Africa) They replace Siavash Shahshahani (Iran - Asia), Jacqueline Morris (Trinidad & Tobago - Latin America and the Caribbean Islands), and Alice Wanjira-Munyua (Kenya - Africa) respectively. I hope you will all give them a good welcome - and extend your thanks for the service of those who are departing from the ALAC. -- Regards, Nick Ashton-Hart Director, At-Large ICANN Main Tel: +33 (450) 40 46 88 USA Tel: +1 (202) 657-5460 Fax: +41 (22) 594-85-44 Mobile: +41 (79) 595 54-68 email: nick.ashton-hart(a)icann.org Win IM: ashtonhart(a)hotmail.com / AIM/iSight: nashtonhart(a)mac.com / Skype: nashtonhart Online Bio: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashtonhart

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Multilingual Survey: ICANN Public Information: Is it what you need?
by Nick Ashton-Hart Sept. 11, 2007

Sept. 11, 2007

One of ICANN's most important jobs is to provide information on its processes. To that end, we have a series of publications, systems and websites to elicit input and comment from the Internet community. But is it enough? Are we providing sufficient information? Is it in the right format or on the right topics? Are you using the various means of interacting with ICANN? If not, why not? What can we do to improve? We have set up a quick and easy six-question online survey to find out from you what you want. It will take less than five minutes, but we will use it to help decide the future course of providing information about ICANN and its processes. So please do take a few minutes out from your day to complete the survey. We will be very grateful for all help received. The survey is in English, Spanish, French, and Brazilian Portuguese and available below: https://www.bigpulse.com/916i -- Regards, Nick Ashton-Hart Director, At-Large ICANN Tel: +33 (450) 40 46 88 USA Tel: +1 (202) 657-5460 Fax: +41 (22) 595 85 44 mobile: +41 (79) 595 54 68 email: nick.ashton-hart(a)icann.org Win IM: ashtonhart(a)hotmail.com / AIM/iSight: nashtonhart(a)mac.com / Skype: nashtonhart Online Bio: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashtonhart

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NomCom nomination from Europe!
by Wolf Ludwig Sept. 4, 2007

Sept. 4, 2007

Hi all, as Vittorio reminded us yesterday (thanks!), we are urgently supposed to provide to ALAC a nomination for one NomCom member from Europe by the end of this month! Please let’s focus on this question during the next ten days, and I would like to invite all of you for closer considerations and suggestion of NomCom candidates from Europe. Thanks for your support and best regards, Wolf comunica-ch phone +41 79 204 83 87 www.comunica-ch.net http://blog.allmend.ch - Digitale Allmend

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Communication to the Board: At-Large Structure Applications Handling
by Nick Ashton-Hart Sept. 4, 2007

Sept. 4, 2007

Dear ALAC and community members: As decided by the ALAC in their meeting on 10th August 2007, as a consequence of decisions taken by the ALAC in their meetings in San Juan, the Board of ICANN is to be formally requested to acknowledge certain changes to the way in which ALS applications are to be handled, and to acknowledge the written guidelines established by the Committee which replace a previously unwritten understanding between committee members of how to interpret the Minimum Criteria and Bylaw requirements related to ALS Applications. In my view, these changes are an important landmark in the development of the community, providing amongst many other benefits and features: * A truly bottom-up-driven applications review process - where the existing ALS community in the region new applicants are from are able to provide advice to the ALAC about applicants; * A standard and open way to evaluate applications which is in conformity with the RALO MoUs (the previous process, since it predated the RALOs' formation, was not); * A flexible system which allows much larger volumes of applications to be handled without an overly burdensome load on volunteer time and energy being required to process them; * A process and guidelines that learn from the more than 100 previous applications and which should ensure that questions about specific aspects of applications are raised and answered earlier in the cycle of applications management; * Utilising a new and online interface, the applications handling process will be transferred into a forms-based database environment which will make review of applications easier on all parties - especially the volunteer community. As the ICANN staff person who was the focal point for administration of this effort, I would be remiss in not thanking the many other members of staff who provided advice and reviewed various stages in the development of this work, which began in January 2007 - and I would also like to extend my compliments and admiration to the members of the community, and in particular the members of the At- Large Advisory Committee, who devoted considerable time and effort to completing this important work. -- Regards, Nick Ashton-Hart USA Tel: +1 (202) 657-5460 Fax: +41 (22) 595 85 44 mobile: +41 (79) 595 54 68 email: nashton(a)consensus.pro Win IM: ashtonhart(a)hotmail.com / AIM/iSight: nashtonhart(a)mac.com / Skype: nashtonhart Online Bio: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashtonhart -- Regards, Nick Ashton-Hart Director, At-Large ICANN USA Tel: +1 (202) 657-5460 Fax: +41 (22) 595 85 44 mobile: +41 (79) 595 54 68 email: nick.ashton-hart(a)icann.org Win IM: ashtonhart(a)hotmail.com / AIM/iSight: nashtonhart(a)mac.com / Skype: nashtonhart Online Bio: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashtonhart

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