Dear IRT members,

Please find the latest version of the AGB draft text that combines Topic 37 and Topic 38 -- Fundamental Obligations for Registry Operators with respect to Registrars: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_0mo4-jgOirCcfOvBncnzeEve-2OO4xgA6CSgExjXt8/edit?usp=sharing

We will appreciate your review/input on the Google doc/mailing list by EOB Wednesday, 9 April.

This draft text reflects the IRT input during our discussion of the public comments received. You may find the redlines compared to the previous version of Topic 38 that was published for public comment here.

Since this document underwent substantive changes, I’d like to remind everyone the reasons behind the updates:

• Per IRT input, we strive to make this AGB section educational for future ROs, highlighting their fundamental obligations with respect to registrars. To this end,
  • Title of the section was updated to reflect this key purpose
  • The following key points (paraphrased for simplicity purposes) were made throughout the text (please refer to the draft AGB text in the google doc for detail):
    • ROs must use ICANN-accredited registrars to register domain names
    • Registry Operator Code of Conduct must be followed, unless an exemption is granted
    • Per CoC, ROs are required to provide non-discriminatory access to ICANN-accredited registrars
    • Per CoC, RO that also operates as a registrar must ensure such services are offered through a separate legal entity and maintain separate books of accounts
  • Reference to the relevant sections/clauses/specifications in the Registry Agreement are included for further detail
  • Text in Topic 37 (Registrar Non-Discrimination & Registry/Registrar Standardization) is consolidated into this draft AGB section to remove redundancy
• Per public comments received on Topic 37 and Topic 38, some editorial suggestions have already been incorporated in this revised draft text. Some additional changes, as suggested by public comments, will be incorporated into appropriate section of the AGB instead (i.e., Code of Conduct Exemption Evaluation).  

Thank you all for your review and input!

Ariel