[council] The new UDRP task force
Discussion on the GA has raised some questions about
outreach with respect to the implementation of the UDRP section of the NC
business plan. I have been in discussion with the chair of the UDRP interim
committee and would like to make the following clarifications.
A public comment period as required by the bylaws is met
by the current UDRP Review Terms of Reference. The questionnaire is the
vehicle for public comment. The Task Force will simply compile the
information it receives from the results of the questionnaire into
its
report. To the extent that any areas of reform are identified, the actual mechanism for implementation will be subject to a second phase of the UDRP Review during which time there will be an opportunity for public comment (likely in the form of a working group). The questionnaire approach is being used as a fact finding
mission. Based on past experience it is unlikely that a working
group is the right venue for such a mission.
Many issues for discussion on the UDRP are
technical and must include representatives and experts in the UDRP field.
The proposed UDRP task force has identified those individuals and experts
that the interim committee believe either directly or indirectly have a
role in the UDRP. If you feel that any party
is omitted please let us know.
It is difficult to see what the purpose of a second public comment period would be except to say that the Task Force got it wrong. There are checks and balances to ensure this does not happen (i.e. if the Task Force goes in contradiction to public comment, (1) it will be of public record, (2) the NC should not approve the report, and (3)ICANN should not approve the report.) With respect to concerns about additional representation on the Task Force by the GA, things need to be practicable. The Task Force must be manageable so it can get things done. There is nothing to ban each representative from getting the input of the views he or she represents, indeed that is their duty. Philip Sheppard
NC Chair |