[council] Key Challenges and Opportunities for the GNSO

["Bruce Tonkin" <Bruce.Tonkin@melbourneit.com.au>]

Hello All,

I have been contacted by the Chair of the Nominating Committee to provide a statement on the key challenges and opportunities for the GNSO over the next 1.5 to 2.5 years.

This statement will be posted on the nominating committee webpage and used to help with the selection process for the 3 additional members of the GNSO council.

Here are what I think the challenges/issues are.  I would welcome input before I forward to the nominating committee:

- maintain a competitive environment for the provision of gtld domain name services
- ensure appropriate privacy and accuracy policies for the collection, distribution and public display of registrant contact information
- provide consumer protection mechanisms for gtld domain name holders (such as the redemption grace period)
- provide low cost dispute resolution mechanisms for the allocation of gtld domain names (such as UDRP)
- introduction of internationalised domain names
- introduction of new tlds
- roll out of IPv6 addresses for use with domain names
- support innovation in domain name services (such as different mechanisms to allocate domain names after expiry) whilst operational stability, reliability, security, and global interoperability, maintenance of a competitive environment for domain name services, and consumer protection of domain name holders
- encourage the use of IETF standards for registry-registrar protocols (such as EPP), internationalised domain names, DNS name resolution, and registrant contact data formats


I think the above is consistent with the ICANN Core values from:
http://www.icann.org/general/bylaws.htm#I

1. Preserving and enhancing the operational stability, reliability, security, and global interoperability of the Internet.

2. Respecting the creativity, innovation, and flow of information made possible by the Internet by limiting ICANN's activities to those matters within ICANN's mission requiring or significantly benefiting from global coordination.

3. To the extent feasible and appropriate, delegating coordination functions to or recognizing the policy role of other responsible entities that reflect the interests of affected parties.

4. Seeking and supporting broad, informed participation reflecting the functional, geographic, and cultural diversity of the Internet at all levels of policy development and decision-making.

5. Where feasible and appropriate, depending on market mechanisms to promote and sustain a competitive environment.

6. Introducing and promoting competition in the registration of domain names where practicable and beneficial in the public interest.

7. Employing open and transparent policy development mechanisms that (i) promote well-informed decisions based on expert advice, and (ii) ensure that those entities most affected can assist in the policy development process.

8. Making decisions by applying documented policies neutrally and objectively, with integrity and fairness.

9. Acting with a speed that is responsive to the needs of the Internet while, as part of the decision-making process, obtaining informed input from those entities most affected.

10. Remaining accountable to the Internet community through mechanisms that enhance ICANN's effectiveness.

11. While remaining rooted in the private sector, recognizing that governments and public authorities are responsible for public policy and duly taking into account governments' or public authorities' recommendations. 


Regards,
Bruce Tonkin