[wg-c] NC Statement on new gTLDs

[Jonathan Weinberg <weinberg@mail.msen.com>]

	This is the statement on new gTLDs passed at today's NC meeting.  I hope
to be able to post a summary of the discussion tomorrow.

Jon

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	The Names Council determines that the report of Working Group C and
related comments indicate that there exists a consensus for the
introduction of new gTLDs in a measured and responsible manner. The Names
Council therefore recommends to the ICANN Board that it establish a policy
for the introduction of new gTLDs in a measured and responsible manner,
giving due regard in the implementation of that policy to (a) promoting
orderly
registration of names during the initial phases; (b) minimizing the use of
gTLDs to carry out infringements of intellectual property rights; and  (c)
recognizing the need for ensuring user confidence in the technical
operation of the new TLD and the DNS as a whole.

	Because there is no recent experience in introducing new gTLDs, we
recommend to the Board that a limited number of new top-level domains be
introduced initially and that the future introduction of additional
top-level domains be done only after careful evaluation of the initial
introduction. The Names Council takes note of the fact that the WG C report
indicates that several types of domains should be considered in the initial
introduction, these being: fully open top-level domains, restricted and
chartered top-level domains with limited scope, non-commercial domains and
personal domains. Implementation should promote competition in the
domain-name registration business at the registry and registrar levels. The
Names Council recognizes that any roll-out must not jeopardize the
stability of  the Internet, and assumes a responsible process for
introducing new gTLDs, which includes ensuring that there is close
coordination with organizations dealing with Internet protocols and standards.

	To assist the Board in the task of introducing new gTLDs, the Names
Council recommends that the ICANN staff invite expressions of interest from
parties seeking to operate any new gTLD registry, with an indication as to
how they propose to ensure to promote these values.

	We would like to extend our deep appreciation to the substantial number of
participants who worked so diligently in Working Groups B and C, and  
want to thank them for their significant efforts in evaluating the issues
that were referred to them.  Recognizing the Working Group C has recently
approved additional principles and that Working Group B's formal report was
provided to us yesterday, we advise the Board that we will be providing
supplemental recommendations in the near future.