[alac] GNSO Terms of Reference on New TLDs
Dear ALAC Members, Please find below the draft terms of reference prepared by ICANN Staff for a "Policy Development Process" on New TLDs. I would like to find time to discuss this here in Vancouver if at all possible. Bret -------------------- Terms of reference for new TLDs (staff recommendation from issues report) (1) Should new top level domain names be introduced? (a) Given the information provided here and any other relevant information available to the GNSO, the GNSO should assess whether there is sufficient support within the Internet community to enable the introduction of new top level domains. If this is the case the following additional terms of reference are applicable.
(a) Using the existing selection criteria from previous top level domain application processes and relevant criteria in registry services re-allocations, develop modified or new criteria which specifically address ICANN's goals of expanding the use and usability of the Internet. In particular, examine ways in which the allocation of new top level domains can meet demands for broader use of the Internet in developing countries. (b) Examine whether preferential selection criteria could be developed which would encourage new and innovative ways of addressing the needs of Internet users. (c) Examine whether distinctions between restricted, unrestricted, sponsored and unsponsored top level domains are necessary and how the choice of distinctions meets the interests of relevant stakeholders. (d) Examine whether additional criteria need to be developed which address ICANN's goals of ensuring the security and stability of the Internet. (e) Examine whether additional criteria can be developed to normalize and simplify the administrative process of selecting and implementing new top level domains.
(a) Using the experience gained in previous rounds of top level domain name application processes, develop modified or new criteria which simplify and standardize the allocation methods for selecting new top level domain names. (b) Examine the full range of allocation methods including auctions, ballots and comparative evaluation processes to determine the most predictable and stable method of implementing additions to the Internet root. (c) Examine how allocation methods could be used to achieve ICANN's goals of fostering competition in domain name registration services and encouraging a diverse range of registry services providers.
(a) Using the experience of previous rounds of top level domain name application processes and the recent amendments to registry services agreements, develop modified or new contractual criteria which are publicly available prior to any application rounds. (b) Examine whether additional contractual conditions are necessary to improve ICANN's contractual compliance regime to provide predictability and security of registry services. (c) Examine whether a registry services code of conduct, in addition to contractual conditions, would improve a compliance regime which is easily understandable and recognizes differences in approaches to offering registry services whilst, at the same time, ensuring the stability and security of the Internet. |