[alac] Terms of Reference for GNSO Work on New gTLDs
Committee Members, Below are the terms of reference that will guide the Council's work on new gTLDs over the coming weeks. These are the questions on which we should focus our own discussions and processes. Bret ============================================= Terms of reference for new gTLDs (staff recommendation from issues report) 1. Should new generic 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. 2. Selection Criteria for New Top Level Domains a. [Taking into account ] 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 (e.g. sponsored) could be developed which would encourage new and innovative ways of addressing the needs of Internet users. c. Examine whether additional criteria need to be developed which address ICANN's goals of ensuring the security and stability of the Internet. 3. Allocation Methods for New Top Level Domains a. Using the experience gained in previous rounds, develop allocation methods for selecting new top level domain names. b. Examine the full range of allocation methods including auctions, ballots, first-come first-served and comparative evaluation to determine the methods of allocation that best enhance user choice while not compromising predictability and stability. 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. 4. Policy to Guide Contractual Conditions for New Top Level Domains a. Using the experience of previous rounds of top level domain name application processes and the recent amendments to registry services agreements, develop policies to guide the contractual criteria which are publicly available prior to any application rounds. b. Determine what policies are necessary to provide security and stability of registry services. c. Determine appropriate policies to guide a contractual compliance programme for registry services. |