[gnso-vi-feb10] BRU1 - 200ish word summary

[Richard Tindal <richardtindal@xxxxxx>]

All,

Here's a draft summary of BRU1 for comment.

RT

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BRU 1

The BRU1 sub-group recommends a 15% cross ownership limit between:  (i) 
registries/ registry service providers (RSPs);  (ii)  registrars/ resellers;  
and (iii) their Affiliates.  This limit applies regardless of the TLD(s) 
offered by the parties.   Irrespective of ownership levels control (as defined 
by DAG4) may never occur.  For example,  a registrar may never control a 
registry,  even if it has only 15% ownership of that registry.

Although there is not consensus within the sub-group on this,  a majority of 
participants are sympathetic to an exception for RSPs who undertake a form of 
accreditation directly with ICANN.  Participating RSPs would agree to a set of 
significant sanctions should they be found in breach of their obligations (for 
such things as the confidentiality of registry data).  The sub-group views this 
exception as worthy of further consideration.

BRU1 defines an SRSU TLD as one where: (a) the registry is the registrant for 
all second level names; and (b) the use of names in terms of website content,  
email control,  or any other application associated with the domains is 
exercised only by the registry.   BRU1 believes the registry contract (Section 
2.6 'Reserved Names') should be amended to specifically allow for the SRSU 
model.  If Section 2.6 cannot be amended BRU1 supports an exception that allows 
an SRSU registry to own a registrar in its TLD, and a waiver of equivalent 
access obligations on that registry.