independant comments on Plan for Enhanced Internet Security, Stability and Resiliency

[Sivasubramanian Muthusamy <isolatedn@xxxxxxxxx>]

On this initiative ICANN's "role" needs to be broadened extending to extend
well beyond the confined areas of names and numbers. Internet's stability
revolves around security, stability and resiliency of the Internet’s systems
of unique identifiers - it is the role of ICANN to ensure Internet's overall
stability even if the efforts needed stretches beyond securing the unique
identifiers.

It is positive that the document states very clearly (p4, line 27) that
"ICANN must work with other stakeholders in this arena" and the document
goes on to state (p 11, 3.4) "ICANN structures its security, stability and
resiliency activities ...as directly responsible, as an enabler/facilitator,
as a participant" and in these roles, ICANN may have to take the lead and
together with its partners and other stakeholders, ought to consider itself
accountable for the security, stability and resiliency of Internet as a
whole, rather than confine its focus only on the stability of the unique
identifiers.

A focus on securing unique identifiers in disregard of the larger picture in
terms of security would leave the job half done and allows rooms for
discordant initiatives in the name of security. With a view to foster a
global partnership on security to cover areas not traditionally in ICANN's
gamut, ICANN may have to consider expanding its Global Partnerships Staff
and Corporate Relations / Communications Staff to 'facilitate' a
multi-stakeholder partnership to cover all aspects of security to make this
effort total and complete.

Facilitating such a global effort ought to be the role of ICANN on this
initiative because 1) securing unique identifiers is the core task of
Securing the Internet and this core task is fully within the purview of
ICANN and 2) ICANN has an ongoing engagement with technical and policy
partners (p28, 5.6.1. p29 5.6.2) and is receptive to the idea of [seeking]
"to engage others as opportunities
arise". 3) ICANN collaborates with governments and inter-governmental
organizations around the globe (p31) and can responsibly broaden its role in
a larger framework for comprehensively ensuring the stability, security and
resiliency of the Internet as a whole, without compromising on the
fundamental architectural principles of Internet and its core values.



Sivasubramanian Muthusamy
http://turiya.wordpress.com
Blog: http://isocmadras.blogspot.com

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