ICANN’s Board of Directors plans an extended meeting with its Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC) to resolve the remaining concerns of the committee’s members over ICANN’s plans to expand the current number of 21 generic top-level domains (gTLDs), such as .com, .net and .gov.
The GAC is made up of representatives of more than 100 governments and is intended to give governments from around the world a voice in ICANN’s multi-stakeholder, bottom up model of policy formation.
“The GAC has made clear to the Board that it has concerns about some issues needing resolution before the launch of new gTLDs,” said Peter Dengate Thrush, ICANN’s Chair of the Board. “So we have set up a consultation in February where Directors and GAC members can engage face-to-face. We hope this will help expedite the resolution of these outstanding issues.”
Dengate Thrush said it is imperative that the launch of new gTLDs be handled cautiously and thoughtfully, and that all voices are heard and considered. For this reason, prior to launching the new gTLD program, ICANN will, in addition to consulting with the GAC:
Take into account public comment on the final draft of the Applicant Guidebook, the economic analyses, and the final written proposals regarding issues affecting morality and public order, and make revisions to the guidebook as appropriate;
Provide a thorough and reasoned explanation of ICANN decisions, the rationale thereof and the sources of data and information on which ICANN relied.“We would rather do it right than do it fast,” Dengate Thrush said.
ICANN’s Board also said it wants to consult with the GAC on ICM Registry’s controversial application for approval of a .xxx top-level domain. ICM Registry has stated that the domain could be used by those who produce online adult entertainment content.
“The Cartagena meeting produced a lot of good hard work by the ICANN community, board and staff,” said Rod Beckstrom, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Progress in this field takes time, and we have work left to do.” background image
The Board re-elected Peter Dengate Thrush as Chair of the Board. Steve Crocker was elected Vice Chair.The Board also selected Amman, Jordan, as the location for the 19-24 June 2011 ICANN Public Meeting. The next Meeting is to be held in San Francisco, California USA, March 13-18.