1) If they wish, governments could participate as all other stakeholders do in the new community structure. If they did that, however, they would lose the privileged status that their advice gets in board consideration. enabling the GAC to participate in the Sole Member Model (SMM) is an empowering of the GAC that is likely to be frowned upon by NTIA and raise hackles in Congress. I personally don't see how we can support any change to their existing advisory role. I don't think trading a role in the SMM for their "special advisory" status is going to be palatable to either the GAC as a whole or the USG. MM: Agree with Paul and Matt that this is a critical issue. And I am happy that Matt has tied the status of the GAC to the voting allocations in the Sole Member Model. The alleged accountability gains from the Sole Member Model is that the community can stop deviations from the bylaws, mission creep, or ignoring the community’s will by exercising these powers. The problem with making GAC (and ALAC) part of the Sole Member voting arrangement is that it has invariably been the GAC that has been pushing ICANN to expand its scope and/or violate its process. And in this tendency GAC is almost always in alliance with ALAC, which shares an interest in increasing its relative power as an AC. So I think any comments we issue must strongly challenge the voting allocations proposed by the CCWG for the Sole Member, as these voting allocations, as Brenden has so convincingly demonstrated here http://www.internetgovernance.org/2015/08/11/ccwg-community-mechanism-threatens-to-upset-icann-balance/ , drastically alter the power balance within iCANN. It weakens the Supporting Organizations (which are directly accountable to specific stakeholders in DNS operations and use) and strengthens ACs (which are not composed of balanced direct stakeholders in DNS but of free-floating entities eager to impose their own ideas of ‘public interest’ on the rest of us). 2) They can maintain the current privileged status for their consensus advice, provided however that the board’s obligation to give special consideration to GAC advice applies ONLY to advice that meets the current definition of consensus (i.e. the lack of any formal objection in the GAC). GAC should be free, of course, to redefine consensus for its own internal working processes, if it wishes, but the obligation to consider and negotiate on GAC advice applies to the Board and the board should only be obliged to do so when the GAC advice meets the Board’s current definition of consensus. 3) At all costs we should resist the urgings of a vocal minority of governments (Brazil, Argentina, China, France at the last meeting) that the GAC get an even stronger, formal role in the process. Completely agree. As Robin pointed out, the current language is ambiguous and was necessary to get to the point where we had a proposal to make. Now, however, is the time for the GNSO community to raise their voices and make sure that government’s stay on the sidelines. That may mean a lack of consensus but I would personally be very happy if the GAC dissented from whatever Dublin adopts. P Paul Rosenzweig [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> O: +1 (202) 547-0660 M: +1 (202) 329-9650 VOIP: +1 (202) 738-1739 Skype: paul.rosenzweig1066 Link to my PGP Key<http://www.redbranchconsulting.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=19&Itemid=9> From: Rafik Dammak [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Monday, August 10, 2015 9:08 PM To: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> Subject: [Policy] IANA transition and ICANN accountability proposal : NCSG comments Hi everyone, As raised in other threads we have to work on critical comments for: IANA stewardship proposal and ICANN accountability. We organised a NCSG webinar last week to kick-off the discussion and encouraged members to join the working groups webinars too. recordings will be shared later so everyone can listen. You will find below a summary updates about the two tracks, with a lot of references and readings, please read them carefully, in particular the 2 reports to get insight about the proposals. there are also useful visuals regarding ICANN accountability. The 2 reports will be available in the 6 UN languages soon. I created 2 google docs for each comment: - ICG proposal : https://docs.google.com/document/d/14wO_tu-liqEqzlMSm_NnGD4_BME7f7Fhg_Z7d1lwYBc/edit - ICANN accountability: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JGBXO5oOiN_FxivPFkHjz3Gc2w3AT2PeJznrXPw2fJ4/edit we need volunteers for both to work on comments: writing, editing, comments, proof-reading, formatting and so on. It is definitely a good opportunity for all members to get involved. Active NCSG members in the cross-community working groups who participated in the proposals will help us and respond to questions Best Regards, Rafik Dammak -------------------Summary------------------------------------------------------------- Original link: https://www.icann.org/news/blog/an-update-on-iana-stewardship-discussions-en Volume 9: An Update on IANA Stewardship Discussions A major milestone reached as two key proposals open for public comment The transition of IANA's stewardship is now another step nearer as two key proposals are opened for public comment: · The Consolidated IANA Stewardship Transition Proposal by the ICG · The 2nd Draft Report on Work Stream 1 Recommendations by the CCWG-Accountability The final version of both these proposals will eventually be submitted to the ICANN Board of Directors, who will transfer them to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA<http://www.ntia.doc.gov/>). More information on these proposals, and how you can comment on their contents, is below. Consolidated IANA stewardship transition proposal now open for public comment On 31 July, the IANA Stewardship Transition Coordination Group (ICG<http://www.ianacg.org/>) announced the start of the public comment period<https://www.ianacg.org/calls-for-input/combined-proposal-public-comment-period/> for the Proposal to Transition the Stewardship of the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) Functions from the U.S. Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to the Global Multistakeholder Community<https://www.ianacg.org/icg-files/documents/IANA-stewardship-transition-proposal-EN.pdf>. The proposal consists of the three proposals that have already reached consensus among the Domain Names, Numbering Resources and Protocol Parameters communities, as well as a report by the ICG, which includes an assessment of whether the three proposals: · Were developed using open and inclusive community processes, and whether they achieved consensus; · Are complete and clear; · Are compatible and interoperable, provide appropriate and properly supported accountability mechanisms, and are workable; and · Together meet the NTIA's criteria<http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press-release/2014/ntia-announces-intent-transition-key-internet-domain-name-functions>. The ICG notes that as the proposals have already undergone extensive public comment and discussion<https://www.ianacg.org/calls-for-input/combined-proposal-public-comment-period/#completedcommentperiods>amongst the three operational communities, this public comment period is focused on how the three proposals work together as a whole and how it fares against the criteria established by NTIA for the transition. The proposal will be available for public comment for 40 days. Following community input during the comment period, the ICG will decide whether to recommend that NTIA approve the transition proposal. The proposal will be available shortly in all six official United Nations (UN) languages and Portuguese, but is currently only available in English<https://www.ianacg.org/icg-files/documents/IANA-stewardship-transition-proposal-EN.pdf>. The news release about the proposal, however, is available now in these seven languages, with all translations linked from the English version<https://www.ianacg.org/news-release-icg-seeking-public-input-on-key-internet-governance/>. Key links · IANA Stewardship Transition Proposal<https://www.ianacg.org/icg-files/documents/IANA-stewardship-transition-proposal-EN.pdf> – 199 pages · Call for public comments<https://www.ianacg.org/calls-for-input/combined-proposal-public-comment-period/> – including 12 questions about specific issues the ICG is seeking feedback on · Archive of public comments received<https://www.ianacg.org/calls-for-input/iana-stewardship-transition-proposal-public-archive-of-submitted-comments/> How to submit a public comment You can comment on the proposal, taking into account the ICG's 12 questions<https://www.ianacg.org/calls-for-input/combined-proposal-public-comment-period/#callforcomment>, by 8 September 2015, 23:59 UTC (convert to your time zone<http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?msg=ICG+proposal+public+comment+closes&iso=20150908T235959&p1=%3A>). Comments can be submitted in one of two ways: · By using the online form<https://comments.ianacg.org/form> After you have submitted the form, you will receive an automatically generated email asking you to click a link to confirm your submission. Your comments will then be posted to the archive of public comments<http://forum.icann.org/lists/comments-cwg-stewardship-draft-proposal-22apr15/>. · By sending an email to [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> You may wish to use this template<https://www.ianacg.org/icg-files/documents/public-input-template-EN.docx> for your response. After submitting your comments you will receive two emails: the first confirms receipt of your email; the second confirms your comments have been posted to the comments archive<https://www.ianacg.org/calls-for-input/iana-stewardship-transition-proposal-public-archive-of-submitted-comments/>. To help better understand the contents and context of the draft proposal, you may wish to join one of thetwo following webinars<https://www.ianacg.org/iana-stewardship-transition-coordination-group-icg-to-host-webinars-in-conjunction-with-call-for-public-comment/> live: · 6 August, 19:00 – 20:30 UTC (time zone converter here<http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?msg=ICG+Webinar+1&iso=20150806T19&ah=1&am=30>) · 7 August, 11:00 – 12:30 UTC (time zone converter here<http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?msg=ICG+Webinar+2&iso=20150807T11&ah=1&am=30>) The webinars will also be live interpreted in the six UN languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish) and Portuguese and the recording posted shortly afterward. The transcript will also be translated and posted after the webinars. CCWG-Accountability On 3 August, the Cross-Community Working Group on Enhancing ICANN Accountability (CCWG-Accountability<https://community.icann.org/display/acctcrosscomm/CCWG+on+Enhancing+ICANN+Accountability>) released its 2nd Draft Proposal on Work Stream 1 Recommendations<https://www.icann.org/en/system/files/files/ccwg-draft-2-proposal-work-stream-1-recs-03aug15-en.pdf>. Since the first version<https://www.icann.org/en/system/files/files/cwg-accountability-draft-proposal-with-annexes-04may15-en.pdf> of the proposal was released on 4 May<https://www.icann.org/public-comments/ccwg-accountability-draft-proposal-2015-05-04-en>, the CCWG-Accountability has taken a very open and agile approach to finding creative solutions to problems identified in previous iterations of their proposals. The second version also addresses a number of outstanding issues not fully fleshed out in the first draft. The most significant changes between the two drafts are: · Mechanism to empower the ICANN community The mechanism has undergone significant changes: in the May draft, there were two alternatives presented – member model and delegate model; following feedback received during the public comment period, the CCWG-Accountability brainstormed alternatives at ICANN53 in June, resulting in the development of an Empowered SO/AC model. Resulting from subsequent discussions at a face-to-face meeting in Paris in July, this second draft proposal presents the Community Mechanism as Sole Member Model. · Four additional stress tests The new stress tests have been added following suggestions contained in the Larry Strickling's 16 June blog post<http://www.ntia.doc.gov/blog/2015/stakeholder-proposals-come-together-icann-meeting-argentina> on the NTIA website. · Refinements to key elements contained in the first draft These refinements include: · ICANN Mission & Core Values · Removal of individual ICANN Board Directors and recall of the entire Board · Independent Review Process · Community power regarding ICANN's budget · Work plan for Work Stream 2 (including adding a commitment to human rights in the ICANNBylaws) · Implementation plan for Work Stream 1 The proposal also includes "minority views", which are statements by CCWG-Accountability members and participants who object to recommendations contained in the report. Additional minority views received after 1 August will be available here<https://community.icann.org/x/6oxCAw>. The proposal will be available for public comment for 40 days. After the public comment period closes, the CCWG-Accountability aims to finalize its Work Stream 1 proposal for submission to its Chartering Organizations (GNSO, ALAC, ccNSO, GAC, ASO and SSAC) and then to the ICANN Board of Directors during or shortly after ICANN54 in Dublin. The proposal will then be submitted to the NTIA, along with the IANA Stewardship Transition Proposal. After Work Stream 1 is completed, the CCWG-Accountability will focus on Work Stream 2, which consists of accountability enhancements that do not need to be in place for the IANA stewardship transition to occur. Key links · 2nd Draft Proposal on Work Stream 1 Recommendations<https://www.icann.org/en/system/files/files/ccwg-draft-2-proposal-work-stream-1-recs-03aug15-en.pdf> – 180 pages · Graphical Supplement<https://community.icann.org/download/attachments/53783460/XPL_CCWG%20Proposal_Visual%20Summary_FINAL.pptx?version=2&modificationDate=1438709903524&api=v2> [19 pages of pictorial representations of the main concepts included in the second draft] · Call for public comments<https://www.icann.org/public-comments/ccwg-accountability-2015-08-03-en> · Archive of public comments received<http://forum.icann.org/lists/comments-ccwg-accountability-03aug15/> How to submit a public comment You can comment on the proposal by 12 September 2015, 23:59 UTC (convert to your time zone<http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?msg=CCWG-Accountability+public+comment+period+ends&iso=20150912T2359&p1=1440>). · Consider the CCWG-Accountability's three questions when developing your submissions: · Do you agree that the CCWG-Accountability proposal enhances ICANN's accountability? · Are there elements of this proposal that would prevent you from approving it transmission to Chartering Organizations? · Does this proposal meet the requirements set forward by the CWG-Stewardship? · Send an email to [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>. To help better understand the contents and context of the draft proposal, you may wish to join one of thetwo following webinars<https://community.icann.org/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=54692681> live: · 4 August, 19:00 – 21:00 UTC (time zone converter here<http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?msg=CCWG-Accountability+Webinar+1&iso=20150804T19&p1=1440&ah=2>) · 7 August, 7:00 – 9:00 UTC (time zone converter here<http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?msg=CCWG-Accountability+Webinar+2&iso=20150807T07&p1=%3A&ah=2>) The webinars will also be live interpreted in the six UN languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish) and Portuguese and the recording posted shortly afterward. The transcript will also be translated and posted after the webinars. IANA stewardship in the news 4 Aug 2015 Netzverwaltung ICANN: Finaler Entwurf für künftige Aufsicht der DNS-Rootzone, Heise Online [DE] 3 Aug 2015 ICANN posts proposal to end US oversight of Internet<http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/business/icann-posts-proposal-to-end-us-oversight-of-internet/articleshow/48335469.cms>, Agence France-Presses (AFP) Especialistas em Internet enviam esboço para EUA cederem supervisão de domínios<http://br.reuters.com/article/internetNews/idBRKCN0Q82C920150803>, Reuters Brasil [PT] Keeping Internet open and free<http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/sideviews/article/keeping-internet-open-and-free-low-jia-rong>, The Malaysian Insider [EN] 30 Jul 2015 How Congress Can Halt Government Control of the Internet<http://dailysignal.com/2015/07/30/how-congress-can-halt-government-control-of-the-internet/>, The Daily Signal [EN] 20 Jul 2015 IANA TRANSITION e ICANN ACCOUNTABILITY: De onde viemos e para onde vamos?<http://observatoriodainternet.br/post/iana-transition-e-icann-accountability-de-onde-viemos-e-para-onde-vamos>, Observatório da Internet no Brasil [PT] Upcoming key dates 4 Aug 2015 Webinar<https://community.icann.org/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=54692681>: CCWG-Accountability 2nd draft of ICANN accountability enhancements (Work Stream 1) proposal 6 Aug 2015 Webinar<https://www.ianacg.org/iana-stewardship-transition-coordination-group-icg-to-host-webinars-in-conjunction-with-call-for-public-comment/>: ICG IANA Stewardship Transition proposal 7 Aug 2015 Webinar<https://www.ianacg.org/iana-stewardship-transition-coordination-group-icg-to-host-webinars-in-conjunction-with-call-for-public-comment/>: ICG IANA Stewardship Transition proposal Webinar<https://community.icann.org/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=54692681>: CCWG-Accountability 2nd draft of ICANN accountability enhancements (Work Stream 1) proposal 8 Sep 2015 Public Comment Period on ICG's IANA Stewardship Transition Proposal<https://www.ianacg.org/calls-for-input/combined-proposal-public-comment-period/> closes 12 Sep 2015 Public Comment Period for CCWG-Accountability's 2nd draft of ICANN accountability enhancements (Work Stream 1)<https://www.icann.org/public-comments/ccwg-accountability-2015-08-03-en> closes 18-19 Sep 2015 ICG Face-to-Face Meeting<https://www.ianacg.org/icg-announces-face-to-face-meeting-for-18-19-september/>, Los Angeles 30 Sep-15 Oct 2015 CCWG-Accountability's 2nd and final proposal (Work Stream 1) presented to ALAC, ASO,ccNSO, GAC and GNSO for their approval. 18-22 Oct 2015 ICANN 54<https://meetings.icann.org/en/dublin54> inc. ICG Face-to-Face meeting and presentation of proposals for IANAstewardship and ICANN accountability enhancements (Work Stream 1) to the ICANNBoard for subsequent transmission to the NTIA. Week 1, Nov 2015 ICANN Board transmits IANA stewardship transition and ICANN accountability (Work Stream 1) proposals to NTIA. You can play a role in IANA's future… Anyone can participate in discussions about the future of IANA's stewardship and ICANN accountability. For information on joining CCWG-Accountability, contact [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>. Compiled on behalf of ICANN by Samantha Dickinson | 7 August 2015 -- Matthew Shears Global Internet Policy and Human Rights Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) + 44 (0)771 247 2987