ICANN have announced that ICANN President and CEO will leave the organisation at the end of his term on 1 July 2012. Beckstrom has been considered a somewhat controversial appointment with him not seeing eye-to-eye with many people both within the organisation and in the domain name world. It was often rumoured he had a frosty relationship with several board members and senior staff. Under his tenure there has been a sweeping of the broom through ICANN with many long term, and not so long term, employees leaving. It could be asked whether they were pushed, did they see the writing on the wall and left before they were pushed, or did they leave for better or new opportunities. It could also be asked whether Beckstrom also left before his term ended or whether he was pushed. In their announcement, ICANN noted Beckstrom will continue to fulfil his term as ICANN’s President and CEO, which will be completed on 1 July 2012. He has held this position since 1 July 2009. The announcement was first made via Twitter, a point noted by Michele Neylon on his Internet News blog . Possibly unusual, but then possibly reflecting the growing importance and popularity of social networking. Beckstrom’s Twitter announcement said “I have decided to wrap up my service at ICANN July 2012. Press release soon.” ICANN will now begin a search for a replacement President and CEO and while there are no obvious successors, Jeff Moss, currently ICANN Chief Security Officer and also known as The Dark Tangent, and founder of the Black Hat and DEF CON computer hacker conferences, could be a candidate, especially if security issues were foremost in the organisation’s mind. But the board is sure to look widely and globally for a successor with security concerns being one but several issues the organisation has to grapple with. Taking into account concerns from several developing countries that ICANN does not adequately represent their interests could also be a consideration. Beckstrom only served one term and it was often wondered how long he would serve. That he has not appointed to a second term is not a surprise to many. But it is also worth noting that only one President and CEO, Paul Twomey, has completed more than one term in the organisation’s eleven year history. “I am incredibly proud of ICANN’s achievements throughout my tenure,” Beckstrom said in a statement. “In two short years we have advanced this organisation to a new level of professionalism and productivity, and turned it into a genuinely multinational organisation that will serve the world community long after my time here.” Beckstrom has had many notable accomplishments at ICANN. They include the negotiation and signing of the Affirmation of Commitments, the historic 2009 agreement with the US Government that moved ICANN’s oversight from one government to the world, and the signing of the Internet’s root with DNSSEC. The introduction of internationalised domain names under his watch has allowed millions of Internet users to access the Internet entirely in their primary language script. “I can summarise my time here in four words: strong execution, great teambuilding,” he said. “We have built a world-class executive team, and elevated ICANN’s stature through strategic relationships with governments, businesses, top technology firms and international organisations.” A program to launch new generic top-level domains – a major change to the domain name system – was approved in June and will launch in the next year. ICANN’s agreement with the US government – the IANA functions contract – expires in March, and Beckstrom emphasised his commitment to bring the contract renewal to a successful conclusion. “The Board of Directors fully supports Rod through the completion of his July 2012 term and is committed to continuing the collaboration that has produced so many benefits for ICANN and for the global Internet,” said Steve Crocker, Chair of ICANN’s Board of Directors. “I remain committed to leading this critical organisation with the utmost dedication, and to living up to our common vision: One world, one Internet,” Beckstrom said.

Twelve Leading Industry Stakeholders Sign Letter of Intent to Use Technical Measures to Protect Copyright Online Twelve leading associations from the content industry and online services industry today signed a Letter of Intent committing them to work together to combat online content theft using through the use of technical measures. The Letter of Intent was signed at the Fourth ISP Symposium in Macao by the following stakeholders: Organization         Representative DotAsia Organisation (DotAsia) Mr. Edmon Chung, CEO Hong Kong Internet Service Providers Association (HKISPA) – Mr. York Mok, Chairman Hong Kong Motion Picture Industry Association Limited (MPIA) – Mr. Brian Chung, Chief Executive Hong Kong Theatres Association Limited (HKTA) – Ms. Fanny Lam, Executive Officer Hong Kong Video Development Foundation Limited (HKVDF) – Ms. Clera Chu, Vice Chairman International Federation Against Copyright Theft (Greater China) (IFACT-GC) – Mr. Sam Ho, Executive Director and General Manager International Federation of Creativity and Technology (IFOCAT) – Mr. Paul Fung, President International Intellectual Property Protection Centre (IIPPC) – Mr. Johnny Ho, Director Movie Producers and Distributors Association of Hong Kong Limited (MPDA) – Mr. Tony Shu, Executive Secretary Internet Society Hong Kong (ISOC-HK) – Mr. Charles Mok, Chairman Online Service Providers Alliance (OSPA) – Mr. Joe Lam, Chairman Sun Network (Hong Kong) Limited (Sun Network) – Mr. David Wong, General Manager The Letter of Intent was signed: In order to provide a healthy platform for legitimate online business and strengthen copyright protection in the digital environment, we jointly agree to apply appropriate and enforceable technical measures to drive out infringing content from the Internet, with a balance towards protecting freedom of expression and fostering creativity on the Internet. The Symposium is the fourth annual gathering of stakeholders involved in providing online services and content and focused this year on “Community, Content Protection and Co-operation”, discussing online user behaviour, technology developments, and cooperative technological measures for online content protection. A 2010 report on The Economic Contribution of the Hong Kong Film and Television Industry commissioned by the IFACT-GC confirmed that in 2008 the industries employed more than 32,000 people helping contribute HK$33 billion in gross output and an additional HK$6 billion value-add to Hong Kong’s economy. The report is the first of its kind to comprehensively measuring the direct, indirect and induced economic impacts made by one of Hong Kong‘s major creative industries – the film and television industry – and underscores the importance of protecting the creative industry’s IPR content generated from online theft. “IPR content like movies entertains us and is a major economic driver, creating wealth and jobs,” said Sam Ho, Executive Director and General Manager of the IFACT-GC. “IPR content is worth protecting and this alliance provides the framework for three of the main stakeholders – Hong Kong’s content industry, the ISPs /OSPs, and Internet users – to engage and cooperate, to the benefit of all, to curb online content theft.” “This alliance provides a new, innovative approach to curbing the online theft of copyrighted works,” said York Mok, Chairman of the HKISPA. “It provides a framework where the interests of consumers, the legitimate online service providers and content creators can all win through the development of successful, competitive business models to deliver legitimate creative content online.” “DotAsia is committed to the continued positive development of the Internet in Asia. The alliance represents a new strategy for an industry-led effort to curb online copyright and intellectual property rights infringement,” said Edmon Chung, CEO of the DotAsia. “This also builds on DotAsia’s continued joint efforts in international and local initiatives to increase public awareness of Internet issues such as piracy, and to work with Computer Emergency Response Teams, enforcement agencies and other authorities to enhance the security and stability of the Internet in Asia.” “By encouraging consumers and users to use and engage with legitimate digital content platforms this alliance will help ensure that the content creators rather than criminals enjoy the benefits of the hard work, creativity and financial risk that goes into all successful content,” said Clera Chu, Vice Chairman of the HKVDF. Charles Mok, Chairman of the ISOC-HK said “We are confident that the initiatives arising from this alliance will reduce the availability of pirated content and encourage consumers to access copyrighted content from legitimate sources online, while at the same time provide the necessary balance to encourage creative activities by all users.” Joe Lam, Chairman of the OSPA said “I believe that this alliance can protect our intellectual property rights in the digital environment, balancing and ensuring freedom of expression and creativity on the Internet and will not hinder the development of Internet services in Hong Kong.” “While this alliance will reduce the availability of stolen content online it will also level the playing field for many other legitimate content providers who just can’t compete with business models that get content free through theft,” said Vicky Wong, Chairman of the HKTA. “And that is good for the digital economy and for all legitimate stakeholders.” # # # About the DotAsia: The DotAsia Organisation (DotAsia) is the Sponsoring Organisation and Registry Operator for the .Asia Sponsored Generic Top Level Domain. DotAsia is a not-for-profit, community-based organisation incorporated in Hong Kong. Asia has developed into a global force in the international commercial, political and cultural network and the .Asia domain aspires to embrace this dynamism in the Asia Century to become a nucleus, intersection and breeding ground for Internet activity and development in the region. To learn more about DotAsia, please visit: http://www.registry.asia. About the HKISPA: The Hong Kong Internet Service Providers Association (HKISPA) was formed in 1989 and has as its membership the majority of ISPs in Hong Kong. The mission of the HKISPA includes: acting as a discussion forum on Internet related matters, the promotion of Internet development in Hong Kong, the promotion of fair competition and codes of practice, and working with government agencies and the public on Internet related issues. More information can be obtained at www.hkispa.org.hk. About the MPIA: The Hong Kong Motion Picture Industry Association (MPIA) was established in July 1986, to promote and protect the rights and interests of the Hong Kong motion picture industry by aggressively combating intellectual property right infringements, representing members’ view on matters of interest to the industry, and representing members in their dealings with the Hong Kong SAR Government and government authorities in other countries. About the HKTA: The Hong Kong Theatres Association Limited (HKTA) was established in 1950 to represent Hong Kong movie theatre owners. The Association’s primary objectives are to lobby the Government on matters such as film classification, copyright, fire safety and venue licensing, to formulate industry rules and to otherwise advance its members interests. In 2006, the Association launched the “International Box Office Essentials”, an on-line system providing real-time Hong Kong box office data, film analysis reports and information on international reported grosses from over 35 countries worldwide. About the HKVDF: The Hong Kong Video Development Foundation Limited (HKVDF) is a non-profit organization aimed at promoting the Hong Kong video industry. It was formed in March 2003 with 10 video distribution companies as members. With the video industry maturing, products and formats becoming more diversified and new business opportunities opening up, the Foundation plays a role as a network and contact point for industry members. Through positive action and input, the Foundation seeks to nurture a sustainable and profitable business environment and strengthen the interest and dedication of its members and other players in the industry, developing video entertainment to new heights. About the IFACT-GC: The International Federation Against Copyright Theft – Greater China (IFACT-GC) was established in 2006 by the Motion Picture Association to protect the film industry in the Greater China region from the adverse impact of copyright theft. In 2008, the film and TV industry in Hong Kong contributed HK$33 billion and generated a total of HK$6 billion value-add to the local economy creating more than 32,000 jobs in 1,170 businesses. IFACT-GC works closely with its supporters, government and enforcement authorities to protect the Greater China film and television industry, retailers and movie fans. For more information about the IFACT-GC, please visit www.ifact-gc.org. About the IFOCAT: The International Federation of Creativity and Technology (IFOCAT) was established in May 2010 is a non-profit organization composed of the elites from IT, education, legal, music, movie, animation, comic, design, manufacturer and enterprise industries. IFOCAT provides a legally protected exchange platform for innovation through participation, interaction, observation and education, to unite the elites and related enterprises from the creative and technological industries around the world to develop creative opportunities for the next generation. For more information about the IFOCAT, please visit www.ifocat.org. About the IIPPC: The International Intellectual Property Protection Centre (IIPPC) was established in October 2001 to provide a comprehensive range of services to protect the interests of audio-visual media rights owners by acting as the rights owners’ authorized representative and working closely with interested stakeholders including chambers of commerce, rights owners associations and law enforcement agencies. The IIPPC is committed to maximizing synergy, effectiveness and value for money in detecting and fighting piracy and counterfeiting activities by ensuring effective enforcement action against infringers. IIPIA’s focus is on fast, effective investigations by proactively encouraging the exchange of tactical and strategic intelligence amongst all stakeholders, reducing costs and maximizing synergy by encouraging cooperative investigations, and minimizing the time required for the investigation and prosecution process. About the MPDA: The Movie Producers and Distributors Association of Hong Kong Limited (MPDA) was founded in 1979 as a non-profit making association and has members in over 95% of Hong Kong SAR and mainland China motion picture and audio visual companies. The major professional services provided include representing members’ interests and concerns, assisting members protect their intellectual property rights particularly against the copyright infringement, and issuing certificates of copyright ownership and distribution rights to members. About the ISOC-HK: The Internet Society Hong Kong (ISOC-HK) is the local chapter organization of the Internet Society (ISOC), a professional membership society with over 20,000 individual members in over 180 countries, providing leadership in all issues confronting the current and future Internet. ISOC-HK was formed in 2005 by local veteran Internet professionals with the mission of improving the practice of Internet governance and online civil society in Hong Kong. About the OSPA: The Online Service Providers Alliance (OSPA) is a platform to bring together policy makers, professionals from related fields, and stakeholders from the community, to advise on and promote methods for achieving the goal of providing better online services to society. OSPA is also active in setting up mechanism for OSPs to combat Internet problems including defamation, copyright infringement, and inappropriate and illegal content provided by third parties while balancing the need to ensure freedom of expression and the development of Internet services in Hong Kong. OSPA was formed in 2010 by the Internet Professional Association (iProA) and ten founding member web sites, major trading websites: Baby-Kingdom.com, FoodEasy.com, HKGolden.com, Qooza.hk, sina.com.hk, TradeDuck.com, Travellife.org, 28hse.com, 28phone.com and the Hong Kong operation of the international trading web site eBay.com.hk. About the Sun Network: The Sun Network (Hong Kong) Limited (Sun Network), an Information Technology services company, was established in 2006. It focuses on providing a premium network to help its customers grow their businesses. By servicing global clients’ data, the Sun Network delivers product choices, expert services and superior support. The Sun Network has applied innovative solutions to improve efficiency, and maximize performance to increase enterprise agility and proactively addresses its customers’ needs. In order to provide a healthy platform for legitimate online businesses and strengthen copyright protection in the digital environment, Sun network is committed to work closely with content providers and to fight against online content theft. For more information about the Sun Network, please visit www.sun.net.hk. This DotASIA news release was sourced from: dot.asia/pressreleases/IFACT-GC_Release_Jul14_2011_3C Symposium.pdf

The FBI has seized domain names for online gambling websites in what the New York Times has described as “an aggressive attack on Internet gambling.” The charges against the operators of three of the most popular online poker sites by federal prosecutors include fraud and money laundering and saw eleven people charged. According to the Times, “Prosecutors charged that the operators of Full Tilt Poker, PokerStars and Absolute Poker tricked banks into processing billions of dollars in payments from customers in the United States.

A screenshot of the court filing agains the 13 “John Doe” operators of Coreflood (WEB HOST INDUSTRY REVIEW) — According to a report posted Wednesday on the Wired Threat Level blog, and a Thursday report by security blogger Brian Krebs, the US Justice Department and FBI were granted the power this week to seize the enormous Coreflood botnet , a decade-old web of infected PCs that reportedly included millions of machines, and is allegedly responsible for the theft of millions of dollars over that time. Most notable about the seizure is the fact that for the first time, the Justice Department sought and received permission to seize control of a botnet and send a signal to the millions of infected computers to disable the malicious software

Abstract: This article examines the legal and political effects of the “Affirmation of Commitments” between the United States Department of Commerce and ICANN. The agreement purports to recast the public-private relationship at the heart of the management of the DNS. The DOC surrendered its most formal and visible legal control over ICANN – but kept some less visible powers

An image from the Bridging the Gap website shows some tips for green living (WEB HOST INDUSTRY REVIEW) — In the buildup to Earth Days in April, hosting provider Codero ( www.codero.com ) announced that it has introduced a few new measures intended to increase the company’s overall “green” efforts as a business. First among those initiatives, the company is encouraging employees, their families and customers in the Kansas City area – the location of Codero’s headquarters – to participate in the EarthWalk on April 16, 2011, a three-mile walk to raise funds for Bridging the Gap, an organization that brings together government agencies with citizens and business leaders on environmental issues

A screen shot of the Japan Data Center Council website (WEB HOST INDUSTRY REVIEW) –- Data centers in the Tokyo-area have so far managed to endure the energy crisis following last month’s massive earthquake and tsunami, but the lack of fuel supply due to the shutting down of nuclear reactors could prove to be taxing during the high demand period of the summer, according to a report by Datacenter Dynamics . Following the Japan earthquake and tsunami on March 11th, the government implemented rolling blackouts to cities in suburban Tokyo after the country’s nuclear reactors were shutdown, in an effort to provide enough generating capacity for the entire country. As previously reported, the Japanese government said it would give prioritizing power and energy supply to data centers