Section I: Description, Explanation, and Purpose ICANN Staff requests community feedback concerning implementation plans [PDF, 876 KB] for three specific Accountability and Transparency Review Team (ATRT) recommendations (#15, 16, and 17) that affect the way ICANN publishes and manages Public Comments. These ATRT recommendations, which comprise Phase II of the Public Comments Improvement program, address: Stratification : Categorize topics to assist the community understand the subject matter and inform a participation decision. Prioritization : Assist community members in determining the importance or urgency of a solicitation by providing key information. Comment/Reply Cycles : Structure the community’s input process into an initial period for submitting new comments followed by a separate reply period during which community respondents would be able to address and rebut arguments raised in opposing parties’ previous comments. A fourth area involving Technical Forum Improvements is also incorporated into this solicitation. A Focus Group was organized in July 2011 to provide input concerning various implementation scenarios related to the topics mentioned above. The Focus Group held its deliberations in ICANN’s Wiki environment from 20 July 2011 through 19 August 2011. A summary report [PDF, 162 KB] of the group’s activities has been prepared and the Wiki space in which the Focus Group worked is accessible for viewing at: https://community.icann.org/x/74MKAQ . The attached report [PDF, 148 KB] addresses the four enhancement areas each in a separate section that incorporates Staff implementation recommendations, Focus Group input where applicable, and additional questions to stimulate community feedback concerning these processes. Note : As an initial test of this concept, the comment forum on this paper will introduce a Reply Cycle. At the conclusion of the initial comment period (30 September) and assuming that on-topic submissions have been received, the comment period will be extended for an additional 15 days (15 October). During this extension, contributors are asked to address any additional submissions to previously posted comments. For each such reply, it will be helpful to everyone for the contributor to cite the original poster’s name, comment date, and any particular text that is pertinent. At the conclusion of the full comment period, ICANN plans to seek feedback concerning the process and what changes or enhancements might make it more useful and productive. A consolidated report of the forum submissions will incorporate both the initial comment and subsequent reply periods. Section II: Background The Accountability and Transparency Review Team (ATRT) submitted a report to the ICANN Board on 31 December 2010 containing 27 recommendations, three of which (#15, 16, and 17) address improvements concerning how Public Comments are announced, published, and managed. At its 24 June 2011 meeting, ICANN Board accepted the implementation plans developed by ICANN Staff regarding these recommendations. These plans were organized into two major phases based upon complexity and the ability to effectuate short-term improvements. A set of Phase I activities was implemented effective 30 June 2011. In that first phase, Staff completely redesigned web pages, added new navigation menus, streamlined Announcement and Public Comment Box formats, and introduced an “Upcoming Topics” feature. Staff also created internal document templates to facilitate publication and ensure presentation consistency. We also added new standardized data fields across all solicitations (e.g., Originating Organization, Purpose, Current Status, Next Steps) and clarified opening and closing dates and times. Phase II of this initiative addresses enhancements involving: Stratification, Prioritization, Comment/Reply Cycles, and Technical Forum Improvements. Please see the attached report [PDF, 148 KB] for further information on each of these improvement areas. Section III: Document and Resource Links The following documents and reference links are provided to assist community members in contributing to this solicitation: Main Report: Public Comments Proposed Process Enhancements-Phase II [PDF, 148 KB] Board Action on, and Implementation of, the Accountability & Transparency Review Team Final Report June 2011 [PDF, 876 KB] Public Comment Focus Group Report [PDF, 162 KB] Public Comment Focus Group Wiki Forum Comment Period Deadlines Open Date: 31 August 2011 Close Date: Comments : 30 Sep 2011 Replies : 15 Oct 2011 (see note in Section I) Important Information Links Public Comment Box To Submit Your Comments (Forum) View Comments Submitted This ICANN announcement was sourced from: www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-31aug11-en.htm

ICANN has slammed the American Association of National Advertisers for not understanding the new generic Top Level Domains process, saying the “assertions in your letter are either incorrect or problematic in several respects. Perhaps the most severe mischaracterisations concern the ICANN process.” The letter from Rod Beckstrom, ICANN CEO and President , to the ANA’s Robert Liodice, also CEO and President, is one of the most scathing letters the organisation has sent, repudiating assertions of what ICANN has, or has not done. The ANA originally wrote to ICANN earlier this month seething about the new gTLD process. But the organisation appears to have been asleep at the wheel as the process developing new gTLDs has been ongoing since around 2005 and the application guidebook was approved in June. Trademark holders/brand owners have been prolific in their views on the introduction of new gTLDs, driving changes to the applicant guidebook. While ICANN note that the ANA have previously participated in the consultation process back in 2008, one has to ask why the ANA has only seriously woken up to the process now. Back to the ICANN response. Beckstrom’s letter, repudiating the assertion there has been a lack of public comment, says that “multiple public meetings and at least 45 lengthy public comment periods were conducted and thousands of comments, representing a broad range of interests, were received” while all public comments, including those from the ANA, were considered in the decision-making process. One has to wonder if anyone at the ANA involved in writing the letter had actually read the applicant guidebook with its incorrect assertions. “Your letter also claims that the program represents ‘unrestricted expansion’ or allows ‘virtually any word or phrase.’ These statements demonstrate a lack of understanding of Program details. More research on your part would have revealed: (i) restrictions on delegation rates; (ii) string requirements and limitations; (iii) required applicant background, financial and technical qualifications; (iv) objection processes for infringing and other inappropriately applied-for strings; and (v) standing registry operator obligations in the registry agreement.” Another assertion refuted regards quotes from economic studies that claim more gTLDs will lead to security lapses and financial burdens. ICANN demolishes this assertion saying “your quotations from the economic studies are highly selective and lead to an unsupported conclusion that more domain names will lead to cyber security lapses or consumer privacy violations. Your claim of ‘enormous financial burdens’ and other broad statements are offered without supporting data or rationale. I invite you to review the entire set of economic studies, which explored the current marketplace, and applied expert analysis to an examination of the potential risks and benefits as far as possible (noting that the benefits of innovation are difficult to predict).” The ANA also wrongly claims companies will have no choice but to apply for a gTLD. Something categorically denied by ICANN. One point the ANA did get right was that the economic “studies recommended the implementation of additional protections against trademark abuse and malicious conduct.” But as ICANN note, the organisation “formed teams of internationally recognised experts to adopt both these recommendations and incorporate many significant new safeguards into the program.” Some of the changes introduced into the guidebook were the establishment of a Trademark Clearinghouse and the implementation of a Uniform Rapid Suspension system. In 2008 when the ANA wrote to ICANN commenting on the new gTLD process, they suggested five specific proposals. One proposal concerned trademark protection, and ICANN say that as a result of theirs and other suggestions the IRT was introduced. Similarly with the other suggestions from the ANA transparency, registration information, application fees, general process issues and generic terms for TLDs such as bank and insurance, changes were made that reflected comments, largely satisfying the concerns of the ANA back then. In conclusion, ICANN say they “will vigorously defend the multi-stakeholder model and the hard-fought consensus of its global stakeholder participants, its duty to act in accordance with established bottom-up processes, and its responsibility to the broad public interest of the global Internet community, rather than to the specific interests of any particular group.” “As you may be aware, ICANN’s activities extend beyond this program. It works for the benefit of the public interest, including your organisation, in ways large and small.” All in all this belated outburst by the ANA being critical of the new gTLD process when their original concerns were largely addressed with changes made to the application process must be deeply embarrassing to the organisation. And ANA members should be very concerned about how the organisation represents them.

ICANN is today publishing a proposed version 3.0 of the Internationalized Domain Name (IDN) Implementation Guidelines [PDF, 196 KB] for public comment. The IDN Guidelines are a list of general standards that all top-level domain registries deploying IDNs are required to follow based on the Internationalized Domain Names for Applications (IDNA) protocol standard from the IETF. This draft was developed by the IDN Guidelines Revision Working Group (comprised of ccTLD and gTLD registry representatives with IDN experience supported by ICANN staff). The new draft modifies the current Version 2.2 to reflect the IDNABIS revision (”IDNA2008 protocol”) of the initial IDNA protocol (”IDNA2003″). ICANN previously published a discussion draft prior to the ICANN meeting in Cartagena, Colombia in November 2010 (see www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-4-15nov10-en.htm ). Section II: Background The current version of the IDN Guidelines is available at www.icann.org/en/topics/idn/implementation-guidelines.htm (version 2.2 published 26 April 2007). A redline of changes in version 3.0 against the version published November 2010 is also available at www.icann.org/en/topics/idn/idn-guidelines-discussion-draft-redline-25jul11-en.pdf [PDF, 348 KB]. Section III: Document and Resource Links Comments are welcomed from the community on version 3.0 and may be submitted to at idn-guidelines-v3-revision@icann.org by 26 August 2011 23:59 UTC. Comments may be viewed at forum.icann.org/lists/idn-guidelines-v3-revision . Section IV: Additional Information The Internationalized Domain Names for Applications (IDNA) protocol is the technical standard for the implementation of IDNs for TLD registries, registrars and software developers that make IDNs available for their customers. The IDNA protocol references and further detail about the 2008 revision can be found here: www.icann.org/en/topics/idn/rfcs.htm . Comment Period Deadlines Open Date: 27 July 2011 Close Date: 26 August 2011 Important Information Links Public Comment Box To Submit Your Comments (Forum) View Comments Submitted This ICANN announcement was sourced from: www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-27jul11-en.htm

Priority Sunrise Registrations will Close on July 25 2011 Open Landrush Registrations to Begin August 2, 2011 [news release] Following the approval from ICANN for the implementation of the new gTLD (Generic Top-Level Domain) program, DotAsia today announces its plans to support new gTLDs from Asia, including its own IDN (Internationalized Domain Name) TLDs: “.亚洲/.亞洲 “, “.アジア”, “.아시아”, etc. and applications from other Asian new gTLD applicants. “As one of the latest new gTLD ourselves, and as a not-for-profit organization with a core mandate to promote Internet development and adoption in Asia, DotAsia is well equipped to provide support to new gTLD aspirants from Asia.  We believe our experience and understanding in the ICANN process, domain policies, technology and market will help Asian new gTLDs, for profit or community initiatives become successful,” says Edmon Chung, Cheif Executive Officer of DotAsia.  “Domain names are analogous to real-estate on the Internet, and this opening of new gTLDs by ICANN is like a watershed deregulation.  We are eager and prepared to lend our expertise and to assist Asian initiatives so Asia does not lose out on this ‘land grab’.  Domain names are also an important Internet resource that supports development, especially the introduction of Asian language IDN gTLDs.” DotAsia is planning to offer support to new gTLD applicants from Asia, assisting in the application process, development of policies, finances, community development and other aspects of applying, creating and operating a new gTLD.  Interested parties are welcome to inquire further at: info@ngtld.asia. Meanwhile, building on the successful Sunrise and Landrush launch of English alphanumeric (ASCII) .Asia domain registrations in 2007 and 2008, the Sunrise (i.e. Priority Registration) for Chinese, Japanese and Korean Internationalized Domain Name (IDN — web address represented in local languages) continues with a similar phased approach to ensure an orderly introduction of IDN .Asia domains. Sunrise ( www.idn.asia ) and the Pioneer Domains Program ( pioneer.domains.asia ), opened on May 11, will close on July 25, 2011. The launch of .Asia IDN coincides with the decision made by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) to allow an increase in the number of Internet address endings – called generic top-level domains (gTLDs) beyond the existing 22 at their 41st Public Meeting, held last month in Singapore.  The plan will usher in one of the biggest changes ever to the Internet’s Domain Name System as Internet addresses will be able to end with and expressed entirely in any language or script, offering organizations around the world the opportunity to market their brand, products, community or cause, and to connect with users in new and innovative ways. “IDNs will change the perceived value of domain names in Asia as businesses discover the SEO (Search Engine Optimization) value of domains.  The hundreds of millions of Chinese, Japanese and Korean users are actively searching online in their native language. IDN realizes the SEO value by making it possible to have a domain name that matches what users are searching for, thereby improving the ranking of your website,” added Chung. About DotAsia Organisation DotAsia Organisation ( www.dot.asia ) is a regional not-for-profit organization with a mission to promote Internet development and adoption around Asia. DotAsia oversees the “.Asia” top-level Internet domain name, and is formed as an open membership consortium of official domain authorities around the region, including .CN (China), .JP (Japan), .KR (Korea), .IN (India), .NZ (New Zealand), .PH (Philippines), etc., and regional Internet organizations including APNIC, APNG, APCERT, PAN and APTLD. DotAsia has a core mandate towards digital inclusion, education and research and development. This DotAsia news release was sourced from: www.idn.asia/main/2011/07/dotasia-to-support-asian-new-gtlds.html To register your .ASIA domain name, check out Asia Registry here .

To support the implementation of the ATRT Recommendations relating to Public Comment Processes, the ICANN Public Comment landing page (see: www.icann.org/en/public-comment/ ) has been redesigned and restructured as of 30 June 2011. The Public Participation Committee (PPC) of the ICANN Board reviewed and approved these changes during its meeting in Singapore, as the first phase of improvements in the public comment process. The new design is intended to standardize and simplify navigation and the presentation of the content. The information elements have not been altered substantially (other than an addition of Upcoming Public Comments list), but the page contents have been reorganized for uniformity and consistency. In essence, the aim is to place the predominant focus on topics that are OPEN for Public Comments while links are provided to various other categories such as Upcoming, Recently Closed, and the Archived Public Comments. The Upcoming page represents a new concept and is intended to provide the community a preview of potential topics that may be opened in future periods. The current list was compiled with input from ICANN Community Leaders and the ICANN Staff. Once each year, a formal collection and publishing cycle will be launched; thereafter, the list will be updated regularly. We hope you like the new design and that it makes your work with Public Comments more productive. If you have any comments, suggestions, or other feedback, please write to: participation@icann.org . This ICANN announcement was sourced from: www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-30jun11-en.htm

ICANN is immediately seeking expressions of interest for the 2011-2012 Nominating Committee (NomCom) Chair and Chair-Elect. The NomCom Chairperson will be responsible for organizing the NomCom in its activities to select certain ICANN Board members and individuals who will serve in key leadership positions within ICANN’s supporting organizations (SO) and advisory committees (AC) in accordance with ICANN’s Bylaws. The Chair is a non-voting member of the NomCom selected by ICANN’s Board to serve until the conclusion of the next ICANN Annual General Meeting. The Chair-Elect is a position recently created within the Bylaws as an outcome of the independent review of the NomCom. The Chair-Elect position is not a replacement of the Advisor to the NomCom Chair, and is not intended to fill an advisory role. Rather, the Chair-Elect will receive the benefit of training while serving alongside the Chair, gaining skills and knowledge to be applied for the Chair-Elect’s anticipated succession into the role of the Chair. Candidates for Chair-Elect should possess the same skills as candidates for the Chair. In creating the new position of the Chair-Elect, the ICANN Board noted that the implementation of this provision should be completed for the 2012-2013 NomCom. As ICANN may implement this provision earlier, the Call for Expressions of Interest have been expanded to determine if a Chair-Elect can be identified sooner. For more information about the NomCom see nomcom.icann.org Position Description – Nominating Committee Chair This position blends time management and negotiation skills with the practical aspects of conducting a world-wide search for individuals to fill various ICANN leadership positions. The NomCom Chair will be called on to schedule, organize and lead numerous in-person and telephonic meetings with a large committee of community members. The NomCom chair is also responsible for managing the candidate identification and statement of interest process, with other committee members, and for managing the due diligence to be performed on nominated candidates, in cooperation with ICANN’s General Counsel and any retained outside firm(s). Throughout all NomCom activities, the Chair is responsible for ensuring that all NomCom operating rules and procedures are followed, and that all required documentation and reports are prepared in a timely fashion and provided to the proper parties as necessary. Skills and Experience To properly serve as Chair, the selected individual must have: (i) adequate time available to undertake the role; (ii) excellent communication and negotiation skills to manage a committee of 21 – 23 members; (iii) a clear understanding of the duties and responsibilities of each position for which the NomCom is selecting candidates; (iv) experience on or with a Board of Directors of organizations with similar scale, scope and diversity as ICANN; (v) strong organization and leadership skills; (vi) ability to remain unbiased; (vii) no conflicts of interest, and (viii) a thorough understanding of, and satisfy, all criteria set forth in ICANN Bylaws relating to the NomCom ( see www.icann.org/en/general/bylaws.htm#VII ). Specific Duties and Responsibilities Plans and schedules NomCom meetings as required, including ensuring posting schedules for public review. Please see attached [PDF, 117 KB] for a Listing of the NomCom activities. Appoints non-voting Associate Chair if so desired. Reports to ICANN Board and the community on status of the NomCom. Prepares and publishes the NomCom report. Ensures that NomCom operating rules and procedures are followed. Manages NomCom Selection Process, including: Approves outreach/advertising methods for attracting candidates. Conducts outreach with ICANN Constituencies, ACs and SOs (with Chairs of those groups), ICANN Board, and others. With other committee members, reviews and evaluates candidate Statements of Interest (SOIs) and references submitted during NomCom process Coordinates due diligence on nominated candidates in cooperation with ICANN’s General Counsel and any outside firm(s) retained to perform due diligence activities. Approves posting of NomCom announcements and schedules on ICANN website. Ensures NomCom records are properly established, maintained and archived. Eligibility Exclusion No person who is an employee of or is a paid consultant to ICANN (including the Ombudsman) shall simultaneously serve as a member of the NomCom, including the post of Chair or Chair-Elect. Expenses All reasonable travel expenses and administrative costs incurred as a result of performing the duties as NomCom Chair or Chair-Elect in accordance with ICANN’s policies will be reimbursed by ICANN upon the Chair or Chair-Elect’s submission to ICANN of valid receipts and invoices. Expressions of Interest Expressions of Interest, which will be maintained as confidential, should be sent to NomComChair2012@icann.org no later than 28 July 2011. This ICANN announcement was sourced from: www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-25jun11-en.htm

ICANN has accused Luxembourg-based registrar EuroDNS of breaching their Registrar Accreditation Agreement according to a letter dated 20 April. The breach, disputed by EuroDNS, involves the domain name facebok.com, that a WIPO Panel ordered to be transferred to Facebook, the complainant