1 27Apr08 Some thoughts on Internet Governance and expansion of the Domain Name space Paul Twomey President and CEO 9 August 2008 Panel on Internet Governance American Bar Association Annual Meeting New York City

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5 ICANN mission statement To coordinate, overall, the global Internet's system of unique identifiers, and to ensure stable and secure operation of the Internet's unique identifier systems. In particular, ICANN coordinates: 1.Allocation and assignment of the three sets of unique identifiers for the Internet: Domain names (forming a system called the DNS) Internet protocol (IP) addresses and autonomous system (AS) numbers Protocol port and parameter numbers 2.Operation and evolution of the DNS root name server system 3.Policy development reasonably and appropriately related to these technical functions

6 ICANN’s principles of operation 1.Contribute to stability and security of the Internet 2.Promote competition and choice for registrants and other users 3.Forum for multi-stakeholder, consensus-based bottom- up development of related policy 4.Ensure an opportunity for participation by all interested parties on a global basis

7 9Aug08 ICANN multi-stakeholder model Board of Directors President and CEO Root Server System Advisory Committee (RSSAC) Security & Stability Advisory Committee (SSAC) At Large Advisory Committee (ALAC) ICANN Staff 15 voting members + 6 non-voting liaisons Nominating Committee Technical Liaison Group (TLG) ASOGNSOCCNSO Regional Internet Registries ARIN RIPE NCC LACNIC APNIC AfriNIC Commercial and Business gTLD Registries ISPs Non-Commercial Registrars Intellectual Property ccTLD Registries (.de.uk.cn,.nl, etc.) Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC) Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC) Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) Consensus policies developed through ICANN’s policy development process affect stakeholders throughout the world and ensure a single, secure, and globally interoperable Internet.

8 Top-Level Domains in the Root test only Generic TLDs administered by designated country code TLD operators

ICANN and New gTLDs Topic of discussion since creation of ICANN White Paper in 1998: –The new corporation ultimately should have the authority to manage and perform a specific set of functions related to coordination of the domain name system, including the authority necessary to: 3) oversee policy for determining the circumstances under which new TLDs are added to the root system 9

10 Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs) Before 1998.com.net.org 2000 Round.aero.biz.coop.info.museum.name.pro 2003 Round.asia.cat.jobs.mobi.travel.tel

11 Key Benefits of New gTLDs To encourage and foster creativity, innovation, consumer choice, and competition in the domain name space Internationalized Domain Names (IDN) for a more globally and culturally inclusive internet –IDNs currently only of second level

Main Application Paths 12 Application Period Evaluation Processes Objection Period and Dispute Resolution Processes Identical/Similar TLD Strings Selection Methods Auction Comparative Evaluation Delegation and Approval Processes

13 The Objection Processes Pre-defined objection filing period Processed by Dispute Resolution Provider(s) Potential grounds for objection –String Confusion (Rec 2) Avoid user confusion –Infringement of Rights (Rec 3) Protection of intellectual property and other pre-existing rights –Morality and Public Order (Rec 6) Additional safeguards; interests of governments –Community Objection (Rec 20) Protection of community interests (e.g. geographically based, indigenous, religieus organizations)

Anticipated Timeline 43 CQ3 08CQ4 08CQ1 09CQ2 09 Policy Approved DRP Providers Retained 32nd ICANN Meeting (Paris)33rd ICANN Meeting (Cairo)34th ICANN Meeting35th ICANN Meeting Draft RFP Issued Final RFP Issued Minimum 3 to 4 Months Global Communication Campaign Application Launch Minimum 4 Months

President’s Strategy Committee Improving Institutional Confidence Two years of consultation, advice, development ─ –Transition Action Plan for ICANN’s final steps toward private- sector led coordination of the Internet’s unique identifiers ICANN will continue as the secure, global coordinator of the Internet’s critical infrastructure resources, ensuring ICANN will be –Sufficiently safeguarded against capture –Sufficiently accountable to its multi-stakeholder community and preserve the principles of bottom-up policy development –Internationalized to allow it to meet the needs of the global Internet community –Financially and operationally secure –Maintain its focus on organizational and operational excellence 15 9Aug08

16 15May08 Thank You