1. CWG on the use of Country & Territory names as TLDs (CWG UCTN)
Presentation in Copenhagen, ICANN 58
Annebeth B. Lange, co-chair for ccNSO

2. Scope and Work Method Only discussing TLDs (first level!)
Codes and names based on ISO
Review existing policies
RFC 1591
Fast Track, overall policy IDN ccTLDs
New gTLD policy and AGB Module 2,
Assess feasibility of definitional Framework for the the use of C& T as TLDs
Not a PDP – but CCWG
Give advice to be included in PDP
Teleconferences weekly and F2F meetings

3. Main Conclusion: No harmonized framework feasible
Stakeholder groups too far from each other
Mandate seems to be too limited to reach consensus
Parallel efforts, divergence and un-coordinated
CCWG UCTN ( this group)
Discussion on Geographic names + Country & Territory names initially part of Subsequent Procedures in GNSO
Awaiting the result of our work
GAC WG on Geographic names
Including C&T names + names of “geographical signification”

4. Interim Paper Conclusion 1: Preliminary conclusions 2-letter strings
The WG support the recommendation that the existing ICANN policy of reserving 2-letter codes for ccTLDs should be maintained
Consistent with RFC 1591, based on standard established and maintained independently of ICANN and general applicable (outside of the DNS)
ICANN not in business to decide what is and what is not a country

5. Interim Paper Conclusion 2: Divergence views 3-letter codes
Maintain Status quo
Dynamic nature ISO 3166 might create problems
IDN ccTLD’s: overlap with definition meaningful representation
Possible solutions
3-letter codes on ISO 3166 treated as ccTLDs?
3-letter codes on ISO 3166 allowed as gTLDs?
With some restrictions, e.g. support or non-objection from relevant public authority/ccTLD
Allow all codes and names as gTLDs with no restrictions
A wide range of views was presented on three-letter codes, with no consensus reached.

6. Current status of WG: Interim paper
Observations, conclusions and tentative recommendations up for public comment. What does the paper contain?
Overview of use of country and territory names over time
Pre-RFC 1591
Post RFC 1591
Evolution of proposed use as new gTLDs
Overview of assigning method ISO 3166 Maintenance Agency and difference in status codes assigned by MA
Documentation of working method to consult community to inform discussions CCWG
Result deliberations 2-letter codes
Lack-of result deliberations 3-letter codes

7. Tentative Recommendations in the Interim Report
Continue work in this area, however in other format
Consolidate all efforts into one effort
Clearer link with policy development processes, but how should we do that?
Should c & t names as TLDs be treated in GNSO PDP?
Should ccNSO have a PDP with this issue?
Or, should we have a CWG with extended mandate?

8. Next steps Awaiting public comment on Interim paper
Provide updated Recommendations to ccNSO and GNSO Councils (anticipated at ICANN 59)
Should the second recommendation from Study Group be activated?
Letter to the ICANN Board from ccNSO Council to exclude country & territory names until when?
Until we have managed to find a harmonized framework all can agree on?
Await final report CCWG UCTN
In light of the need for further work on the treatment of country and territory names, the complexity of the issue at hand and the aforementioned inconsistencies between various ICANN policies, it is also recommended that the ccNSO Council request that the ICANN Board extend the current rule in the new gTLD Applicant Guidebook regarding the exclusion of all country and territory name sin all languages, for consecutive rounds of new gTLD applications until such a time when the work of the cross community working group has been concluded .

9. Final words Read the report
The Interim Paper has been posted for public comment: comments/cwg-uctn-interim-paper en
Give us your view on how to treat C & T names as TLDs in subsequent round
The public comment period will close 21 April 2017
Do not hesitate to ask Bart or me if you need clarification
Thanks for listening
In light of the need for further work on the treatment of country and territory names, the complexity of the issue at hand and the aforementioned inconsistencies between various ICANN policies, it is also recommended that the ccNSO Council request that the ICANN Board extend the current rule in the new gTLD Applicant Guidebook regarding the exclusion of all country and territory name sin all languages, for consecutive rounds of new gTLD applications until such a time when the work of the cross community working group has been concluded .

10. Annebeth B. Lange Annebeth.lange@uninett.no
Questions?
Annebeth B. Lange