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ALAC Conference Call Minutes - ALAC Conference Call Minutes

Last Updated:
Date

Participants: Izumi Aizu, Vittorio Bertola, Pierre Dandjinou,
Roberto Gaetano, Xue Hong, Erick Iriarte Ahon, John Levine, Jacqueline
Morris, Annette Muehlberg, Jean Armour Polly, Siavash Shahshahani,
Denise Michel, Bruce Beckwith

Absent: Clement Dzidonu, Bret Fausett, Sebastián Ricciardi, Alice Wanjira-Munyua

Absent with reported conflict: Wendy Seltzer

Summary and action items:

Congratulations were extended to Denise Michel by the ALAC members
for her recent promotion to Vice President of Policy for ICANN.

Liaison reports:

The following update on the WHOIS task force was sent via email by Wendy Seltzer:

The WHOIS task force has been meeting somewhat less frequently than
in the past. Much of its recent discussion has focused on a proposal
advanced by Ross Rader (Tucows, registrar constituency), to replace
existing contacts of a WHOIS record with an "Operational Point of
Contact"
<http://code.byte.org/blog/_archives/2005/11/28/1426464.html&gt;.
The task force is assessing the necessity of access to each piece of
data.

Roberto Gaetano gave an update about the recent ICANN Board retreat.
The next steps from the strategic plan are to move to an operational
plan. The Board is currently in the process of defining priorities for
the operational plan. Main topics of discussion were the MoU, IANA, and
the ccTLD agreements. In addition, the Board is not happy with the way
physical meetings have evolved – there is too much work for board and
not enough time with the community. The Board is working through the
philosophy of the meetings, and options are being considered. There is
also a focus by the Board on IDNs – how to implement internationalized
domain names – in particular, how to move forward without breaking the
current system. ICANN is looking to lead the way with a viable solution
in order to minimize alternatives by groups whose solutions might not
be interoperable. This should be a major discussion topic in Marrakech.

Xue Hong gave an update on IDNs. Since Wellington there have been
discussions about IDN tests, but the registry constituency is resisting
the tests. Delays are also attributed to the production of IDN
documents. There will be two IDN meetings in Marrakech, one to brief
the GAC and a more technically oriented public session. The suggestion
was made that Hong contact Tina Dam regarding involvement by ALAC in
the IDN public session.

Erick Iriarte Ahon gave an update on the ccNSO, which is currently
working through the accountability agreement framework and reviewing
the DENIC agreement.

Marrakech Meeting Logistics:

Xue Hong is experiencing challenges in obtaining a visa. It was
noted that the Marrakech sponsors have a link on the web site to get in
touch with them to assist getting a visa.

ALAC members will get together for a dinner on Saturday, 24 June at 19:00.

A discussion about the scheduling of meetings for the ALAC and RALO
was held. A concern was voiced that we do not get through all of the
issues that need to be discussed.

Pierre Dandjinou agreed to represent the ALAC in the Welcome to
ICANN meeting that will be held on 25 June. An ALAC member from the
region where the ICANN meeting is held typically participates.

In addition, Pierre has performed outreach within Africa to generate
interest in meeting in Marrakech, and has not received feedback.

The discussion expanded to include how to elicit participation by
ALS’, including attendance at ICANN meetings. Is funding required to
defray the costs for ALS members to attend?

Siavash Shahshahani requested a copy of the MP3 file for the APRALO conference call.

Discussion then moved to the meeting between the ALAC members and
ICANN Board. The timeframe will be determined as the agenda is further
developed. Roberto will send a note to the ALAC members with
suggestions on improving communication between the ALAC and the Board.
In addition, the ALAC will need to determine what the topics should be
when meeting with the Board.

An update was given on the project to detail how ICANN policies affect user experiences.

Siavash has volunteered for the policy coordination role for ALAC.

Jean Armour Polly has volunteered for the communication coordination
role for ALAC. Jean has also volunteered to help with voting issues, as
well as be the substitute chair in the event that Annette is not
available.

Hong has determined that the ICANN Wiki web site (as well as all “wiki” sites) are not accessible in China.

Brandon Sanders of icannwiki.org was then connected to the call.

One possible solution to the blocked ICANNWiki site from China is to
allow communication via email. Brandon will investigate the feasibility.

The ALAC self assessment should assess ALACs mandate, as defined.
Any changes to the ALAC mandate would come from the ICANN Board.
Production of a document may include dissenting opinions by ALAC
members on what the mandate should be.

Brandon left the call at this point.

As a final point, there will be an announcement in Marrakech that at there will be another soccer tournament in Sao Paulo.

Next conference call is scheduled for 10 August.

Remaining conference call schedule for 2006:

10 August
04 September
05 October
06 November

All calls begin at 13:30 UTC.