[council] New gTLD Auction Proceeds Discussion Paper - call for comments

[Glen de Saint Géry <Glen@xxxxxxxxx>]

New gTLD Auction Proceeds Discussion Paper
https://www.icann.org/public-comments/new-gtld-auction-proceeds-2015-09-08-en

Open Date:8 Sep 2015 23:59 UTC

Close Date:18 Oct 2015 23:59 UTC

Staff Report Due:1 Nov 2015 23:59 UTC

Comments close in 38 Days
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Forum<mailto:comments-new-gtld-auction-proceeds-08sep15@xxxxxxxxx>
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http://forum.icann.org/lists/comments-new-gtld-auction-proceeds-08sep15/
Brief Overview

Purpose: This is a discussion 
paper<http://newgtlds.icann.org/en/applicants/auctions/proceeds/discussion-paper-07sep15-en.pdf>
 [PDF, 455 KB] on the proceeds from ICANN-conducted auctions for contested new 
generic Top-Level Domain (gTLD) strings. This paper calls for broad, open and 
inclusive public comment and encourages participation from all sectors, regions 
and levels (or no level) of engagement with the ICANN community.

Current Status: This paper aims to capture the information and input on this 
topic to date as well as outlining potential questions and issues to be 
addressed in the subsequent phases of the process to determine next steps in 
relation to new gTLD Auction Proceeds.

Next Steps: This discussion paper is published for public comment in order to 
allow for additional input before this paper is submitted to the drafting team, 
which is expected to be tasked with developing a proposed charter for a 
Cross-Community Working Group for consideration, unless another approach is 
suggested as part of the public comment period and which is then deemed 
preferable.

Section I: Description, Explanation, and Purpose

Since the launch of the new gTLD Program, numerous suggestions have been made, 
such as during the ICANN public forum sessions at ICANN meetings, on how new 
gTLD auction proceeds should be spent including; suggestions that the funds 
should be donated to charitable organizations, support for applicants in future 
rounds, programs to promote new gTLDs and consumer protection, the creation of 
an ICANN trust, to returning the money to the applicants from the current 
round. However, it was not until March 2015 that the Generic Names Supporting 
Organization (GNSO) started discussing a possible process for facilitating the 
conversation around new gTLD auction proceeds during ICANN52 such as a 
Cross-Community Working Group (CCSG). The discussion 
paper<http://newgtlds.icann.org/en/applicants/auctions/proceeds/discussion-paper-07sep15-en.pdf>
 [PDF, 455 KB] aims to capture the information and input on new gTLD Auction 
Proceeds to date as well as outlining potential questions and issues to be 
addressed in the subsequent phases of the process, such as outreach, 
participation and ensuring a focus on framework development, to determine next 
steps.

Broad, open and inclusive public comment input is sought and participation from 
all sectors, regions and levels (or no level) of engagement with the ICANN 
community is encouraged.

Section II: Background

The new gTLD Program established auctions as a mechanism of last resort to 
resolve string contention. Most string contentions (approximately 90% of sets 
scheduled for auction) have been resolved through other means before reaching 
an auction conducted by ICANN's authorized auction service provider, Power 
Auctions LLC. It was recognized from the outset that significant funds could 
accrue as a result of several auctions. As such, these auction proceeds have 
been reserved and earmarked until the Board authorizes a plan for the 
appropriate use of the funds through dialogue with the community. Board, staff, 
and community are expected to be working together in designing and 
participating in the next steps addressing the use of new gTLD auction 
proceeds. 13 contention sets have been resolved via ICANN Auction since June 
2014. The total net proceeds to date are $58.8 million USD. Details of the 
proceeds can be found at 
http://newgtlds.icann.org/en/applicants/auctions/proceeds.

Section III: Relevant Resources

  *   New gTLD Auction Proceeds Discussion 
Paper<http://newgtlds.icann.org/en/applicants/auctions/proceeds/discussion-paper-07sep15-en.pdf>
 [PDF, 455 KB]
  *   For more information about ICANN and its work, visit 
www.ICANN.org<https://www.icann.org/>
  *   For more information about the new gTLD program associated with these 
proceeds, visit http://newgtlds.icann.org/en/

Section IV: Additional Information
Section V: Reports
Staff Contact
Marika Konings
policy-staff@xxxxxxxxx<mailto:policy-staff@xxxxxxxxx>