[registrars] Proposed terms of reference for policy development on new TLDs

["Bruce Tonkin" <Bruce.Tonkin@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hello All,


Please see below the terms of reference proposed by the ICANN staff for
the policy development activity on new TLDs.

Please let me know if you have any suggested changes.

Regards,
Bruce Tonkin
Registrars rep on GNSO Council


Item 2: Terms of reference for new TLDs
(staff recommendation from issues report)

(1) Should new top level domain names be introduced? 

(a)	Given the information provided here and any other relevant
information available to the GNSO, the GNSO should assess whether there
is sufficient support within the Internet community to enable the
introduction of new top level domains. If this is the case the following
additional terms of reference are applicable. 


(2) Selection Criteria for New Top Level Domains

(a)	Using the existing selection criteria from previous top level
domain application processes and relevant criteria in registry services
re-allocations, develop modified or new criteria which specifically
address ICANN's goals of expanding the use and usability of the
Internet.  In particular, examine ways in which the allocation of new
top level domains can meet demands for broader use of the Internet in
developing countries.

(b)	Examine whether preferential selection criteria could be
developed which would encourage new and innovative ways of addressing
the needs of Internet users.

(c)	Examine whether distinctions between restricted, unrestricted,
sponsored and unsponsored top level domains are necessary and how the
choice of distinctions meets the interests of relevant stakeholders.

(d)	Examine whether additional criteria need to be developed which
address ICANN's goals of ensuring the security and stability of the
Internet.

(e)	Examine whether additional criteria can be developed to
normalize and simplify the administrative process of selecting and
implementing new top level domains.


(3) Allocation Methods for New Top Level Domains

(a)	Using the experience gained in previous rounds of top level
domain name application processes, develop modified or new criteria
which simplify and standardize the allocation methods for selecting new
top level domain names.

(b)	Examine the full range of allocation methods including auctions,
ballots and comparative evaluation processes to determine the most
predictable and stable method of implementing additions to the Internet
root. 

(c)	Examine how allocation methods could be used to achieve ICANN's
goals of fostering competition in domain name registration services and
encouraging a diverse range of registry services providers.


(4) Contractual Conditions for New Top Level Domains

(a)	Using the experience of previous rounds of top level domain name
application processes and the recent amendments to registry services
agreements, develop modified or new contractual criteria which are
publicly available prior to any application rounds.

(b)	Examine whether additional contractual conditions are necessary
to improve ICANN's contractual compliance regime to provide
predictability and security of registry services.

(c)	Examine whether a registry services code of conduct, in addition
to contractual conditions, would improve a compliance regime which is
easily understandable and recognizes differences in approaches to
offering registry services whilst, at the same time, ensuring the
stability and security of the Internet.