[ncdnhc-discuss] Comment on Latest NC draft - decentralization of DNSO functions

[James Love]

The NCC should propose that ICANN begin to decentralize DNSO functions, in
areas where the central planning model is inappropriate.  In particular,
national governments or regional DNSO councils should be able to authorize
new TLDs, subject to coordination on uniqueness of TLD strings.  There is no
compelling reason for the decision on the creation of a new TLD be made by a
single central body.   ICANN has failed to expand the root, and is suffering
from capture by incumbent registry interests.

There are legitmate problems concerning the protection of trademarks, and
ICANN can recommend practices for TLD operators that address these concerns,
including services such as the UDRP, or approaches such as sunrise
proceedures.  Governments or regional bodies that seek to authorize or
manage TLD registries on a decentralized basis should consult with ICANN on
mechanims to protect trademark owners.  Different regions or governments may
adopt somewhat different approachs on issues such as sunrise protection or
alternatives to the UDRP, or example to reflected different cultural and
legal traditions, as is the case today with ccTLDs.

Decentralized DNSO councils or national governments should be free to
address issues concerning consumer protection for persons who register
domains, cybersquatting, privacy and other matters relating to domain name
registration.

It should be noted that the present DNSO is quite unbalanced in terms of
user interests.

  Jamie

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James Love mailto:james.love at cptech.org
http://www.cptech.org +1.202.387.8030 mobile +1.202.361.3040