GAC Response To ICANN’s Position on IDN ccTLDs

The GAC and ccNSO met this afternoon in response to the earlier ccNSO meeting in which ICANN announced that a contract between themselves and ccTLDs was a precondition for acceptance of fast-track IDN applications.

The GAC responded in an email following the meeting, regarding the relationship between ICANN and ccTLD operators, as well as ccTLD financial contributions.

Relationship between ICANN and IDN ccTLD Operator

• IDN ccTLDs should be similarly treated as ASCII ccTLDs.
• A documented relationship between ICANN and IDN ccTLD operators should be kept voluntary.
• A documented relationship on the basis of the proposed “Documentation of Responsibilities”, either as it stands today or in a modified format, may be encouraged but should not be a condition for IDN ccTLD delegations.
• As it has always been the case, it’s in the best interest of ccTLDs operators and the entire IDN community to adhere to all relevant IETF standards including IDNA protocol, IDN Guidelines and commit to complying with future protocol updates.

Financial Contributions

• IDN ccTLDs should be similarly treated as ASCII ccTLDs.
• Financial contributions should be calculated on a cost recovery basis. Full disclosure and breakdown of the costs involved in the IDN program would be desirable for better understanding of possible cost recovery models.
• Financial contributions should be kept voluntary and should not be a condition for IDN ccTLD delegations.
• Further information, from ICANN staff, on the different possible cost recovery mechanisms and concrete proposals would help advance positions on the subject.