insight 

I’ve been surprised at the lack of comments about the US National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) mid-term review of their Joint Project Agreement (JPA) with ICANN. With the political uncertainty of an election year in the US, the NTIA response to its consultation was always going to be cautious. However, it is disappointing that it does’nt really say much at all and gives little guidance on the way forward - but the challenge is there for ICANN: “you’ve heard the comments and concerns, now work out how to address them.”

A lot of the responses to the Notice of Inquiry were about the lack of adequate safeguards, in particular for those who are not well represented in ICANN. This must be addressed. As BITS/Financial Round Table said in its contribution, it is necessary to “ensure the views of organizations that rely on the Internet … are fully considered”. It will be important for ICANN to show how wider business, economic, social and political interests will be safeguarded.

I now believe that it is up to ICANN to respond by defining what the organisation should look like post transition and how effective accountability can be provided.

ICANN has a new Chairman and this provides an excellent opportunity for him to inject new thinking. In my humble opinion (IMHO), Peter Dengate-Thrush needs to respond to this challenge and lead the process. Time is short and we need to start working on clear proposals for what ICANN could look like post transition.