Historical Resolution Tracking Feature » 2012-03-28 - Batching of New gTLD Applications: Secondary Timestamp

Important note: The explanatory text provided through this database (including the summary, implementation actions, identification of related resolutions, and additional information) is an interpretation or an explanation that has no official authority and does not represent the purpose behind the Board actions, nor does any explanations or interpretations modify or override the Resolutions themselves. Resolutions can only be modified through further act of the ICANN Board.

2012-03-28 - Batching of New gTLD Applications: Secondary Timestamp

Resolution of the ICANN Board
Topic: 
Batching of New gTLD Applications
Summary: 

Board approves the use of secondary timestamps/digital archery as the mechanism to sort new gTLD applications into batches.

Category: 
gTLDs
Meeting Date: 
Wed, 28 Mar 2012
Resolution Number: 
2012.03.28.01
URL for Resolution: 
http://www.icann.org/en/groups/board/documents/resolutions-28mar12-en.htm
Status: 
Complete
Implementation Actions: 
  • Communicate the operational details of the mechanism to applicants and the public
    • Responsible entity: ICANN staff
    • Due date: None provided
    • Completion date: March 30, 2012
Resolution Text: 

Whereas, the window for applying for new gTLDs opened on 12 January 2012, and is scheduled to close on 12 April 2012.

Whereas, the New gTLDs Applicant Guidebook (section 1.1.2.5) <http://newgtlds.icann.org/en/applicants/agb> indicates that if the volume of applications received significantly exceeds 500, then applications will be processed in batches.

Whereas, on 8 December 2011, the Board adopted a resolution (#2011.12.08.4a) authorizing the development of a plan to use a "secondary time stamp" for determining the processing order in the event that multiple batches are required.

Whereas, the New gTLDs program team has developed proposed operational details of a plan for implementing a secondary time stamp, now referred to as "digital archery".

Whereas, some members of the community have expressed concerns about whether the digital archery proposal is sensible and fair, and an informal subgroup of the Board has studied the feasibility, benefits, and risks of the proposal as well as alternative batching mechanisms such as auction.

Resolved (2012.03.28.01), the Board confirms the approval of secondary timestamp/digital archery as the mechanism for sorting new gTLD applications into batches, and directs that the operational details of the mechanism be communicated to applicants and the public as necessary and appropriate.

Rationale for Resolution: 

The reaffirmation of the Board's commitment to the secondary timestamp/digital archery is taken after an review of alternate proposals for batching processes considered after hearing the community's comments and concerns as raised at the ICANN meeting in San Juan, Costa Rica. A small group of the Board intensively looked at the digital archery solution, a potential auction solution, and considered the prioritization comments provided by the community. For the ongoing application round, affirming the digital archery process is the fairest way to achieve a non-random batching solution that accounts for diversity across all regions of ICANN. The Board also reaffirms the Rationale for Resolutions 2011.12.08.04 – 2011.12.08.06.

Other Related Resolutions: 
Additional Information: