Historical Resolution Tracking Feature » 2012-09-13 - Response to SSAC Letter of 2 July 2012

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.

2012-09-13 - Response to SSAC Letter of 2 July 2012

Resolution of the ICANN Board
Topic: 
SSAC Views On New gTLD Process
Summary: 

Board responds to SSAC letter of 2 July 2012 regarding the new gTLD process, requesting that staff complete documentation of the interactions between ICANN and the root server operators with respect to root zone scaling, work with NTIA and Verisign to explore publication of statements regarding preparation for the proposed changes, and publish current estimates of the expected growth of TLDs; formally asks RSSAC for its advice on these issues; and formally asks SSAC for its advice on how to conduct interdisciplinary studies of security and stability implications from expanding the root zone more than an order of magnitude.

Category: 
Root Zone
Meeting Date: 
Thu, 13 Sep 2012
Resolution Number: 
2012.09.13.05 – 2012.09.13.06
URL for Resolution: 
http://www.icann.org/en/groups/board/documents/resolutions-13sep12-en.htm#1.c
Status: 
Ongoing
Implementation Actions: 
  • Complete documentation of the interactions between ICANN and the root server operators with respect to root zone scaling
    • Responsible entity: CEO
    • Due date: None provided
    • Completion date: Ongoing
  • Explore publication of statements regarding preparation for the proposed changes
    • Responsible entity: CEO
    • Due date: None provided
    • Completion date: 5 November 2012
  • Publish current estimates of the expected growth of TLDs
    • Responsible entity: CEO
    • Due date: None provided
    • Completion date: 10 October 2012
  • Provide advice regarding expansion of the root zone
    • Responsible entity: RSSAC
    • Due date: None provided
    • Completion date: Ongoing
  • Provide advice regarding how to conduct interdisciplinary studies of security and stability implications from expanding the root zone more than an order of magnitude
    • Responsible entity: SSAC
    • Due date: None provided
    • Completion date: Ongoing
Resolution Text: 

Whereas, on July 2, 2012, the ICANN Board received a letter from Patrik Fältström, Chairman of the ICANN Security and Stability Advisory Committee,http://www.icann.org/en/news/correspondence/faltstrom-to-icann-board-02jul12-en, providing an update of the SSAC's views on the status of the new gTLD process.

Whereas, the Board seeks to respond to the recommendations set forth in the letter.

Resolved (2012.09.13.05), the Board thanks SSAC for its advice of 2 July 2012.

Resolved (2012.09.13.06), with respect to the individual recommendations:

  • Recommendation (1), the Board requests the CEO direct staff to work with the root server operators via RSSAC to complete the documentation of the interactions between ICANN and the root server operators with respect to root zone scaling.
  • Recommendation (2), the Board recommends the CEO to direct staff to work with NTIA and Verisign to explore publication of one or more statements regarding preparation for the proposed changes.
  • Recommendation (3), the Board recommends the CEO to direct staff to publish current estimates of the expected growth rates of TLDs. The Board recognizes there is currently re-examination of the process for evaluating gTLD applications, particularly including whether to use multiple or a single batch, and with the completion of the application submission process there is now much more specific information on the number and other characteristics of applications to process. Accordingly, the Board suggests the publication of the expected growth rates of TLDs be coordinated with the re-examination.
  • Recommendation (4), the Board hereby formally asks RSSAC for its advice on this topic and an update on plans to satisfy this recommendation. The Board also asks the CEO whether there are other parties who should be consulted, and to ask such parties to participate.
  • Recommendation (5), the Board hereby formally requests SSAC for its advice on how interdisciplinary studies of security and stability implications from expanding the root zone more than an order of magnitude should be carried out and whom else should be consulted, and tasks staff with formulating and executing one or more studies, as needed.
Rationale for Resolution: 

As part of ICANN's commitment to Accountability & Transparency, ICANN is committed to reviewing advice provided by its Advisory Committees. The SSAC concerns set out in the above-referenced letter identify areas where ICANN could perform additional work for the benefit of the ICANN community. Undertaking the work called for in the resolution will have an impact on ICANN and community resources. The outcomes of this work may ultimately resolution a positive impact on the security, stability & resiliency of the DNS.

Other Related Resolutions: 
Additional Information: