IRTP-C Workplan
+ - Reach out to other AC/SOs for initial comments
+ - Item A - change of control
+ - Understand why we're looking at this question -- what problems are we trying to solve
Some issues were raised a long time ago -- are these questions still valid, given other measures that have been taken in the intervening time
+ - Background
There is no ICANN policy that addresses change of control
Currently missing from policy -- only transfer between registrar
Policy wasn't written with the after-market in mind
Causes confusion/frustration -- registrars and registrants
Many combinations/scenarios -- escrow providers, registrars, etc.
As a result, there are ad hoc market-based solutions to provide this capability
Many of those use the IRTP as part of the mechanism
IRTP wasn't intended to this purpose, but it's being used that to change control in addition to change registrar
+ - Investigate how this function is currently achieved
+ - Different interpretation/implementation/inconsistency between registrars
Understand the way transfers are being done in ccTLDs -- looking for the good and bad
Look at both ccTLDs *and* existing gTLD "change of account" type processes for models
+ - Understand current definitions of "change of control"
+ - Understand the connection between policy/practice and the experience of registrants
How the IRTP is normally done -- how can this be related to a particular registrant impact/effect/experience
+ - What specific features have specific effects
+ - Understand the shape of, and unintended consequences of, the arrival of the aftermarket
Note -- there are other change of control mechanisms than just the aftermarket -- corporate agreements, mergers, tax issues, legal issues, death in the family for example
Rob Golding (othello): a change of registrar doesnt mean a changeof control - you either have to change it at the existing regsitrar first, or after the transfer - in both cases it has to be auditted
+ - Education Exercise -- Use real transfers between members of the working-group to demonstrate to us a real transfer
Everybody on their own, or a shared experience?
ICANN staff go through the process and "journal" their experience?
Avri Doria: good idea to have a time lapse interaction. The transfer often takes longer than the course of one meeting, though it can be done quite quickly on occasion.
+ - Use a an old/low-value name -- not a new one (which will hit the 60-day restriction)
+ - Maybe do one that's a change of ownership vs a change of registrar
+ - Identify if there are any applicable models in the country-code space that can be used as a best practice for the gTLD space
+ - Draw up an "ideal" process based on what has been learned
+ - Send the "ideal process" back to the registrars for review and comment
Incorporate changes into "ideal"
+ - Determine whether such a policy is even appropriate for ICANN to consider
+ - Draft changes to existing (or new) policy
+ - Draft educational materials/explanations
+ - Action items
+ - Item B - time-limiting FOAs
Some issues were raised a long time ago -- are these questions still valid, given other measures that have been taken in the intervening time
Imposes extra maintenance-step on domain-aftermarket registrants who are looking to sell their names
Currently open to abuse --
+ - Security issues
Portability vs security
Are there mechanisms that are missing -- eg notification of gaining registrar of FOA expiration, or cancellation
Identify risks -- is there a way to mitigate risks without impacting the aftermarket
Look to public comments for initial information
+ - Get inputs from domainers -- people who actively trade domains
+ - Item C - Whether the process could be streamlined by a requirement that registries use IANA IDs for registrars rather than proprietary IDS
Get input from registries prior to starting
+ - Understand why we're looking at this question -- what problems are we trying to solve
Some issues were raised a long time ago -- are these questions still valid, given other measures that have been taken in the intervening time
Look to feedback from stakeholder groups and constituencies for initial information
Explore timing issues -- this may become a bigger issue when the number of registries goes up w/new gTLDs
Determine whether such a policy is even appropriate for ICANN to consider
+ - Draft changes to existing (or new) policy
Draft educational materials/explanations
+ - Public comment cycle(s)
+ - Publication and approval cycle