...

The purpose of this public comment period is to obtain feedback and collect broader community input into the further development of the PAB model, and to which TLD strings it may best apply. After the public comment period is complete the ALAC will analyse the results, and – in collaboration with other community members – determine subsequent action.

Background

At In September 2013, Ron Andruff submitted a proposal to the ICANN Board's New gTLD Policy Committee suggesting the concept of Policy Advisory Boards (PABs) as a way to address what are perceived to be substantial public-interest deficiencies in the new gTLD expansion program. The ALAC was asked for comments at the time, and at the Buenos Aires ICANN meeting, two members of the Business Community acting in their individual capacity – Ron Andruff and Marilyn Cade – met with Olivier Crepin-Leblond, Alan Greenberg and Evan Leibovitch from ALAC regarding an issue of mutual interest: the advancement of Policy Advisory Boards (PABs) developed by BC members as a way to address what are perceived to be substantial public-interest deficiencies in the new gTLD expansion program.  Such concerns have been raised by the ALAC as well as the ICANN Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC) in previous communicationsto further discuss the PAB model.

On January 27 2014, the five individuals listed above sent a letter to the ICANN New gTLD Program Committee requesting it hold a Public Comment Period regarding the use of PABs to address these concerns. Responses dated February 4 from ICANN staff and subsequently February 20 from the ICANN Board have rejected this proposal, prompting the ALAC to consider holding its own Public Comment Process.

...