Page History

New gTLDs and Geographic names

Summary

The protection of geo names is a TECHNICAL and GOVERNANCE issue very different from any question pertaining role, participation and specific peculiarities of some countries and , economies and communities. The uses of such names, either as a Second-Level Domain names (SLD), or as a Top-Level Domain name (TLD), raise sovereignty and socio-economic concerns for many governments.

In ICANN policy-making discussions, this has proved a complex, multi-layered and disputed matter for many years. There are currently multiple strands of discussion under the heading of “geographic names”, in which the GAC and its Member may be involved to some extent, with a varying degree of concerns. The GAC plays an important role in representing and advising Government position in reference to policy development process.

Why its important to AfRALO and African Internet Users ?

Many geo names face a challenge in jurisdiction and ownership. With reference to the policy Development processes, African Internet Users need to understand the process in management of the gTLDs and geo names right from ownership to interests that affect the endusers.

Action Items

• Conduct a periodic webinars to AFRALO members to get insight into the New gTLDs and Geographic names

Registration Directory Service (RDS) and Whois

Summary

RDS and Whois are pertinent issues that relate to the ownership of Domain names. Currently information on Domain ownership are published publicly. There is a strong drive to protect registration data and improve accuracy and access to generic top-level domain registration data, as well as consider safeguards for protecting such data.

Why it's important to AfRALO and African Internet Users ?

In the current RDS and Whois WG there is little participation from Africa despite the issue being relative to the Internet and Domain System in the region. Despite the fact that the pertinent issues that affect the registry have less reports coming from Africa Region and documentation regarding to the violation of Whois records that are publicly limited - there is a need for strong awareness in the the policy discussion and recommendations given that this could affect the RDS implementation in the Africa region.  

Action Items

• Promote RDS - Whois and raise awareness among African ALS about the importance of RDS implementation.

• Coordinate with ICANN and GNSO - RDS WG to have a session to explain the relevance of AFRALO participation in the RDS PDP

• Request members from AFRALO who are passionate and willing to join the WG to become members to enhance African views and contribute to the Policy recommendations

More information on the RDS can be found https://www.icann.org/resources/reviews/specific-reviews/whois

ICANN's Accountability and Transparency

Summary

ICANN’s core mission is to coordinate, at the overall level, the global Internet’s systems of unique identifiers, and in particular to ensure the stable and secure operation of the Internet’s unique identifiers.

ICANN operates on a multi-stakeholder model that brings all interested parties together to discuss policy issues that fall within ICANN’s areas of responsibility. It follows a bottom-up model of policy development and relies on consensus from its stakeholders. For this model to operate effectively, ICANN needs to encourage participation, instill trust, make information accessible, and have sound dispute and review mechanisms.

ICANN believes that transparency and accountability are the foundations that support these elements in its operating model.

Why its important to AfRALO and African Internet Users ?

Afralo and African Internet Users need to understand the ICANNs ICANN multistakeholder process and how it ensures Accountability and Transparency.

Action Items

• Conduct a session on the processes to engage members to understand clearly the Accountability and Transparency Processes

• Seek feedback on the current Accountability and Transparent Process

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Privacy

Summary

Why its important to AfRALO and African Internet Users ?

With reference to the Map above, the grey areas marks quite a few number of countries in Africa that has some or no proper privacy laws and may need to adopt some level of adoption. This calls for the African community to be alerted on the impact of the GDPR the fact that it will affect the African Economies especially the Economies of scale which is very important.

Action Items

• Urgently set up a WG in collaboration with the ICANN Stakeholder Engagement Department and the GAC to draft a work plan to address the issues below:

  • African Region to build capacity and justify their policies in reference to how the GDPR affects the region

  • examine how the regulations will affect the African organizations and countries

  • raise awareness on the purpose of the GDPR to mitigate any risks that may result from non compliance;

Capacity Building, Awareness and Outreach to Africa ( e.g Access of ICANN materials in African/Other languages other than English )

Summary

On 24 May 2016, ICANN celebrated the opening of the first African engagement office in Nairobi, Kenya. Over the past three years, the dedication and goodwill of ICANN community and staff members have been instrumental in implementing the Africa strategy. We hope to continue on this path, increasing our institutional engagement and outreach – key elements of ICANN's Africa strategy. There is need to increase awareness and outreach in Africa region despite the setting up of the Africa Engagement Office.

Why its important to AfRALO and African Internet Users ?

AFRALO and Africa Internet Users need more ICANN Materials to learn and understand the transition of the global domain and numbers industries.

There is also need to increase the awareness and outreach to various community and fora inorder to spread the gospel of the relevance of ICANN in the Internet industry.

Action Items

• Coordinate with AFRALO Staff in Africa have ICANN materials in the region translated to more languages including Portuguese, Swahili etc

• Distribute ICANN materials to ALSes for capacity building

• Set up mechanisms to use local media (community radio, TV, social media on mobile phones) to increase awareness and reach out to communities with very limited internet access.