This is the workspace for the Root Server System Governance Working Group (RSS GWG).
Purpose and Mandate
The Root Server System Governance Working Group (RSS GWG) is the core of the community-driven process to develop a final cooperation and governance model for the RSS. The RSS GWG shall embrace the principles outlined in “RSSAC037: A Proposed Governance Model for the DNS Root Server System” (RSSAC037).
Scope
In fulfilling its purpose and mandate, the RSS GWG shall respect the independence of the Root Server Operators (RSOs) as defined by the Root Server System Advisory Committee (RSSAC) in “RSSAC042: RSSAC Statement on Root Server Operator Independence.”
Deliverable
The RSS GWG shall develop a final model (“GWG Model”) of cooperation and governance for the RSS and present its deliverable to the RSSAC, ICANN Board, ICANN community, IETF/IAB, and RSOs. The RSS GWG shall refer to RSSAC037 and the Concept Paper as source documents, as well as feedback from Public Comment.
The GWG Model will inform the discussions and deliberations of the ICANN Board in responding to RSSAC037 and determining next steps in the evolution of the RSS in conjunction with the RSSAC and RSS stakeholders.
Composition
The GWG shall comprise ten (10) voting invited representatives due to their subject matter expertise:
- Two (2) from the Country Code Names Supporting Organization (ccNSO)
- Two (2) from the Internet Engineering Task Force/Internet Architecture Board (IETF/IAB)
- Two (2) from the Registries Stakeholder Group (RySG)
- Three (3) from the Root Server Operators (RSOs)
- One (1) from the Security and Stability Advisory Committee (SSAC)
The GWG shall also comprise three (3) non-voting liaisons:
- One (1) from the ICANN Board
- One (1) from the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA)
- One (1) from the Root Zone Maintainer (RZM)
The representatives and liaisons will provide input that informs RSS GWG discussions and decisions. Every member of the RSS GWG will provide a statement of interest and disclose potential conflicts of interest. RSS GWG members are not compensated.
Representation on the RSS GWG will not be the only source of stakeholder participation. Rather, the RSS GWG is expected to undertake proactive engagement and consultation with the wider community as part of its process. The RSS GWG will seek informed contributions when necessary.
The At-Large Advisory Committee (ALAC), Address Supporting Organization (ASO), Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC), broader Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO) community, and global Internet community will be invited to provide input on the outcomes of the RSS GWG via Public Comment.
Leadership
The RSS GWG shall elect from its representatives a chair to manage its work and preside over RSS GWG meetings.
Decisions
The RSS GWG shall operate on the basis of consensus. For the purposes of RSS GWG work and outcomes, consensus, to be determined by the chair, is based on general agreement without any formal objections. If consensus cannot be achieved, the RSS GWG representatives may make decisions and adopt outcomes by vote. A vote passes with a simple majority (half plus one) of RSS GWG representatives present in the meeting. Prior to all votes, a quorum must be established. A quorum is a simple majority (half plus one) of RSS GWG representatives.
Transparency
The RSS GWG shall work openly and transparently. RSS GWG mailing lists shall be publicly archived. RSS GWG meetings shall be recorded and publicly archived; minutes of GWG meetings shall be published as soon as possible following approval by the RSS GWG. The RSS GWG shall conduct its work remotely and align any meetings with existing events already supported by ICANN org.
Work Plan and Reporting
The RSS GWG shall adopt, publish, and adhere to a work plan. The RSS GWG shall provide a monthly report to the ICANN Board (through the Board Technical Committee) and a report to the ICANN community ahead of every ICANN Public Meeting.
Dissolution
The RSS GWG shall dissolve after the RSSAC, ICANN Board, ICANN community, IETF/IAB, and RSOs consider the outcomes of the RSS GWG.
Resources and Support
ICANN org shall provide necessary resources and support staff for the RSS GWG. The support staff are designated by ICANN org and report to ICANN org.
