When At-Large members appeared in this forum at the Prague meeting, our comments indicated criticism and disappointment.
(We are/I am) happy to say that here, thanks to what we have heard from ICANN’s new CEO and Vice President of Compliance, that mood has changed substantially to one of guarded optimism. We enthusiastically support the production and publication of widespread contractual audits. While we remain vigilant to ensure that promises are met, we are greatly encouraged by the presentations made this week.
Having said this, our attention is now turning to the regulations and prodecures that Compliance must enforce. We remain concerned that problems with the wording of clause 3.7.8 undermines the enforceability of ICANN policy. In fact, we continue our concern about the overall method of RAA reform, and reject the assertion that this is “just another contract” subject to closed negotiation. Public-interest involvement in RAA reform is critical to building the kind of global trust that ICANN needs.
In all, this week has been cause for hope. We commit to work with ICANN’s staff and to drive this agenda, and look forward to making ICANN more deserving of the trust of the billions of Internet users worldwide.
