Monday, 7 March

At-Large Leadership Welcome to ICANN73

• An overview of the At-Large sessions was provided. 
• JZ provided a review of the At-Large ICANN73 Talking Points. 

• No Actions Noted

Tuesday, 8 March

Board Meeting with the ALAC

• Topic 1: Volunteer Retention
  • ALAC suggested the establishment of indicators for ICANN volunteers
  • Board noted the significant efforts and activities to volunteer engagement and retention. Also noted the number of languages of interpretation offered. Highlighted regional meeting rotation to engage with regions. Acknowledged the concept the indicators is of interesting and asked ALAC to contribute additional information on their ideas. 
  • The Board also raised the issue of retention and also how to show achievement of volunteers. 
  • The Board raised how we measure trust that volunteers are being appreciated.  
  • The Board encouraged to continue to engage with new people. Need to steer away from the narrative that volunteers are not appreciated given the number of activities in place to engage and recognize them. 
  • AG noted the difference between volunteers who are at ICANN because they are paid or further their career as opposed to those who are purely volunteer. 
  • MM stated that she likes idea of indicators to show trust. We don't need to reinvent the wheel, there are processes that exist that we could look at. 
• Topic 2 - Improving Policy Development Processes
  • Holistic Review
  • Board noted that the terms of reference are being developed. 
  • Board noted limited resources. Let us find the solution together. 
  • Board commented that it takes the input of volunteers and paid contributors equally. 
  • SB noted ABRs - some are not further along. 
  • JZ noted need for policy staff support. 
  • DO commented that there are generally 5 FTEs and that there is a need to elevate the policy support position. Also noted on re-structuring of At-Large support. 
  • JZ welcomed the comments. 
• Topic 3: Importance to At-Large of the Prioritization Activity
  • CLO gave an overview of the ALAC Prioritisation Assessment Tool (APAT) Review. 

• No Actions Noted

NARALO Monthly Meeting - Blockchain, NFTs, and Decentralized Domains - What is the impact on end-users, internet security and stability, and ICANN?

NARALO held a session with a presentation on "Blockchain, NFTs, and Decentralized Domains - What is the impact on end-users, internet security and stability, and ICANN?"

• The Panelist were Tom Barrett (encirca.com [encirca.com]) and Jeff Neuman (jjnsolutions.com [jjnsolutions.com]). They presented an overview of NFTs and decentralized domain names and discussed the implications for end-users, internet security, and stability, and ICANN. The session was held in an interactive fashion, with questions and answers for attendees presented in polls.
• The panelists addressed the question , “How does this impact the Internet and what role should ICANN have vis-a-vis these decentralized domain names?” 
• The emergence of Blockchain technology which has spawned countless DNS variants along with new top-level domain namespaces and alternative roots.  They noted that all of this activity is happening outside of ICANN's oversight and regulatory framework. 
• The implications on ICANN of a "decentralized" web were analyzed. Speakers explained that this Decentralized Web is unlikely to be regulated by ICANN. It is Anonymous, no Whois, no zone files, no consensus policies, no accredited contracted parties that could enforce consensus policies.
• There will be no Unified Alternative root. There are duplicate alternative TLDs.
• It is expected that the root will double the size by 2030.
• Digital wallet apps may simply ignore new ICANN TLDs.
• NARALO members also provided an update on Upcoming Elections and NomCom Update.

• No Actions Noted

At-Large Policy Session 2: Prioritisation Framework: ALAC Prioritisation Assessment Tool (APAT) Review 

• Part 1 - Work of OFB on Prioritization
  • Cheryl Langdon-Orr provided an update on the progress that the OFB-WG Small Group has made on the recommendations, Board actions, ALAC/At-Large priorities as well as developed a way to follow the progress. 
  • The ALAC Prioritization Assessment Tool (APAT) is a way for At-Large, and perhaps other SOACs/org to track the progress of recommendations from reviews. 
  • Recommendations covered: ATRT3, MSM, WS2, CCT-RT, SSRT, and RDS
  • Next Steps on APAC - APAC is a mechanism for the community to look over time on progress, prioritization and also re-order prioritization where necessary.  
• Part 2 - ICANN Org approaches on Prioritization Framework
  • Xavier Calvez, Sr Executive and CFO, provided an introduction to the Org Planning and Implementation Operations. 
    
    • Becky Nash leads the Planning Team.
    • Becky Nash is leading the Pilot on Prioritization Community Coordination Group is starting and the ALAC's work will be able to contribute to this group. 
    • Giovanni Seppia is leading the Implementation Operations.
  • Becky Nash provided an update on the Planning Prioritization Framework and Pilot - A draft prioritization framework will be used during the annual planning process. 
  • Giovanni Seppia provided an update on the Implementation Operations focus 
    • ATRT3 - 5 recommendations approved by Board
    • SSR2 - 63 recommendations approved by Board
    • CCT - 35 recommendations approved by Board
    • RDS-WHOIS2 - 22 recommendations approved by Board
    • WS2 - 116 recommendations have been approved by Board
    • A community wiki page on the progress will be set up to show the progress on implementation of the various recommendations. 
• Next Steps

• No Actions Noted

Wednesday, 9 March

At-Large Policy Session 3: Protecting the Rights of Registrants and End Users for a Secure and Stable DNS

• Roundtable 1: Internet Users' Interests
  • Leon Sanchez, Board Vice President - Referenced ICANN bylaws that ALAC is the organizational home of internet end users. Noted there are other groups, NCSG, IPC, even the GAC, enables the interests of end users. Noted the RALOs and the ALSes that are able to reach out to local end users. This allows for the bottom up process through the RALOs to the ALAC. So there are more than one channel for how internet end users can participate. He also noted that individuals can participate in PDPs, although there are some membership requirements.  
  • Sarah Kiden - Cited the capacity building that is available. She noted that ALSes are active in the regions, but tend not to participate in the policy advice development process. Need to build confidence in the end users. Also, end users need to be empowered so they can contribute to the policy development process. Some in At-Large mentor people who need to build capacity. 
  • Jonathan Zuck - Noted the work of the CPWG. He described the tools of the CPWG. They include the two way dialogue from the CPWG to the RALOs and ALSes. There is room for growth here. Another tool is the use of surveys, both end user surveys and professional surveys Noted the End User Survey that is going to be focused on the topic of IDNs and UA in the Hindi speaking area of India. 
  •  Pari Esfandiari - The internet is indispensable, cited pandemic use of Zoom and Ukraine invasion. Pointed out the challenges of cybercrime and other challenges of the internet. DNS abuse can lead to significant interruption to the stability of the internet. There are risks to the social contract as relates to end users' trust of the internet. Regulation and guidance are necessary.   
  • On the question of turning interests into right, caution was raised. A suggestion to include discussion of end user and registrant rights in courses that Fellows take. 
• Roundtable 2: Registrants' Rights 
  • Becky Burr, Board Member - Noted that the ICANN Bylaws' core values are the best place to start - and finish. They note the importance of stability of the DNS, accountability/transparency and broad participation among disparate stakeholders. These core values are meant to protect the rights of registrants - as well as other stakeholders. Privacy and confidentiality are also key and recognized as a human right.  There needs to be a balance. Registries and Registrars are interested in protecting the rights of registrants. 
  • Brian Gutterman, Org staff - Outlined registrant rights within ICANN, its bylaws and core values, as well as the RAA. The EERP, Transfer Policy, WDRP and other community developed policies. Within the RAA are the Registrants Rights and Responsibilities. He noted the role of ICANN's Registrant Program in ICANN including raising information and educating registrants.  
  • Milton Mueller, NCSG - Discussed various rights within ICANN, trademark owners. Current rights protection mechanisms, there are various levels for privacy, free expression and property rights.
  • On question of what ICANN needs to do to further enhance registrants inclusion, Brian noted ICANN is always striving to improve registrants' inclusion. 
• Roundtable 3: Protecting the Rights of Registrants and End Users for a Secure and Stable DNS
  • Holly Raiche, ALAC Members - Three interests for Registrants - choice, security, and (post-GDPR) privacy. Raised issues on the AuthInfo Code. 
  • Edmon Chung, Board Member - Registrants need trusts, including when using IDNs. Variant TLDs are an issue for registrants. Also, single character TLDs are important in Chinese. So the way the rules are put in place are important. There are many different policies regarding IDNs that impact Registrants and end users. 
  • Charles Mok, former APRALO Chair - Addressed the future of registrants and end users interests - Not everyone exercises their rights. Is there a necessity to develop a Registrant bill of rights? The people who are impacted, may not know their rights. Raised a concern that gov'ts may tell ICANN what to do. He cited Ukraine's recent request. He is concerned this will become more political. To really protect registrant rights, we need protect those who are not participating in the process. How do we define the rights they need - and enforce them? 

• No Actions Noted

Joint Session: AFRALO-AfrICANN 

• Göran Marby thanked AFRALO for successfully convoking the AFRALO-AFRICANN 28th meeting. He mentioned that Internet users in Africa will soon benefit from faster access and better protection from cyberattacks, thanks to the installation of two root server clusters. He shared the announcement of the ICANN-Managed Root Server Clusters to strengthen Africa’s internet infrastructure: https://www.icann.org/resources/press-material/release-2022-02-28-en
• He also mentioned the announcement ICANN Expands DNSTICR to Monitor Terms Related to Russia-Ukraine war https://www.icann.org/en/announcements/details/icann-expands-dnsticr-to-monitor-terms-related-to-russiaukraine-war-09-03-2022-en
• Seun Ojedeji AFRALO Chair thanked Goran for ICANN’s commitment to support that internet remains on globally, particularly in the current context of conflict in the world.
• The AFRALO-AFRICANN statement " Call on the ICANN org and Community to intensify the efforts in curbing DNS Abuse" was read out at the meeting, no objections or edits were presented by participants. The statement was considered approved. 

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Joint Session: ALAC & GNSO Council

• Welcoming comments were provided by Maureen Hilyard and Philippe Fouquart.
• Justine Chew provided the context and noted that this session is a working session. Also, expressed hope that this will be a regular meeting. 
• Topic 1 - SSAD
  • Justine provided background and explanation of SSAD. 
  • GNSO Council. (Sebastien Ducos) - Noted it is early days for GNSO and small team to review. From the comment we have seen, many believe ODA doesn't provide all answers. More thinking is needed. One topic that was discussed with the Board is that of a pilot in order to test a few hypotheses. Everyone realizes this is a big project. There are questions on the financial sustainability, useage, etc. We will go back to the GNSO Council and then to the Board. 
  • ALAC (Alan Greenberg and Hadia Elminiawi) - Hadia noted that the implementation timeline of 5-6 years raises many questions. Will this system be obsolete in 6 years? Is it flexible enough? Alan raised point that many believe that the ODA will not meet needs. Noted the ALAC is against the SSAD. 
• Topic 2 - SubPro ODP
  • Justine provided background and explanation of SubPro ODP.
  • GNSO Council (Jeff Neuman) - Noted that two sets of questions received by org GDS. We submitted answers to the first set and are working through the second set. ICANN org is responsible to do all the implementation. GNSO council discussed on two meetings. Regardless of whether this is classified as policy or implementation, there is recognition that there is much work to be done. The GNSO Council is exploring if some of the work can be done now. 
  • ALAC (Jonathan Zuck) -  Commented that the ALAC felt that there were still some policy issues remaining (applicant support). 
• Topic 3 - DNS Abuse Mitigation
  • Justine provided background and explanation of DNS Abuse mitigation. 
  • GNSO Council (Mark Datysgeld) - GNSO council has sent outreach forms to the community. We are hoping to hear their views by end of March. We have not yet reached agreement on definitions. Outlined steps from the policy side. Looking for the community to arrive at aspects that can be addressed. Noted that a more complete policy action can be reached. Once we hear back from the community at the end of March, they will have a meeting. Noted they wish to scope something attainable. 
  • ALAC (Jonathan Zuck) - The task in  front of us is who can be doing what. The DNS Abuse Institute, policy and ICANN. We need to do the homework on what steps fall in the rights hands. Would like ICANN Compliance can sit down with them and work things out. The ALAC will do our best to do our assessments. It is possible that the GNSO has a role in developing in the trusted notifier program. Acknowledged that we have received the letter with three broad questions. 
• Topic 4 - Priorities for 2022
  • GNSO Council - (Philippe) - Cited recent GNSO webinars. The above topics, as well as IDNs, IGO, and Scoping Team on Data Accuracy. These activities will take a lot of time.
  • ALAC (Cheryl Langdon-Orr) - The ALAC and Regional Leaders have had metrics in place since the ICANN Meeting in Mexico. However, since the 2nd At-Large Review, we have focused on ALS and Unaffiliated Members. 
  • ALAC (Alan Greenberg) - Explained ALSes and new expectations as well as plans for mobilization. 
  • ALAC (Roberto Gaetano) - Introduced unaffiliated member mobilization activities. Noted potential for individual members. 

Thursday, 10 March

Joint Session: ALAC & GAC

• Topic 1 - Public Interest Processes, discussed in light of the plenary session 
  • ALAC (Marita Moll) - Provided a review of the Global Public Interest Framework (GPIF) that took place at ICANN73. Outcome included general agreement that the GPIF should continue moving forward.
  • GAC (Veliiar Nemiguentcheva) - Noted for the GAC the question on how the GPIF can be used, including 1) who should be applying the GPIF; 2) When it should be applied and 3) How it should be applied (TBC); Also, how to reconcile the MSM and the different interests among the stakeholders. There is still some questions on the next steps.
  • Next steps - ALAC/GAC to discuss more to fully understand how to use the GPIF and collaboration opportunities.   
• Topic 2 - Universal Acceptance and IDNs 
  • ALAC (Satish Babu) - Clear and significant alignment of interests between GAC and ALAC on UA and IDNs; Numerous benefits of closing the UA gap, still important gaps on UA readiness; ALAC has been taking up UA-related activities within the RALOs; Noted the ALAC work on an end user survey on IDNs and UA in India in the Hindi language. 
  • GAC (Nigel Hickson) - Noted that the UA/IDNs are extremely importance and that are commitment to everyone having access to the internet, IDNs and UA are key. Reviewed session on UA during ICANN73. Although progress has been made, governments need to do more. Commented that end users who are coming to governments asking for IDNS and UA and therefore there should be greater collaboration between GAC and ALAC. 
• Topic 3 - SSAD
  • GAC (Laureen Kapin) - Registrars will need to make the decision. The viability rests with them. There is also some uncertainties raised in the ODA. So there is a package of uncertainty. In addition, there is also a question on time, 4-6 years for full implementation. Headline here is that the SSAD ODA raises many questions and may not give the Board the information they require. 
  • ALAC (Alan Greenberg) - Strong correlation between ALAC/GAC positions. On the financial aspects of the ODA, the range of costs was very vast. The SSAD report allowed ICANN to fully subsidize the development costs and part of the operational costs and the ODA team ignored both. The report allowed requesters to provide assurances of how they would use the data. However, the ODA did not allow for these. Finally, the SSAD will take too long to deploy, will not provide sufficient value, and will not be able to keep up with the new regulations. Conclusion from ALAC is that it should not be built. 
• Topic 4 -ALAC and GAC Coordination at the National Level 
  • ALAC (Yrjo) - One might argue that the MSM begins at home. A few possible option: National multi stakeholder bodies; National and regional IGFs - cited Finnish MS committee that discuss this. Also leveraging expertise available at the ALS level. Suggested that best practices like this would be collected by both groups and compared either inter-sessionally or ICANN74. 
  • GAC (Shi Young) - Asked whether there are good practices of enhancing multi-stakeholderism through public-private partnership at national level. What are the challenges for making collaborative efforts in the policy development among various stakeholders. Finally, raised question on how the ALAC/GAC can improve cooperation among various stakeholders at national level. 
• Joanna Kulesza commented that there are several areas for collaboration. Opened floor for questions and answers as well as possible areas of future collaborative work.
• Many best practices were noted in the chat. Joanna Kulesza noted that there appeared to be much opportunity for collaboration on best practices. 
• Q/A
  • Manal Ismail - Noted it would be difficult to add a topic beyond the 8 already agreed.
  • Dai Morishita -  Asked for update on proposed ALAC/GAC small group on DNS abuse. Joanna commented that this work will move forward at the inter-sessional. 

At-Large Wrap up sessions 

• All participants provided updates and highlights on their respective meetings.
• Guest speakers remarks:
  • Maarten Botterman noted that he looks forward to meeting with the community in person in the Hague.
  • Goran mentioned that the war on Ukraine has impacted our priorities, ICANN 73 was held in a very different context, it was a very intense period for the Board and the organization, he cited the request received from the Ukrainian government, which was addressed by ICANN org, setting aside 1 million $.
  • ICANN org also announced the issuance of waivers for registrants in Ukraine, ICANN also implemented actions to prevent DNS Abuse.
  • Goran emphasized that this ICANN 73 meeting is a testament to the efficiency of the MS model and that we should be proud of the model.
  • Goran’s Big take away is to thank the community for the work and commitment to the MS.

  • Leon sanchez  stressed that he is very proud to be part of the community and to see At-Large’s evolution.

  • Leon highlighted the DNS Abuse related session as well as the session on User’s rights.
  • He emphasized the distinction between interests and rights.
  • Congratulated NARALO on the Blockchain session.
  • He considered that the Board-ALAC session was a highlight, we are transitioning into a more candid, fluid and sincere conversation between ALAC and the Board.
  • The AFRALO-AFRICANN session on Capacity for DNS abuse dealt with capacity building for end users which is a mission worthwhile supporting. He congratulated AFRALO for that initiative.

  • Edmon Chung, talked about his experience as a new Board member so far. He feels energized with the work done at the Board. He highlighted that the work of UA-IDNs, the work of the community and ALS is key to get IDNS on the ground, he is  quite excited to chair the UA-IDNS work at the Board level, supporting the expansion of staff to support UA.

  • Edmon also suggested follow up work to pursue the idea of Users Bill of rights for those who are not part of the community.
  • He noted the importance of the At-Large group of Global Public interest framework
  • Finally he noted that the war on Ukraine is disheartening and we stand in solidarity with Ukraine.