Jan, 2008 : Possible ‘Next Steps' in Dispute Resolution

MARINA DEL REY, Calif.: Following the posting of the Frameworksand Principles for Accountability and Transparency, the Internet Corporationfor Assigned Names and Numbers today published a document that countenancessome possible additional improvements in dispute resolution mechanisms.

In response to feedback on accountability and transparency issues duringthe consultation process - especially feedback received during a workshop atICANN's Los Angeles meeting held in November 2007 - the ‘Next Steps' documentcontains two ideas:

First, that the Board Governance Committee schedule a review of existingdispute resolution mechanisms to identify ways in which they may might provideeven higher levels of accountability. This approach is inline with ICANN'scommitment to regularly review its structures.

Second, that in the context of the upcoming Board review, the possibilityof a mechanism for the community to ask the Board to reconsider a decisionbe investigated, along with a mechanism to dissolve and reconstitute the Boardshould it engage in unethical or other misbehavior.

The document [PDF,89K] is posted for public notice prior to final consideration by the Board.

About ICANN:

ICANN is responsible for the global coordination of the Internet's systemof unique identifiers like domain names (like .org, .museum and country codeslike .uk) and the addresses used in a variety of Internet protocols that helpcomputers reach each other over the Internet. Careful management of these resourcesis vital to the Internet's operation, so ICANN's global stakeholders meet regularlyto develop policies that ensure the Internet's ongoing security and stability.ICANN is an internationally organized, public benefit non-profit company. Formore information please visit: www.icann.org .

Media Contacts:

Jason Keenan
Media Adviser, ICANN (USA)
Ph: +1 310 382 4004
E: jason.keenan@icann.org

International: Andrew Robertson
Edelman (London)
Ph: +44 7921 588 770
E: andrew.robertson@edelman.com