The Continued Transition of the Technical Coordination and Management of the Internet's Domain Name and Addressing System: Midterm Review of the Joint Project Agreement, 62220-62222 [E7-21626]

Download as PDF 62220 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 212 / Friday, November 2, 2007 / Notices Appreciation NIST extends its appreciation to all submitters and those providing public comments during the SHA–3 development process. Dated: October 29, 2007. Richard F. Kayser, Acting Deputy Director, NIST. [FR Doc. E7–21581 Filed 11–1–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–13–P National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XD70 North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Notice of Plan Team Meetings National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Meetings. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The North Pacific Fishery Management Council’s Gulf of Alaska (GOA) and Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands (BS/AI) groundfish plan teams will meet in Seattle. DATES: November 13–16, 2007. The meetings will begin at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, November 13, and continue through Friday November 16. ADDRESSES: Alaska Fisheries Science Center, 7600 Sand Point Way N.E., Building 4, Observer Training Room (GOA Plan Team) and Traynor Room (BS/AI Plan Team), Seattle, Washington. Council address: North Pacific Fishery Management Council, 605 W. 4th Ave., Suite 306, Anchorage, AK 99501–2252. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jane DiCosimo or Diana Stram, NPFMC, 907– 271–2809. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Agenda Principal business is to prepare and review the stock assessments for groundfish fisheries in the BSAI and GOA and recommend catch specifications for 2008/2009. Agenda posted on website at: https:// www.fakr.noaa.gov/npfmc/ pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES Special Accommodations These meetings are physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Gail Bendixen, 907–271–2809, at least 5 working days prior to the meeting date. 15:58 Nov 01, 2007 Jkt 214001 of the formats specified above. Comments will be posted to NTIA’s website at https://www.ntia.doc.gov/ ntiahome/domainname/ jpamidtermreview.html. BILLING CODE 3510–22–S FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Telecommunications and Information Administration [Docket No. 071023616–7617–01] DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE VerDate Aug<31>2005 Dated: October 29, 2007. Tracey L. Thompson, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E7–21543 Filed 11–1–07; 8:45 am] The Continued Transition of the Technical Coordination and Management of the Internet’s Domain Name and Addressing System: Midterm Review of the Joint Project Agreement National Telecommunications and Information Administration, U.S. Department of Commence ACTION: Notice of Inquiry AGENCY: SUMMARY: The United States Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) seeks comments on the continued transition to the private sector of the technical coordination and management of the Internet’s domain name and addressing system (DNS). NTIA and the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) signed a Joint Project Agreement (JPA) on September 29, 2006. It called for a midpoint review of ICANN’s progress towards becoming a more stable organization with greater transparency and accountability in its procedures and decision making. The Department of Commerce seeks comment regarding the progress achieved on the Responsibilities identified in the JPA. DATES: Comments are due on or before February 15, 2008. ADDRESSES: Written comments may be submitted by mail to Suzanne R. Sene, Office of International Affairs, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, 1401 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room 4701, Washington, DC 20230. Paper submissions should include a three and one-half inch computer diskette in HTML, ASCII, Word or WordPerfect format (please specify version). Diskettes should be labeled with the name and organizational affiliation of the filer, and the name of the word processing program used to create the document. Alternatively, comments may be submitted electronically to JPAMidTermReview@ntia.doc.gov. Comments provided via electronic mail should also be submitted in one or more PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 For questions about this Notice contact: Suzanne R. Sene, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room 4701, Washington, DC 20230; telephone: (202) 482–3167; or email: ssene@ntia.doc.gov Please direct media inquiries to the Office of Public Affairs, NTIA, at (202) 482–7002. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background: A July 1, 1997 Executive Memorandum directed the Secretary of Commerce to privatize the domain name system (DNS) in a manner that increases competition and facilitates international participation in its management.1 In order to fulfill this Presidential directive, the Department of Commerce in June 1998, issued a statement of policy on the privatization of the Internet Domain Name System (DNS), known as the DNS White Paper.2 This document articulated four primary functions for global DNS coordination and management: 1. To set policy for and direct the allocation of IP number blocks; 2. To oversee the operation of the Internet root server system; 3. To oversee policy for determining the circumstances under which new top level domains (TLDs) would be added to the root server system; and 4. To coordinate the assignment of other technical protocol parameters as needed to maintain universal connectivity on the Internet. In the DNS White Paper, the Department of Commerce concluded that these functions were relevant to the state of the DNS and should be primarily performed through private sector management. To this end, the Department of Commerce stated that it was prepared to enter into agreement with a new not-for-profit corporation formed by private sector Internet stakeholders. Private sector interests formed the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) for this purpose. In the fall of 1998, the Department of Commerce entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with ICANN, a California non-profit corporation, to transition technical DNS 1 Memorandum on Electronic Commerce, 2 Pub. Papers 898 (July 1, 1997). 2 Management of Internet Names and Addresses, 63 Fed. Reg. 31,741 (June 10, 1998). E:\FR\FM\02NON1.SGM 02NON1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 212 / Friday, November 2, 2007 / Notices coordination and management functions to the private sector.3 On June 30, 2005 NTIA released the U.S. Principles on the Internet’s Domain Name and Addressing System, which state: the United States Government intends to preserve the security and stability of the DNS by maintaining its historic role in authorizing changes or modifications to the authoritative root zone file; governments have legitimate interest in the management of their country code top level domains (ccTLD); ICANN is the appropriate technical manager of the Internet’s DNS; and dialogue related to Internet governance should continue in relevant multiple fora.4 On May 23, 2006, NTIA issued a Notice of Inquiry and announced a Public Meeting on The Continued Transition of the Technical Coordination and Management of the Internet Domain Name and Addressing System.5 The public consultation resulted in over 700 contributions from individuals, private corporations, trade associations, non-governmental entities and foreign governments. It showed broad support for continuing the transition of the coordination of the technical management of the DNS to the private sector and the continued involvement of the DOC in this transition. On September 29, 2006, NTIA and ICANN signed a Joint Project Agreement (JPA) extending the current Memorandum of Understanding between the Department and ICANN. The JPA called for a midpoint review of ICANN’s progress towards becoming a more stable organization with greater transparency and accountability in its procedures and decision making. pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES REQUEST FOR COMMENT: Given the requirement of a midterm review in the JPA, NTIA seeks comments on the progress achieved on the Responsibilities included in the JPA. The questions below are intended to assist in identifying the issues and should not be construed as a limitation on comments that may be submitted. 3 Memorandum of Understanding Between the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (November 25, 1998), available at https:// www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/domainname/icannmemorandum.htm. 4U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Principles on the Internet’s Domain Name and Addressing System (June 30, 2005), https://www.ntia.doc.gov/ ntiahome/domainname/ usdnsprinciplesl06302005.htm. 5U.S. Department of Commerce,Notice of Inquiry, Notice of Public Meeting: The Continued Transition of the Technical Coordination and Management of the Internet Domain Name and Addressing System to the private sector. https://www.ntia.doc.gov/ ntiahome/domainname/dnstransition.html. VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:58 Nov 01, 2007 Jkt 214001 When references are made to studies, research, and other empirical data that are not widely published, please provide copies of the referenced materials with the submitted comments. 1. In the JPA, ICANN agreed to undertake the following with respect to security and stability: ‘‘ICANN shall 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 identifier systems.’’6 What progress do you believe ICANN has achieved with regard to this Responsibility since October 1, 2006? If you believe that progress has been made, please explain how and why? Could more be done by ICANN in this area? 2. In the JPA, ICANN agreed to undertake the following with respect to transparency: ‘‘ICANN shall continue to develop, test and improve processes and procedures to encourage improved transparency, accessibility, efficiency, and timeliness in the consideration and adoption of policies related to technical coordination of the Internet DNS, and funding for ICANN operations. ICANN will innovate and aspire to be a leader in the area of transparency for organizations involved in private sector management.’’7 What progress do you believe ICANN has achieved with regard to this Responsibility since October 1, 2006? If you believe that progress has been made, please explain how and why? Could more be done by ICANN in this area? 3. In the JPA, ICANN agreed to undertake the following with respect to accountability: ‘‘ICANN shall continue to develop, test, maintain, and improve on accountability mechanisms to be responsive to global Internet stakeholders in the consideration and adoption of policies related to the technical coordination of the Internet DNS, including continuing to improve openness and accessibility for enhanced participation in ICANN’s bottom-up participatory policy development processes.’’8 What progress do you believe ICANN has achieved with regard to this Responsibility since October 1, 2006? If you believe that progress has been made, please explain how and why? Could more be done by ICANN in this area? 4. In the JPA, ICANN agreed to undertake the following with respect to root server security and relationships: ‘‘ICANN shall continue to coordinate with the operators of root name servers JPA Annex A, ¶ 1. at ¶ 2. 8Id at ¶ 3. and other appropriate experts with respect to the operational and security matters, both physical and network, relating to the secure and stable coordination of the root zone; ensure appropriate contingency planning; maintain clear processes in root zone changes. ICANN will work to formalize relationships with root name server operators.’’9 What progress do you believe ICANN has achieved with regard to this Responsibility since October 1, 2006? If you believe that progress has been made, please explain how and why? Could more be done by ICANN in this area? 5. In the JPA, ICANN agreed to undertake the following with respect to TLD management: ‘‘ICANN shall maintain and build on processes to ensure that competition, consumer interests, and Internet DNS stability and security issues are identified and considered in TLD management decisions, including the consideration and implementation of new TLDs and the introduction of IDNs. ICANN will continue to develop its policy development processes, and will further develop processes for taking into account recommendations from ICANN’s advisory committees and supporting organizations and other relevant expert advisory panels and organizations. ICANN shall continue to enforce existing policy relating to WHOIS, such existing policy requires that ICANN implement measures to maintain timely, unrestricted and public access to accurate and complete WHOIS information, including registrant, technical, billing and administrative contact information. ICANN shall continue its efforts to achieve stable agreements with country-code top-level domain (ccTLD) operators.’’10 What progress do you believe ICANN has achieved with regard to this Responsibility since October 1, 2006? If you believe that progress has been made, please explain how and why? Could more be done by ICANN in this area? 6. In the JPA, ICANN agreed to undertake the following with respect to the multi-stakeholder model: ‘‘ICANN shall maintain and improve multistakeholder model and the global participation of all stakeholders, including conducting reviews of its existing advisory committees and supporting organizations, and will continue to further the effectiveness of the bottom-up policy development processes. ICANN will strive to increase engagement with the Private Sector by 6See 7Id PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4703 9Id at ¶ 4. at ¶ 5. 10Id Sfmt 4703 62221 E:\FR\FM\02NON1.SGM 02NON1 pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES 62222 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 212 / Friday, November 2, 2007 / Notices developing additional mechanisms for involvement of those affected by the ICANN policies.’’11 What progress do you believe ICANN has achieved with regard to this Responsibility since October 1, 2006? If you believe that progress has been made, please explain how and why? Could more be done by ICANN in this area? 7. In the JPA, ICANN agreed to undertake the following with respect to the role of governments: ‘‘ICANN shall work with the Government Advisory Committee Members to review the GAC’s role within ICANN so as to facilitate effective consideration of GAC advice on the public policy aspects of the technical coordination of the Internet.’’12 What progress do you believe ICANN has achieved with regard to this Responsibility since October 1, 2006? If you believe that progress has been made, please explain how and why? Could more be done by ICANN in this area? 8. In the JPA, ICANN agreed to undertake the following with respect to IP addressing: ‘‘ICANN shall continue to work collaboratively on a global and regional level so as to incorporate Regional Internet Registries’ policymaking activities into the ICANN processes while allowing them to continue their technical work. ICANN shall continue to maintain legal agreements with the RIRs (and such other appropriate organizations) reflecting this work.’’13 What progress do you believe ICANN has achieved with regard to this Responsibility since October 1, 2006? If you believe that progress has been made, please explain how and why? Could more be done by ICANN in this area? 9. In the JPA, ICANN agreed to undertake the following with respect to corporate responsibility: ‘‘ICANN shall maintain excellence and efficiency in operations, including good governance, organizational measures to maintain stable, international private sector organization, and shall maintain relevant technical and business experience for members of the Board of Directors, executive management, and staff. ICANN will implement appropriate mechanisms that foster participation in ICANN by global Internet stakeholders, such as providing educational services and fostering information sharing for constituents and promoting best practices among industry segments.’’14 What progress do you believe ICANN has achieved with 11Id at ¶ 6. at ¶ 7. 13Id at ¶ 8. 14Id at ¶ 9. 12Id VerDate Aug<31>2005 regard to this Responsibility since October 1, 2006? If you believe that progress has been made, please explain how and why? Could more be done by ICANN in this area? 10. In the JPA, ICANN agreed to undertake the following with respect to its corporate administrative structure: ‘‘ICANN shall conduct a review of, and shall make necessary changes in, corporate administrative structure to ensure stability, including devoting adequate resources to contract enforcement, taking into account organizational and corporate governance ‘‘best practices.’’15 What progress do you believe ICANN has achieved with regard to this Responsibility since October 1, 2006? If you believe that progress has been made, please explain how and why? Could more be done by ICANN in this area? Dated: October 30, 2007. John M. R. Kneuer, Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information. [FR Doc. E7–21626 Filed 11–1–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–60–S COMMITTEE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF TEXTILE AGREEMENTS Request for Public Comment on Short Supply Petition under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) October 29, 2007. The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA). ACTION: Request for Public Comments concerning a request for modification of the NAFTA rules of origin for knit pile fabric made from acrylic staple fiber. AGENCY: SUMMARY: On October 29, 2007, the Chairman of CITA received a request from Monterey Mills, alleging that certain acrylic staple fibers, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning, classified under subheading 5503.30 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), cannot be supplied by the domestic industry in commercial quantities in a timely manner and requesting that CITA consider whether the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) rule of origin for knit pile fabrics, classified under HTSUS subheading 6001.10, should be modified to allow the use of non-North American acrylic staple fiber. The President may proclaim a modification to the NAFTA rules of 15Id 15:58 Nov 01, 2007 Jkt 214001 PO 00000 at ¶ 10. Frm 00019 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 origin only after reaching an agreement with the other NAFTA countries on the modification. CITA hereby solicits public comments on this request, in particular with regard to whether acrylic staple fiber of HTSUS subheading 5503.30 can be supplied by the domestic industry in commercial quantities in a timely manner. Comments must be submitted by December 3, 2007 to the Chairman, Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements, Room 3001, United States Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 20230. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Carrigg, International Trade Specialist, Office of Textiles and Apparel, U.S. Department of Commerce, (202) 482-3400. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Authority: Section 204 of the Agricultural Act of 1956, as amended (7 USC 1854); Section 202(q) of the North American Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (19 USC 3332(q)); Executive Order 11651 of March 3, 1972, as amended. BACKGROUND: Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), NAFTA countries are required to eliminate customs duties on textile and apparel goods that qualify as originating goods under the NAFTA rules of origin, which are set out in Annex 401 to the NAFTA. The NAFTA provides that the rules of origin for textile and apparel products may be amended through a subsequent agreement by the NAFTA countries. See Section 202(q) of the NAFTA Implementation Act. In consultations regarding such a change, the NAFTA countries are to consider issues of availability of supply of fibers, yarns, or fabrics in the free trade area and whether domestic producers are capable of supplying commercial quantities of the good in a timely manner. The Statement of Administrative Action (SAA) that accompanied the NAFTA Implementation Act stated that any interested person may submit to CITA a request for a modification to a particular rule of origin based on a change in the availability in North America of a particular fiber, yarn or fabric and that the requesting party would bear the burden of demonstrating that a change is warranted. NAFTA Implementation Act, SAA, H. Doc. 103-159, Vol. 1, at 491 (1993). The SAA provides that CITA may make a recommendation to the President regarding a change to a rule of origin for a textile or apparel good. SAA at 491. The NAFTA Implementation Act provides the President with the authority to proclaim modifications to the NAFTA rules of origin as are E:\FR\FM\02NON1.SGM 02NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 212 (Friday, November 2, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 62220-62222]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-21626]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Telecommunications and Information Administration

[Docket No. 071023616-7617-01]


The Continued Transition of the Technical Coordination and 
Management of the Internet's Domain Name and Addressing System: Midterm 
Review of the Joint Project Agreement

AGENCY: National Telecommunications and Information Administration, 
U.S. Department of Commence

ACTION: Notice of Inquiry

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The United States Department of Commerce's National 
Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) seeks comments 
on the continued transition to the private sector of the technical 
coordination and management of the Internet's domain name and 
addressing system (DNS). NTIA and the Internet Corporation for Assigned 
Names and Numbers (ICANN) signed a Joint Project Agreement (JPA) on 
September 29, 2006. It called for a midpoint review of ICANN's progress 
towards becoming a more stable organization with greater transparency 
and accountability in its procedures and decision making. The 
Department of Commerce seeks comment regarding the progress achieved on 
the Responsibilities identified in the JPA.

DATES: Comments are due on or before February 15, 2008.

ADDRESSES: Written comments may be submitted by mail to Suzanne R. 
Sene, Office of International Affairs, National Telecommunications and 
Information Administration, 1401 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room 4701, 
Washington, DC 20230. Paper submissions should include a three and one-
half inch computer diskette in HTML, ASCII, Word or WordPerfect format 
(please specify version). Diskettes should be labeled with the name and 
organizational affiliation of the filer, and the name of the word 
processing program used to create the document. Alternatively, comments 
may be submitted electronically to JPAMidTermReview@ntia.doc.gov. 
Comments provided via electronic mail should also be submitted in one 
or more of the formats specified above. Comments will be posted to 
NTIA's website at https://www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/domainname/
jpamidtermreview.html.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For questions about this Notice 
contact: Suzanne R. Sene, National Telecommunications and Information 
Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue, 
N.W., Room 4701, Washington, DC 20230; telephone: (202) 482-3167; or 
email: ssene@ntia.doc.gov Please direct media inquiries to the Office 
of Public Affairs, NTIA, at (202) 482-7002.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background: A July 1, 1997 Executive 
Memorandum directed the Secretary of Commerce to privatize the domain 
name system (DNS) in a manner that increases competition and 
facilitates international participation in its management.\1\ In order 
to fulfill this Presidential directive, the Department of Commerce in 
June 1998, issued a statement of policy on the privatization of the 
Internet Domain Name System (DNS), known as the DNS White Paper.\2\ 
This document articulated four primary functions for global DNS 
coordination and management:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Memorandum on Electronic Commerce, 2 Pub. Papers 898 (July 
1, 1997).
    \2\ Management of Internet Names and Addresses, 63 Fed. Reg. 
31,741 (June 10, 1998).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    1. To set policy for and direct the allocation of IP number blocks;
    2. To oversee the operation of the Internet root server system;
    3. To oversee policy for determining the circumstances under which 
new top level domains (TLDs) would be added to the root server system; 
and
    4. To coordinate the assignment of other technical protocol 
parameters as needed to maintain universal connectivity on the 
Internet.
    In the DNS White Paper, the Department of Commerce concluded that 
these functions were relevant to the state of the DNS and should be 
primarily performed through private sector management. To this end, the 
Department of Commerce stated that it was prepared to enter into 
agreement with a new not-for-profit corporation formed by private 
sector Internet stakeholders. Private sector interests formed the 
Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) for this 
purpose. In the fall of 1998, the Department of Commerce entered into a 
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with ICANN, a California non-profit 
corporation, to transition technical DNS

[[Page 62221]]

coordination and management functions to the private sector.\3\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ Memorandum of Understanding Between the U.S. Department of 
Commerce and the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers 
(November 25, 1998), available at https://www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/
domainname/icann-memorandum.htm.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    On June 30, 2005 NTIA released the U.S. Principles on the 
Internet's Domain Name and Addressing System, which state: the United 
States Government intends to preserve the security and stability of the 
DNS by maintaining its historic role in authorizing changes or 
modifications to the authoritative root zone file; governments have 
legitimate interest in the management of their country code top level 
domains (ccTLD); ICANN is the appropriate technical manager of the 
Internet's DNS; and dialogue related to Internet governance should 
continue in relevant multiple fora.\4\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Principles on the 
Internet's Domain Name and Addressing System (June 30, 2005), http:/
/www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/domainname/usdnsprinciples_06302005.htm.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    On May 23, 2006, NTIA issued a Notice of Inquiry and announced a 
Public Meeting on The Continued Transition of the Technical 
Coordination and Management of the Internet Domain Name and Addressing 
System.\5\ The public consultation resulted in over 700 contributions 
from individuals, private corporations, trade associations, non-
governmental entities and foreign governments. It showed broad support 
for continuing the transition of the coordination of the technical 
management of the DNS to the private sector and the continued 
involvement of the DOC in this transition. On September 29, 2006, NTIA 
and ICANN signed a Joint Project Agreement (JPA) extending the current 
Memorandum of Understanding between the Department and ICANN. The JPA 
called for a midpoint review of ICANN's progress towards becoming a 
more stable organization with greater transparency and accountability 
in its procedures and decision making.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\U.S. Department of Commerce,Notice of Inquiry, Notice of 
Public Meeting: The Continued Transition of the Technical 
Coordination and Management of the Internet Domain Name and 
Addressing System to the private sector. https://www.ntia.doc.gov/
ntiahome/domainname/dnstransition.html.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

REQUEST FOR COMMENT:

    Given the requirement of a midterm review in the JPA, NTIA seeks 
comments on the progress achieved on the Responsibilities included in 
the JPA.
    The questions below are intended to assist in identifying the 
issues and should not be construed as a limitation on comments that may 
be submitted. When references are made to studies, research, and other 
empirical data that are not widely published, please provide copies of 
the referenced materials with the submitted comments.
    1. In the JPA, ICANN agreed to undertake the following with respect 
to security and stability: ``ICANN shall 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 identifier systems.''\6\ What progress do you believe ICANN has 
achieved with regard to this Responsibility since October 1, 2006? If 
you believe that progress has been made, please explain how and why? 
Could more be done by ICANN in this area?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\See JPA Annex A, ] 1.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    2. In the JPA, ICANN agreed to undertake the following with respect 
to transparency: ``ICANN shall continue to develop, test and improve 
processes and procedures to encourage improved transparency, 
accessibility, efficiency, and timeliness in the consideration and 
adoption of policies related to technical coordination of the Internet 
DNS, and funding for ICANN operations. ICANN will innovate and aspire 
to be a leader in the area of transparency for organizations involved 
in private sector management.''\7\ What progress do you believe ICANN 
has achieved with regard to this Responsibility since October 1, 2006? 
If you believe that progress has been made, please explain how and why? 
Could more be done by ICANN in this area?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\Id at ] 2.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    3. In the JPA, ICANN agreed to undertake the following with respect 
to accountability: ``ICANN shall continue to develop, test, maintain, 
and improve on accountability mechanisms to be responsive to global 
Internet stakeholders in the consideration and adoption of policies 
related to the technical coordination of the Internet DNS, including 
continuing to improve openness and accessibility for enhanced 
participation in ICANN's bottom-up participatory policy development 
processes.''\8\ What progress do you believe ICANN has achieved with 
regard to this Responsibility since October 1, 2006? If you believe 
that progress has been made, please explain how and why? Could more be 
done by ICANN in this area?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\Id at ] 3.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    4. In the JPA, ICANN agreed to undertake the following with respect 
to root server security and relationships: ``ICANN shall continue to 
coordinate with the operators of root name servers and other 
appropriate experts with respect to the operational and security 
matters, both physical and network, relating to the secure and stable 
coordination of the root zone; ensure appropriate contingency planning; 
maintain clear processes in root zone changes. ICANN will work to 
formalize relationships with root name server operators.''\9\ What 
progress do you believe ICANN has achieved with regard to this 
Responsibility since October 1, 2006? If you believe that progress has 
been made, please explain how and why? Could more be done by ICANN in 
this area?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\Id at ] 4.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    5. In the JPA, ICANN agreed to undertake the following with respect 
to TLD management: ``ICANN shall maintain and build on processes to 
ensure that competition, consumer interests, and Internet DNS stability 
and security issues are identified and considered in TLD management 
decisions, including the consideration and implementation of new TLDs 
and the introduction of IDNs. ICANN will continue to develop its policy 
development processes, and will further develop processes for taking 
into account recommendations from ICANN's advisory committees and 
supporting organizations and other relevant expert advisory panels and 
organizations. ICANN shall continue to enforce existing policy relating 
to WHOIS, such existing policy requires that ICANN implement measures 
to maintain timely, unrestricted and public access to accurate and 
complete WHOIS information, including registrant, technical, billing 
and administrative contact information. ICANN shall continue its 
efforts to achieve stable agreements with country-code top-level domain 
(ccTLD) operators.''\10\ What progress do you believe ICANN has 
achieved with regard to this Responsibility since October 1, 2006? If 
you believe that progress has been made, please explain how and why? 
Could more be done by ICANN in this area?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\Id at ] 5.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    6. In the JPA, ICANN agreed to undertake the following with respect 
to the multi-stakeholder model: ``ICANN shall maintain and improve 
multi-stakeholder model and the global participation of all 
stakeholders, including conducting reviews of its existing advisory 
committees and supporting organizations, and will continue to further 
the effectiveness of the bottom-up policy development processes. ICANN 
will strive to increase engagement with the Private Sector by

[[Page 62222]]

developing additional mechanisms for involvement of those affected by 
the ICANN policies.''\11\ What progress do you believe ICANN has 
achieved with regard to this Responsibility since October 1, 2006? If 
you believe that progress has been made, please explain how and why? 
Could more be done by ICANN in this area?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\Id at ] 6.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    7. In the JPA, ICANN agreed to undertake the following with respect 
to the role of governments: ``ICANN shall work with the Government 
Advisory Committee Members to review the GAC's role within ICANN so as 
to facilitate effective consideration of GAC advice on the public 
policy aspects of the technical coordination of the Internet.''\12\ 
What progress do you believe ICANN has achieved with regard to this 
Responsibility since October 1, 2006? If you believe that progress has 
been made, please explain how and why? Could more be done by ICANN in 
this area?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \12\Id at ] 7.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    8. In the JPA, ICANN agreed to undertake the following with respect 
to IP addressing: ``ICANN shall continue to work collaboratively on a 
global and regional level so as to incorporate Regional Internet 
Registries' policy-making activities into the ICANN processes while 
allowing them to continue their technical work. ICANN shall continue to 
maintain legal agreements with the RIRs (and such other appropriate 
organizations) reflecting this work.''\13\ What progress do you believe 
ICANN has achieved with regard to this Responsibility since October 1, 
2006? If you believe that progress has been made, please explain how 
and why? Could more be done by ICANN in this area?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\Id at ] 8.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    9. In the JPA, ICANN agreed to undertake the following with respect 
to corporate responsibility: ``ICANN shall maintain excellence and 
efficiency in operations, including good governance, organizational 
measures to maintain stable, international private sector organization, 
and shall maintain relevant technical and business experience for 
members of the Board of Directors, executive management, and staff. 
ICANN will implement appropriate mechanisms that foster participation 
in ICANN by global Internet stakeholders, such as providing educational 
services and fostering information sharing for constituents and 
promoting best practices among industry segments.''\14\ What progress 
do you believe ICANN has achieved with regard to this Responsibility 
since October 1, 2006? If you believe that progress has been made, 
please explain how and why? Could more be done by ICANN in this area?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \14\Id at ] 9.
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    10. In the JPA, ICANN agreed to undertake the following with 
respect to its corporate administrative structure: ``ICANN shall 
conduct a review of, and shall make necessary changes in, corporate 
administrative structure to ensure stability, including devoting 
adequate resources to contract enforcement, taking into account 
organizational and corporate governance ``best practices.''\15\ What 
progress do you believe ICANN has achieved with regard to this 
Responsibility since October 1, 2006? If you believe that progress has 
been made, please explain how and why? Could more be done by ICANN in 
this area?
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    \15\Id at ] 10.

    Dated: October 30, 2007.
John M. R. Kneuer,
Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information.
[FR Doc. E7-21626 Filed 11-1-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-60-S
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