Dear ICA Members,
March roars in like a lion as we start the month with yet another ICANN global conference, with this event taking place in Mexico City. As always, the ICA is on the scene to ensure domain owner rights are not placed in jeopardy at the conference taking place 1-6 March 2009.
Highlights of the show are likely to include hot debate on ICANN’s rollout plans for new gTLDs, how the economy will affect ICANN’s budget for 2009 and beyond, and proposed changes among the constituencies and working groups.
So, watch InternetCommerce.org for the latest news on ICA activities, and encourage others to become an ICA member and join the fight!
Best Wishes,
Jeremiah Johnston
President, Internet Commerce Association
ICA Update
-As tax time nears, we will be sending an email to members with information regarding tax deductions related to ICA membership fees. Federal lobbying activities must be deducted from the portion of fees used for operating expenses, and once we close the books on 2008 that information will be distributed to members.
- Watch your inbox or mail box for your 2009 Membership Renewal Form. Questions regarding memberships can be sent to contact@internetcommerce.org. Your renewal is crucial to keeping the ICA on the beat when Congress is in session or when ICANN reps are meeting to change the rules once again.
Legislative Update
- As the Kentucky Supreme Court considers arguments in the crucially important case involving the attempted seizure of 141 domain names, take a chance to review the arguments put forth by the plaintiffs representing the Governor. As soon as the Court issues a decision we will update InternetCommerce.org with more information.
- The Coalition Against Domain Name Abuse, whose members include Marriott, Nike and Verizon, hosted a briefing for executives and staffers from Capital Hill on the dangers posed by the introduction of new gTLDs and plans closed-door meetings with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Those taking part include the Financial Services Roundtable, National Association of Manufacturers, Motion Picture Association of America, Recording Industry Association of America and other industry groups including ICANN. House and Senate Commerce, Judiciary and Small Business committees may hold hearings this year according to reports. Senate Small Business ranking member Olympia Snowe is expected to lead the effort in her chamber with Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla. They introduced legislation in the last Congress to protect consumers from a form of Internet-based identity theft known as "phishing" in what became known as the Snowe Bill. "At the end of the day, the fix is not better methods for cleaning up the mess but some sort of overhaul of the domain name system to prevent the mess from occurring in the first place," she said. CADNA President Joshua Bourne vowed to "court an international community," including foreign governments, to make them aware of the expected changes to the Internet and potential risks.
For developments, watch the ICA website and newsletter for more information.
ICANN Update
ICA Joins ICANN Business Constituency Working Group on Registration Abuse Policy
The ICA is an International Member of ICANN’s Business Constituency. We recently learned that, on February 19, the Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO), ICANN’s policymaking body, approved a motion (below) to establish a new Working Group on Registration Abuse Policies (WGRAP).
The ICA has elected to become a member of this Working Group. As professional registrants, domain name investors and developers have a vested interest in assuring that ICANN policies do not permit abuse of the domain registration process, while also assuring that legitimate business practices are not mischaracterized as abuses. The WGRAP is charged with identifying issues and recommending to the GNSO whether a formal Policy Development Process (PDP) should be initiated on registration abuses.
Recruitment for ICANN Leadership Positions: 2009 Nominating Committee
The 2009 Nominating Committee is actively seeking candidates for key positions within ICANN:
- Three members of the ICANN Board of Directors
- Thee members of the At Large Advisory Committee (for the African, Asia/Australia/Pacific, and Latin American regions)
- Two members of the Council of the Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO)
- One member of the Council of the Country-Code Names Supporting Organization (ccNSO)
Those selected by the Nominating Committee will take their seats at the end of the 2009 ICANN Annual Meeting, 30 October 2009 in Seoul, Korea. Information on applying is available at http://nomcom.icann.org/. Prospective candidates are invited to submit their Statements of Interest to the Nominating Committee by 15 April 2009.
ICA On the Road
The ICA would like to extend a special thank you to the team at Oversee.net for another spectacular DOMAINfest event when they hosted their flagship show in Hollywood at the end of January. Capped off with a memorable night of drinks and charity at the Playboy Mansion, the event organizers provided the ICA with ample booth space to distribute copies of our 2008 Annual Report and interact with visitors.
And the ICA couldn’t pass up a chance to mix Mardi Gras and mingling with domainers, and by all accounts Domainer Mardi Gras proved the two go hand in hand. ICA member and fan favorite Ron Jackson was in attendance to remind everyone on the importance of keeping a voice in Washington.
2009 © Internet Commerce Association (ICA). All rights reserved.
www.internetcommerce.org