Changes

ICANN has published extensive documentation explaining the background and rationale for the community TLD concept in the analyses it has published of each of seven rounds of public comment that were conducted on the applicant guidebook.<ref>[http://newgtlds.icann.org/en/about/historical-documentation/matrix-comment-summaries-analyses]</ref> Key points from those analyses are summarized here:

ICANN has published extensive documentation explaining the background and rationale for the community TLD concept in the analyses it has published of each of seven rounds of public comment that were conducted on the applicant guidebook.<ref>[http://newgtlds.icann.org/en/about/historical-documentation/matrix-comment-summaries-analyses]</ref> Key points from those analyses are summarized here:

'''Applicant Guidebook V1 ICANN Comment Analysis: '''

'''Applicant Guidebook V1 ICANN Comment Analysis: '''

In cases where multiple community-based applications meet comparative evaluation criteria, but neither has demonstrated significantly more support than the other or they represent different communities, and they cannot settle the contention amongst them, an auction will be held between these applications.

In cases where multiple community-based applications meet comparative evaluation criteria, but neither has demonstrated significantly more support than the other or they represent different communities, and they cannot settle the contention amongst them, an auction will be held between these applications.

'''Applicant Guidebook V2 ICANN Comment Analysis:'''  

'''Applicant Guidebook V2 ICANN Comment Analysis:'''  

Application category designation. To lodge an application as "community‐based" is a choice open to the applicant. Whether the application satisfies any criteria for this distinction is not assessed unless a community objection is lodged against it or contention resolution through comparative evaluation takes place.

Application category designation. To lodge an application as "community‐based" is a choice open to the applicant. Whether the application satisfies any criteria for this distinction is not assessed unless a community objection is lodged against it or contention resolution through comparative evaluation takes place.

Definition and criteria. Many comments suggested “sharpening” the community definition to make it more objective. As stated under v) above, the scoring criteria embody the requirements, rather than a definition per se, and the definition suggestions have been considered in the significant work undertaken to arrive at the most objective criteria possible. The goal of the GNSO in creating the community‐based TLD was to afford them a preference in contention situations. The result though requires the creation of labels, objection processes, compliance mechanisms and evaluations where a latitude for judgments cannot be avoided. The goal of the policy recommendation has been achieved, but with significant difficulty. ICANN is of course willing to discuss ideas for making the criteria and other aspects more objective while still meeting the goal set out by the GNSO and also facilitating a timely, predictable process.

Definition and criteria. Many comments suggested “sharpening” the community definition to make it more objective. As stated under v) above, the scoring criteria embody the requirements, rather than a definition per se, and the definition suggestions have been considered in the significant work undertaken to arrive at the most objective criteria possible. The goal of the GNSO in creating the community‐based TLD was to afford them a preference in contention situations. The result though requires the creation of labels, objection processes, compliance mechanisms and evaluations where a latitude for judgments cannot be avoided. The goal of the policy recommendation has been achieved, but with significant difficulty. ICANN is of course willing to discuss ideas for making the criteria and other aspects more objective while still meeting the goal set out by the GNSO and also facilitating a timely, predictable process.

'''Applicant Guidebook V3 ICANN Comment Analysis:'''

'''Applicant Guidebook V3 ICANN Comment Analysis:'''

Community comment suggests the creation of several TLD categories: for example, single‐owner, country, intergovernmental organization, socio‐cultural, community and open. Depending on the category, various accommodations are suggested: for example, no requirements for an ICANN contract, or to use accredited registrars, or to follow consensus policy, or policy provisions outlined in the GAC’s ccTLD principles. Some might be restricted to not‐for‐profit status, be eligible for reduced fees, require registration restrictions, and have names reserved in anticipation of registration by certain parties.

Community comment suggests the creation of several TLD categories: for example, single‐owner, country, intergovernmental organization, socio‐cultural, community and open. Depending on the category, various accommodations are suggested: for example, no requirements for an ICANN contract, or to use accredited registrars, or to follow consensus policy, or policy provisions outlined in the GAC’s ccTLD principles. Some might be restricted to not‐for‐profit status, be eligible for reduced fees, require registration restrictions, and have names reserved in anticipation of registration by certain parties.

One comment suggested eliminating the idea of community‐based applications altogether. The concept of community‐based applications comes from the GNSO’s policy recommendations on which the implementation of the New gTLD Program is based. Although they may be small or tightly focused, '''it is expected that community‐based TLDs will add value to the namespace in serving the needs of diverse user groups.'''

One comment suggested eliminating the idea of community‐based applications altogether. The concept of community‐based applications comes from the GNSO’s policy recommendations on which the implementation of the New gTLD Program is based. Although they may be small or tightly focused, '''it is expected that community‐based TLDs will add value to the namespace in serving the needs of diverse user groups.'''

Applicant Guidebook V4 ICANN Comment Analysis:  

 

 

 

'''Applicant Guidebook V4 ICANN Comment Analysis:'''

 

A comment notes a potential imbalance between the requirement for at least one endorsement of a community‐based application, and the requirement that there be substantial opposition in the event of a community objection. It is intended that the application should have substantial support as well; however, this is difficult to establish based on a certain number threshold. It may well be that an applicant supported by one institution or group means substantial support for that case (e.g., a highly structured community with only one relevant institution or endorsement from the pre‐eminent institution in that area). Conversely, the standard for a successful community objection requires that the opposition be substantial so that the dispute resolution process is a consideration of the issues rather than a means for a single entity to eliminate an application. Opposition from a single entity might also be determined substantial in a given case.

A comment notes a potential imbalance between the requirement for at least one endorsement of a community‐based application, and the requirement that there be substantial opposition in the event of a community objection. It is intended that the application should have substantial support as well; however, this is difficult to establish based on a certain number threshold. It may well be that an applicant supported by one institution or group means substantial support for that case (e.g., a highly structured community with only one relevant institution or endorsement from the pre‐eminent institution in that area). Conversely, the standard for a successful community objection requires that the opposition be substantial so that the dispute resolution process is a consideration of the issues rather than a means for a single entity to eliminate an application. Opposition from a single entity might also be determined substantial in a given case.

The complete defense to a community objection (§ 3.4.4 in fine) has also been raised and addressed in connection with previous drafts of the Applicant Guidebook. After extensive review and consideration, the complete defense has been eliminated. However, in order to prevail against a defense that an applicant would have had standing to object, objector must prove an elevated level of likely detriment.

The complete defense to a community objection (§ 3.4.4 in fine) has also been raised and addressed in connection with previous drafts of the Applicant Guidebook. After extensive review and consideration, the complete defense has been eliminated. However, in order to prevail against a defense that an applicant would have had standing to object, objector must prove an elevated level of likely detriment.

Applicant Guidebook V5 ICANN Comment Analysis:  

 

 

 

'''Applicant Guidebook V5 ICANN Comment Analysis:'''

Some comments expressed concern with the use of public comment by the panel in the case of a community priority evaluation. Essentially, these suggested that the public comment forum would invite floods of comment in support of or opposition to an application in an attempt to influence the panel‘s consideration. Module 4 of the Guidebook states that: ―To be taken into account as relevant opposition, such objections or comments must be of a reasoned nature. Sources of opposition that are clearly spurious, unsubstantiated, or filed for the purpose of obstruction will not be considered relevant.‖ ICANN agrees that the public comment forum should not be used as a mathematical polling mechanism and that the instructions to the panel will make clear that quantity of comments is not in itself a deciding factor. The Guidebook is being revised to clarify this point in the area of support as well as opposition.

Some comments expressed concern with the use of public comment by the panel in the case of a community priority evaluation. Essentially, these suggested that the public comment forum would invite floods of comment in support of or opposition to an application in an attempt to influence the panel‘s consideration. Module 4 of the Guidebook states that: ―To be taken into account as relevant opposition, such objections or comments must be of a reasoned nature. Sources of opposition that are clearly spurious, unsubstantiated, or filed for the purpose of obstruction will not be considered relevant.‖ ICANN agrees that the public comment forum should not be used as a mathematical polling mechanism and that the instructions to the panel will make clear that quantity of comments is not in itself a deciding factor. The Guidebook is being revised to clarify this point in the area of support as well as opposition.

Some comments state that community-based governance mechanisms should be part of the criteria. To add points for a multi‐stakeholder governance structure in general, or regarding policy development in particular, certainly has some merit but would add considerable complexity to the assessment and require additional compliance measures post‐delegation. '''The community priority evaluation is not intended to be a means of requiring various types of community representation models.''' However, it is expected that an accountability to the community is present, as demonstrated by the other criteria (e.g., delineation of the community, registration policies, and documentation of support).

Some comments state that community-based governance mechanisms should be part of the criteria. To add points for a multi‐stakeholder governance structure in general, or regarding policy development in particular, certainly has some merit but would add considerable complexity to the assessment and require additional compliance measures post‐delegation. '''The community priority evaluation is not intended to be a means of requiring various types of community representation models.''' However, it is expected that an accountability to the community is present, as demonstrated by the other criteria (e.g., delineation of the community, registration policies, and documentation of support).

'''Applicant Guidebook V6 ICANN Comment Analysis:''

 

'''Applicant Guidebook V6 ICANN Comment Analysis:'''

 

As noted in previous analyses of public comments regarding the threshold for winning in Community Priority Evaluation, community views on the required score diverge, with strong arguments put forward for either 13 or 14 points as the most appropriate value. Regarding the example given in the comment, implying that two groups‘ opposition would make the applicant lose two points and likely score overall below the threshold, '''this will be the case if the opposition is duly reasoned and comes from sizeable groups within the addressed community - arguably a sign that the support is undermined.'''  

As noted in previous analyses of public comments regarding the threshold for winning in Community Priority Evaluation, community views on the required score diverge, with strong arguments put forward for either 13 or 14 points as the most appropriate value. Regarding the example given in the comment, implying that two groups‘ opposition would make the applicant lose two points and likely score overall below the threshold, '''this will be the case if the opposition is duly reasoned and comes from sizeable groups within the addressed community - arguably a sign that the support is undermined.'''  

In fact, the same comment on risks with opposition scoring for community applicants was submitted for an earlier AG and prompted in depth consideration and refinement of the guidelines for criterion 4. The proposed position is not to change the wording of the guidelines.

In fact, the same comment on risks with opposition scoring for community applicants was submitted for an earlier AG and prompted in depth consideration and refinement of the guidelines for criterion 4. The proposed position is not to change the wording of the guidelines.

Source: http://newgtlds.icann.org/en/about/historical-documentation/matrix-comment-summaries-analyses  

Source: http://newgtlds.icann.org/en/about/historical-documentation/matrix-comment-summaries-analyses

==Applied for Community TLDs==

==Applied for Community TLDs==