Historical Resolution Tracking Feature » Appointment of Board Designees for New Specific Reviews: Registration Directory Service (RDS) Review Team

Important note: The explanatory text provided through this database (including the summary, implementation actions, identification of related resolutions, and additional information) is an interpretation or an explanation that has no official authority and does not represent the purpose behind the Board actions, nor does any explanations or interpretations modify or override the Resolutions themselves. Resolutions can only be modified through further act of the ICANN Board.

Appointment of Board Designees for New Specific Reviews: Registration Directory Service (RDS) Review Team


Resolution of the ICANN Board
Meeting Date: 
Fri, 3 Feb 2017
Resolution Number: 
2017.02.03.10
Resolution Text: 

Whereas, the ICANN Bylaws specify that the Board shall cause a periodic review to assess the effectiveness of the then current gTLD registry directory service and whether its implementation meets the legitimate needs of law enforcement, promoting consumer trust and safeguarding registrant data.

Whereas, the Registration Directory Service Review (formerly referred to as the WHOIS Review) commenced with a Call for Volunteers, in October 2016.

Whereas, under the Bylaws, the Board may appoint a Director or liaison to serve as a member of the Registration Directory Service Specific Review team.

Resolved (2017.02.03.10), the Board hereby appoints Chris Disspain to serve as a member of the RDS Review Team and requests that this team develop and deliver to the Board its approved Terms of Reference and Work Plan by the 15th of May, 2017, to ensure that the team's scope and timeline is consistent with the requirements of the ICANN Bylaws.

Rationale for Resolution: 

Why is the Board addressing the issue?

On 1 October 2016, new Bylaws became effective following the IANA stewardship transition that introduced new commitments to enhance ICANN's accountability. These Bylaws incorporated the reviews under the Affirmation of Commitments, and specified new selection procedures for convening them, now referred to as "Specific Reviews." This created an opportunity for the Board to designate a representative to participate in Specific Reviews, to ensure that ICANN fulfills its commitment to remaining accountable to the Community, and to making improvements in the areas covered by the Specific Reviews. With the recent launch of the Second Review of Registration Directory Services in October 2016, the Board needs to appoint a representative for this important review.

In light of the expectation that Specific Reviews should be completed in one year, the Board is requesting the Review Team to produce its work plan and expected milestones in a timely manner, to ensure that there are adequate resources available for the Review Team to complete its review.

Are there fiscal impacts or ramifications on ICANN (strategic plan, operating plan, or budget)?

The expenses associated with conducing the 2nd RDS Review are included in the ICANN Fiscal Year 2017 Budget.

Is public comment required prior to Board action?

There is no public comment required prior to this Board action.