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New gTLD applicants: here’s how to lobby the GAC

Kevin Murphy, July 20, 2012, 09:15:41 (UTC), Domain Policy

ICANN’s Governmental Advisory Committee has let it be known that it’s open to receiving communications from new gTLD applicants.
But the GAC will only hear briefings from applicants at the request of GAC members, according to a notice posted on the GAC’s web site recently.
The GAC has strong powers to recommend the rejection of new gTLD applications, so naturally enough some applicants have already been lobbying to reinforce their positions.
Applicants are now being asked to send information to a specific email address or — implicitly — to lobby GAC representatives individually.
The new statement reads:

It is important to bear in mind that GAC members are still in the process of analysing the list of applications and applicants for new gTLDs. However, there have been a number of requests from applicants or other interested stakeholders to brief or provide briefing material to the GAC.
Briefings for the GAC will only be scheduled on a best-efforts basis and entirely at the request of GAC members.
An internal process for handling requests and tracking materials is being put in place, but those wanting to make their interest or availability known or to express an interest in providing written materials to the GAC can contact the GAC via gacsec@gac.icann.org. A list of those expressing interest or availability or that have provided materials will be made available to the GAC membership.

The GAC caused controversy last month when it accepted the European Broadcasting Union’s application for Observer status on the committee.
The EBU is also an applicant for .radio, which is contested by Donuts, Afilias and BRS Media.
BRS Media claims this is a conflict of interest and recently started lobbying for the EBU to withdraw its application. This week, it set up a web site to promote its cause.

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Comments (2)

  1. Michael R. Graham says:
    July 24, 2012 at 5:26 am

    Kevin: What do you think of Fairwinds/CADNA’s new push for a blocking service? Sounds like a deal, but is it only marketing?

    Reply
  2. Philip Corwin says:
    July 25, 2012 at 9:37 pm

    The GAC announcement raises several important timing and policy issues that I have addressed at:
    http://internetcommerce.org/GAC-gTLD_Briefings

    Reply

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