CWG on the use of
Country & Territory names
as TLDs
(CWG UCTN)
Presentation in Copenhagen, ICANN 58
Annebeth B. Lange, co-chair for ccNSO
Scope and Work Method
 Only discussing TLDs (first level!)
 Codes and names based on ISO 3166-1
 Review existing policies
 RFC 1591
 Fast Track, overall policy IDN ccTLDs
 New gTLD policy and AGB Module 2, 2.2.1.4
 Assess feasibility of definitional Framework for
the the use of C& T as TLDs
 Not a PDP – but CCWG
 Give advice to be included in PDP
 Teleconferences weekly and F2F meetings
2
Main Conclusion:
No harmonized framework feasible
 Stakeholder groups too far from each other
 Mandate seems to be too limited to reach
consensus
 Parallel efforts, divergence and un-coordinated
 CCWG UCTN ( this group)
 Discussion on Geographic names + Country & Territory
names initially part of Subsequent Procedures in GNSO
 Awaiting the result of our work
 GAC WG on Geographic names
 Including C&T names + names of “geographical signification”
3
Interim Paper Conclusion 1:
Preliminary conclusions 2-letter strings
 The WG support the recommendation that the
existing ICANN policy of reserving 2-letter
codes for ccTLDs should be maintained
 Consistent with RFC 1591, based on standard
established and maintained independently
of ICANN and general applicable (outside of
the DNS)
 ICANN not in business to decide what is and
what is not a country
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Interim Paper Conclusion 2:
Divergence views 3-letter codes
 Maintain Status quo
 Dynamic nature ISO 3166 might create problems
 IDN ccTLD’s: overlap with definition meaningful representation
 Possible solutions
 3-letter codes on ISO 3166 treated as ccTLDs?
 3-letter codes on ISO 3166 allowed as gTLDs?

With some restrictions, e.g. support or non-objection from relevant public
authority/ccTLD

Allow all codes and names as gTLDs with no restrictions
 A wide range of views was presented on three-letter codes, with no
consensus reached.
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Current status of WG: Interim paper
 Observations, conclusions and tentative recommendations
up for public comment. What does the paper contain?
 Overview of use of country and territory names over time
 Pre-RFC 1591
 Post RFC 1591
 Evolution of proposed use as new gTLDs
 Overview of assigning method ISO 3166 Maintenance
Agency and difference in status codes assigned by MA
 Documentation of working method to consult community
to inform discussions CCWG
 Result deliberations 2-letter codes
 Lack-of result deliberations 3-letter codes
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Tentative Recommendations in the
Interim Report
 Continue work in this area, however in other
format
 Consolidate all efforts into one effort
 Clearer link with policy development processes,
but how should we do that?
 Should c & t names as TLDs be treated in GNSO PDP?
 Should ccNSO have a PDP with this issue?
 Or, should we have a CWG with extended mandate?
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Next steps
 Awaiting public comment on Interim paper
 Provide updated Recommendations to ccNSO and
GNSO Councils (anticipated at ICANN 59)
 Should the second recommendation from Study
Group be activated?
 Letter to the ICANN Board from ccNSO Council to exclude
country & territory names until when?
 Until we have managed to find a harmonized framework all
can agree on?
 Await final report CCWG UCTN
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Final words
 Read the report
 The Interim Paper has been posted for public
comment: https://www.icann.org/publiccomments/cwg-uctn-interim-paper-2017-02-24-en
 Give us your view on how to treat C & T names as TLDs
in subsequent round
 The public comment period will close 21 April 2017
 Do not hesitate to ask Bart or me if you need
clarification
 Thanks for listening
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Questions?
Annebeth B. Lange
[email protected]