[discuss] Transparency and Accountability vis-à-vis ICANN and the IANA functions

Sun Mar 30 18:58:21 UTC 2014

George,

These are good points. I think there is a need to separate ICANN's (and its successor) functions. First, there is the technical IANA function that must follow its own protocols with regard to changes in the root zone. Milton Meuller has been posting a lot about this and he probably has some insights into this side of the process. Second, ICANN has a number of associated constituencies (GAC, CNSO, ccNSO, ALAC, etc.) that have a direct interest in DNS operations. Third, there are, or may be in the future, ad hoc or long standing groups that have a temporary or transient need to engage with ICANN, or its successor, over specifically defined issues. It might be good here to think of the "Onion Skin" perspective in the Strategic Engagement Report. 

In each of the above it will be necessary to define "accountability" and "transparency." While there may be cross cutting principles, each will require a specific set of deliverables for how accountability and transparency are defined, measured and resolved. 

Perhaps it will be good to look at some core principles that will apply everywhere, then focus on the onion skin and look at those that may apply at the different levels.

Best,

Ben

On Mar 28, 2014, at 3:59 PM, George Sadowsky <george.sadowsky at gmail.com> wrote:

> 
> 
> HERE ARE SOME THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
> 
> What definition of the word ‘accountability’ best fits how we believe ICANN’s acceptability should be judged and measured, either for itself only, or for its post-transition stewardship of the IANA functions, or both?
> 
> In each case, specifically to WHOM would ICANN be accountable, and if the target of accountability is distributed, how would it be distributed?  In other words, if ‘A' is ICANN, who is ‘B’ in the above definition in red?
> 
> In each case, specifically for WHAT would ICANN be accountable?  How can the degree of accountability be measured, or is that not directly relevant?  In the context of the definition in red above, what are the set of 'actions and decisions' for which ICANN is accountable?
> 
> If we could get general agreement on the responses to the above questions, it might be possible to use this approach for an initial evaluation of any transition alternatives that are proposed.
> 
> MORE
> 
> This discussion does not include the issue of actions that are taken when accountability is found to be lacking.  That’s an equally important question that we also need to take up, but let’s see if we can answer this one first.
> 
> 
> I would like it if the above subject would stimulate some discussion.
> 
> Thanks for reading,
> 
> George
> 
> 
> (Much thanks to John Curran, Bill Graham, Bruce Tonkin, Suzanne Woolf and Jonathan Zuck, who had the insights that led to some of the above ideas)
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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Dr. Ben Fuller
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