IDN gTLD Fast Track Working Group

The IDN gTLD Fast Track Working Group (IDNG WG) had the goal of developing and reporting on feasible methods, if any, to coordinate and minimize the time difference of the introduction of new IDN ccTLDs and new IDN gTLDs to the root, to within a reasonable time frame in the context of the 2012 New gTLD process. It also would consider the possibility of introducing an IDN gTLD Fast Track.^[1]

Scope[edit | edit source]

In the Working Group's charter, we have that the IDNG WG should refer to policy recommendations already produced by the GNSO" and that, in considering feasible methods, the IDNG WG should take into account and be guided by:

the overarching requirement to preserve the security and stability of the DNS;
compliance with the IDNA protocols and ICANN IDN Guidelines;
input and advice from the technical community in respect to the implementation of IDNs;
GNSO Policy Recommendations on New gTLDs;

• draft New gTLD Applicant Guidebook and subsequent versions as they become available, along with corresponding comments received • draft IDN ccTLD Fast Track Implementation Plan and subsequent versions as they become available, along with corresponding comments received.

It was also in the scope to consider and pursue different alternatives to address the issue of parity in timing between the introduction of new IDN ccTLDs and new IDN gTLDs, which included:

feasible mechanisms to coordinate the timing for the implementation of new IDN ccTLDs and new IDN gTLDs into the root by ICANN; and
IDN gTLD Fast Track mechanism in case the New gTLD implementation process was further delayed.^[1]

Formation and Schedule[edit | edit source]

At the WG's charter, drafted by Edmon Chung, we have that the goal was to have the group formed by July 2009. In August, the Initial Report would be published and, in October, the Final Report would be released.

Considering membership, the Charter states that the IDNG WG would include members of the GNSO and the GNSO Council. The IDNG WG could select its own chair from its members.

The IDNG WG was encouraged to seek participation from the technical community as well as from other areas within the ICANN community, including the GAC, ALAC, SSAC and the ccNSO. Also, in the development of its reports, the IDNG WG could consider recommending to the GNSO Council to make a request to the ICANN Board to create a special implementation recommendations team in order to engage a community-wide discussion for the implementation of any recommendations. Should such team be assembled, the IDNG WG could consider to be merged into the membership of such team.^[1]

Outcome[edit | edit source]

The Group was put on hold when the newly-formed Joint ccNSO–GNSO IDN Working Group (JIG) was about to tackle the same timing and variant questions. The IDNG WG never published the Initial or Final Report and quietly dropped off the Council's project list.^[2]