Interim Policy Oversight Committee

iPOC is the abbreviation for gTLD-MoU Interim Policy Oversight Committee, which was formed under the provisions of the gTLD-MoU . The gTLD-MoU is the international framework in which policies for the enhancement and administration of the Internet’s generic Domain Name System (DNS) are developed. The iPOC was basically established to oversee the Council of Registrars (CORE) and CORE-gTLDs and to set policies for the CORE and its Registrars in accordance to the gTLD-MoU.

Members

The task of appointing members for this interim committee was handed over to the Internet Society (ISOC). The ISOC was requested to appoint two people, one for one year and the other for a period of three years to ensure that there could have been a regular rolling replacement in the future. The members selected by the ISOC were mainly those who had fair amount of experience in the Internet Technology and share a global outlook.

Term of members of iPOC

The regular tenure of the members of the iPOC lasts for three years. However, initially the term of the members of iPOC was kept as follows:

• One year- for one representative from each - CORE, IANA, ISOC, IAB
• Two years- for Representative of the MoU Depository, WIPO, INTA, ITU
• Three years- for one representative from each – CORE, IANA, ISOC, IAB

Objective

The main objective of iPOC was to co-ordinate with the Executive Committee of the Council of Registrars (CORE) to see to it that all the Registrars operate in conjunction with the requirements led in the MoU and the CORE-MoU.

Power

• The Policy Oversight Committee has been assigned with the following powers, which it can execute from time to time.
• It can approve the names of new gTLDs as well as change the number of gTLDs.
• Change the number of Registrars but only after assuring that the global geographic distribution of the Registrars is not hampered.
• It can set new terms and conditions for applications by entities who desire to become Registrars which also include provisions for CORE to set up and collect fees for registration or any other service, which it may perform as and when required.
• Recommend to the PAB regarding amendments to MoU, which might include, but not be restricted to changes in the composition of the POC.
• It can also remove the Registrars who don’t operate consistently as per the requirements of the MoU and the CORE-MoU. However, the POC can do this only after consulting the CORE and PAB.

Working

The POC carries out all its responsibilities under the consultation of gTLD-MoU Policy Advisory Body (PAB) and CORE. The iPOC follows only those norms and practices that serve a public trust function. It requires a minimum of 67% of votes to come to any decision and none of its decisions are taken unless it has a representation of a minimum of 67% of members.

Internet Society

Internet Assigned Numbers Authority

Internet Architecture Board

World Intellectual Property Organization

International Trademark Association

International Telecommunication Union