GTLD-MoU
gTLD-MoU (Generic Top Level Domain Name-Memorandum of Understanding) is a document prepared by the Internet Ad Hoc Committee (IAHC) containing proposals to resolve the problems associated with the Domain Name System (DNS) domain name allocations. The gTLD-MoU proposed the creation of new gTLDs and to transfer the management of the DNS from the U.S. government to a self-regulatory organization composed of public and private sectors. The document was introduced to the internet community on February 28, 1997. Under the gTLD-MoU, the framework of the proposed organization shall compose of the following:[1] [2]
- The Depository of the gTLD-MoU
- Policy Advisory Body (PAB)
- Policy Oversight Committee (POC)
- Council of Registrars (CORE)
- Administrative Domain Name Challenge Panels (ACPs)
Background
In 1992, Network Solutions received a five-year contract from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to manage the domain name registration and to handle the coordination and maintenance functions of the Domain Name System. Under the NSF Cooperative Agreement, NSI will handle all these responsibilities on a "cost-plus-fee" basis wherein NSF will reimburse all the expenses of NSI plus a fixed fee. In 1996, Network Solutions started started restrictions on domain name registrations which led to the emergence of cybersquatters who would charge a huge amount of money for domain names. Trademark Infringement became a major concern among legitimate owners. NSI also started to charge $50 registration fee for domain names every year. On the middle part of 1996, Jon Postel proposed changes in the DNS management which include the creation of 50 competing domain name registries to handle the domain name registration thus, creating 150 new TLDs. The reaction of the internet community regarding Postel's proposal was mixed. Some supported it while others particularly the internet technical community criticized it. The proposal was revised and re-issued which was supported by the Internet Society. Further discussions and revisions were initiated to implement changes on the DNS management but the internet community were not able to reach a common consensus. The Internet Society and IANA organized the Internet Ad Hoc Committee to resolve the issue. The IAHC was composed of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and the Federal Networking Council (FNC) which created the gTLD-MoU.[3]