Vertical Integration

VI stands for Vertical Integration. It is a business structure in which the various functions of the Registry Operator and the Registrar are handled by a single body, regarding to a specific gTLD. This body is either owned or is under supervision of the same company that supports the specific gTLD or the controlling body can be a partnered company which is given the contract of that specific gTLD. The Registry Operator is not required to provide equivalent access and non-discriminatory access to non-affiliated registrars to sell names under its gTLD.

Mission

The main function of the working group is to assess and suggest policies for new gTLDs and existing gTLDs. The working group is required to propose various guidelines and restrictions for the vertical separations that are presently functioning. These proposals should also serve as the guidelines and support the planning of new policies and recommendations.

Objectives

Objectives Chartered for the Vertical Integration Working Group (VIWG) as approved by the GNSO:

• To propose recommendations for the new and existing policies that will act as a guideline to provide specific directions to the ICANN staff and new gTLD applicants. The guidelines thus recommended will resolve the issue of whether the contracts for new gTLD registries can use Vertical Integration or otherwise deviate from current forms of registry-registrar separation, and equivalent access and non-discriminatory access.
• To review the current and previous ICANN gTLD registry contracts and policies to identify the current and previous restrictions and practices concerning registry-registrar separation, and equivalent access and non discriminatory access in place.
• To note the various changes in the contracts and policies of the new gTLD registrations with ICANN and check for current and previous proposals and policies while using the registry-registrar separation, and equivalent access and non-discriminatory access in place.
• To determine the potential impacts of the recommendations on the affected parties and be reasonable with time and assist to the full extent with all the problems.
• To perform the Policy Development Process (PDP) in a planned manner to avoid any delays for launching the new gTLD Program.
• The VIWG will assess the relationship between VI and CO (Cross Ownership) if any. (Cross ownership (CO) is defined as the controlling ownership of a share of a registry by a registrar, or vice-versa.)