Rec 3: RSSAC038

RSSAC Advisory on a Proposed Governance Model for the DNS Root Server System (R3)

Date Issued	Document	Reference ID	Current Phase
Jun 12, 2018	RSSAC Advisory on a Proposed Governance Model for the DNS Root Server System (R3)	RSSAC038	Phase 3 \| Board Decision Pending - External

THIS ITEM IS DEFERRED; SEE DEPENDENCIES

DESCRIPTION

The RSSAC recommends that the ICANN Board and community implement the final version of the Model based upon the principles of accountability, transparency, sustainability, and service integrity.

DEPENDENCIES

RSSAC038 Recommendation 3 will move forward pending the completion of RSSAC037 Recommendation 2.

STATUS UPDATES

Date	Phase	Type	Status Updates
Feb 6, 2026	Phase 3	Phase Update	@RSSAC Staff The GWG reviewed Public Comment submissions and finalized its report in February 2026. ICANN org is developing an implementation plan as part of the Board's consideration, which will include mapping of this recommendation.
Oct 6, 2025	Phase 3	Phase Update	@RSSAC Staff The GWG published its draft report for Public Comment in mid-August 2025. The proceeding closed in late September 2025. Several submissions called on the GWG to clarify the relationship between the proposed Root Server System Governance Structure and ICANN. Working with the two ICANN Board liaisons, the ICANN organization will remind the GWG of pending recommendations that are dependent on the outcome of its work before it submits a final report to the ICANN Board.
Feb 11, 2025	Phase 3	Phase Update	@RSSAC Staff The ICANN organization will remind the Root Server System Governance Working Group of RSSAC038 Rec 3 as it prepares to conclude its work in the coming months.
Oct 13, 2023	Phase 3	Phase Update	ICANN sent a letter (https://www.icann.org/en/system/files/correspondence/olive-to-osborn-13oct23-en.pdf) to the RSSAC regarding this Advice item.
Sep 28, 2023	Phase 3	Phase Update	ICANN org continues to support the discussions of the Root Server System Governance Working Group (GWG) as it considers RSSAC037 and RSSAC038. The GWG is targeting July 2024 to publish its proposal.
Jun 6, 2023	Phase 3	Phase Change	Now in Phase 3: Board Decision Pending - External.
Jun 6, 2023	Phase 3	Dependencies	RSSAC038 Recommendation 3 will move forward pending the completion of RSSAC037 Recommendation 2.
Dec 16, 2019	Phase 3	Phase Update	On 07 November 2019 a Board Resolution addressed RSSAC037 Recommendation 1 https://www.icann.org/resources/board-material/resolutions-2019-11-07-en#2.d. (R-2) Moved to Implementation. (R-3) Awaiting completion of (R-2).
Apr 18, 2019	Phase 3	Phase Update	As part of the ICANN Board's consideration of RSSAC037, ICANN org prepared a "Concept Paper on a Community-Driven Process to Develop a Final Model Based on RSSAC037" (ICANN Board Concept Paper). The ICANN Board Concept Paper outlines a community-driven process to develop a final model for the RSS to be led by the Root Server System Governance Working Group (GWG). To launch the work of the GWG, ICANN org developed a draft charter and operating procedures and a draft work plan. RSSAC037, the ICANN Board Concept Paper, and the draft charter and operating procedures and draft work plan for the GWG are ready for Public Comment.
Aug 17, 2018	Phase 3	Phase Change	Now in Phase 3: Evaluate & Consider.
Aug 17, 2018	Phase 2	AP Feedback	ICANN received confirmation of Understanding from the RSSAC.
Jul 24, 2018	Phase 2	Board Understanding	The ICANN org understands RSSAC038 Recommendation 3 is for the ICANN Board and community to implement the final version of the Model for implementation based on RSSAC037 based upon the principles of accountability, transparency, sustainability, and service integrity.
Jul 24, 2018	Phase 2	Phase Update	Understanding sent to RSSAC for review.
Jun 18, 2018	Phase 2	Phase Change	Now in Phase 2: Understand.
Jun 18, 2018	Phase 1	Phase Update	ICANN acknowledged receipt of Advice.
Jun 15, 2018	Phase 1	Phase Update	RSSAC published RSSAC038: RSSAC Advisory on a Proposed Governance Model for the DNS Root Server System Link: https://www.icann.org/en/system/files/files/rssac-038-15jun18-en.pdf.