New GEO-TLDs: More Consumer Choice or More Consumer Confusion?

Date: 26th June

Time: 1230 - 1430

Room: Tropical A/B

Recording: Download MP3 (142MB)

Official ICANN Agenda Page for this Session

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After years of discussion ICANN is moving towards the adoption of a policy framework for the introduction of new gTLDs. Among the most controversial categories of new gTLDs are TLDs which refer to names of cities and regions. Some groups argue that such new so-called GEO-TLDs would give consumers more choice and would stimulate competition among service providers. On the other hand some governments and private sector constituencies have raised concerns and argue that GEO-TLDs would lead to consumer confusion or would affect public policy. The ALAC Workshop "New GEO-TLDs: More Consumer Choice or More Consumer Confusion?" offers a space for discussion and exchange of arguments. Three projects - .berlin, .nyc and .paris - are presented. Comments will come from different constituencies from the private sector, civil society and governments as well as from members of various ICANN bodies.

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AGENDA

Presentation of Geo-TLD Initiatives (30 Minutes)

1. Amadeu Abril I Abril, .cat (TBC)
2. Tom Lowenhaupt, .nyc Project
3. Dirk Kirschenowski, .berlin Project
4. Sebastian Bachollet, .paris Project

Comments from Constituencies (30 Minutes)

1. Governments: Bertrand de la Chapelle, French Government, GAC Member
2. Trademark Owners: Peter Helmonds, Siemens-Nokia (TBC)
3. Users: Beau Brendler, Consumer Reports WebWatch
4. Registrars: Werner Staub, CORE
5. Registries: Philipp Grabensee, Afilias

Comments from ICANN (20 Minutes)

1. Susan Crawford, ICANN Board of Directors
2. Jon Bing, GNSO Council (TBC)
3. Jacqueline Morris, At-Large Advisory Committee
4. Ondrej Filip, CNSO Council

Comments from the Audience (20 Minutes)

Moderator: Wolfgang Kleinwächter, University of Aarhus

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DOCUMENTS

New gTLD Principles (Government Advisory Committee)
GNSO New gTLDs Report

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REMOTE PARTICIPATION

Please join MR NICK ASHTON HART on JUN-26-2007 (Tuesday) at 04:30 PM UNIVERSAL TIME.
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