[APAC-Discuss] Ignorance of issues will also lead to inequities - can more time and resources be given to communicating issues to stakeholders?

[William Tibben]

Thank you for giving the opportunity to respond to the Second Milestone Report. The response is a little rushed and has not been endorsed by the PICISOC board or APRALO (where I represent PICISOC) though these points have been discussed on the PICISOC members list

Four points have been developed in response the WG's Second Milestone Report

1. The primary criteria of financial capacity tis appropriate. However, while this is necessary and  I would argue that the issue of ignorance (poor understanding of the implications of these changes) stands as a similar threat to to achieving equity of access to gTLDs. 

2. The potential for culturally uniques symbols either in graphical or text format to be appropriated without the knowledge of respective cultural groups represents a significant challenge to equity of access.

3. The WG should consider financial assistance for those who are not able to seek re-dress through channels particularly if legal costs of stakeholders are prohibitive.

4. More time and further attention to spreading the message about the work that WG is undertaking is required (see Maureen Hilyards post in this forum)

Will Tibben
Co-Vice Chair PICISOC Board 
PICISOC rep on APRALO