[NA-Discuss] Comments on proposed .XXX agreement

[Robert Guerra]

John:

I have been following the triple X discussions in a variety of fora -  
ICANN, WSIS, IGF and others.

informal consultations that Privaterra has done on the issue over the  
last year and a half have yielded conflicting comments. Here are some  
key points that have come up

1. Process  - consensus on this point

 From a process stand point - most seem to believe that ICM  
registry's application is a test of the  ICANN  process on new TLD  
creation. As it has cleared all the hurdles so far - it should be  
approved. Though many find the subject matter objectionable, it is  
believed that ICANN can only deal with process issues - as such - it  
should be approved.

To many - ICANN finally authorizing the TLD, and its insertion in the  
root file will demonstrate that ICANN processes (though slow at  
times) do in fact work.

2. Rights - Freedom of Expression / Gender issues

Few, if any organizations from the  Human rights and  Gender rights  
community are ALS members. So, though they might have expressed  
public views on the issue - it is likely they have NOT submitted  
their comments  through ICANN channels such as ALAC and/or directly  
to staff.

Informal consultations on this issue have yielded a variety of views.

For many groups - the issue is seen as a freedom of expression issue  
- not permitting the creation would be seen as censorship. Thus, the  
TLD should be approved.

  Gender activists, however see it differently - many organizations,  
particularly those from the developing south express deep concern .  
For them, it is a complex issue one where the religious right and the  
vatican are having too much of a say. The issue is not seen as just  
an ICANN issue, but in the larger lens of sexual and reproductive  
rights. The TLD should for many of them, not even have been  
considered in the first place.

Personally, my view is as follows ...  I think the domain is a  
problematic one.

 From a process standpoint - it should be approved.  However, given  
the nature and subject matter it deals with - rights  protections  
related to freedom of expression, exploitation,  among others must   
be included. Compliance with existing international treaties and  
protocols needs to be included included in any agreement. As  
vulnerable groups will be affected by this decision -  Protections  
and complaints processes need to be in place before introduction into  
the root zone can take place.

respectfully yours

Robert




On 18-Jan-07, at 2:38 AM, John L wrote:

> ICM registry, the operator of the proposed .XXX domain for  
> pornography has
> submitted a newly revised version of the proposed agreement with  
> ICANN.
> Comments may be submitted through 5 Feb.
>
> See http://www.icann.org/announcements/announcement-05jan07.htm
>
> Any ALS that thinks that .XXX is a particularly good or bad idea,  
> or that
> has issues with or comments on the rather complicated agreement should
> send something in.
>
> Regards,
> John Levine, johnl at iecc.com, Primary Perpetrator of "The Internet  
> for Dummies",
> Information Superhighwayman wanna-be, http://johnlevine.com, Mayor
> "I dropped the toothpaste", said Tom, crestfallenly.
>
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