[NA-Discuss] Update on Consumer Constituency Charter Changes

[Evan Leibovitch]

We're still working on the definition of "consumer"? Sheesh.

My (CAD)$0.02:

If the planned terminology is "The CC will work to promote competition,
consumer trust, and consumer choice *in the DNS marketplace*", (emphasis
mine), then the context is clearly limited to registrants. Most end users
(ie, people who use the Internet to consume things, but are not aware of
what the DNS is, let alone exercise any choice within *its* "marketplace")
fall outside of this sphere. This is perfectly legitimate, but that wording
in the charter may not match the intended results.

If the intention is to support consumer trust (amongst consumers of *all*
things using the internet, be they goods, services, content or advertising)
the the above wording is far too narrow. In this case the DNS is only an
important link in the chain between supplier and consumer, but not the only
thing itself being consumed (so to speak). That link is certainly deserving
of protection, but it is not the end in itself to most consumers.

I fully support the mission as stated,

The  intended purpose of the Consumers Constituency is to serve as
> the conduit for consumer interests as they relate to those areas of the
> Internet within the scope of ICANN.  As representatives of consumers, who
> are using   the Internet to purchase or use goods and services, the
> Constituency will focus on aspects of DNS that impact on consumers such as
> safety, security, stability, usability, access and any other appropriate
> concerns to ensure   these are adequately represented within ICANN policy
> development.


but believe that this is at odds with

The CC will work to promote competition, consumer trust, and consumer
> choice in the DNS marketplace


This last sentence is not a good summary and should just be dropped. The
mission statement is complete as it is.

- Evan