ICANN: GNSO Operating Procedures and ICANN Bylaws

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is seeking public comments on possible changes to the Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO) Operating Procedures, as well as to the section of the ICANN Bylaws pertaining to the GNSO.

Following the completion of the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) stewardship transition, the GNSO Council recognised that changes may be needed to the GNSO current Operating Procedures and related mechanisms and to the ICANN Bylaws. Such changes would allow the GNSO to fulfil its new roles and obligations under the new ICANN Bylaws, including but not limited to the GNSO‘s participation in the Empowered Community. As such, the Council tasked a drafting team (DT) – the GNSO Rights & Obligations under Revised Bylaws Drafting Team – to elaborate recommendations for needed further changes to ICANN Bylaws and/or GNSO Operating Procedures to enable effective GNSO participation in ICANN activities. The GNSO Council accepted the DT Final Report in December 2016 and directed ‘ICANN Policy Staff to draft proposed language for any necessary modifications or additions to the GNSO Operating Procedures and, if applicable, those parts of the ICANN Bylaws pertaining to the GNSO’. 

Staff analysed the recommendations proposed by the DT and responded with its assessment as well as a number of clarifying questions. These questions were discussed in subsequent meetings between the DT and staff. Following that, the DT recommendations were translated into proposed changes in the GNSO Operating Procedures and ICANN Bylaws, now published for public comment prior to consideration by the GNSO Council and the ICANN Board.

For more information, and to contribute to this consultation, visit the dedicated webpage.

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