ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION

A short Workshop and Round Table Discussion on “IANA Transition & ICANN Accountability Process And India’s Position” was organized by Cyber Café Association of India’s (CCAOI) at Silver Oak 1 Hall in India Habitat Centre, New Delhi on May 30th, 2015. The objective of the discussion was to share the salient points of study of India’s options in the proposed IANA transition, initiate deliberation between all stakeholders on India’s approach to the queries raised by CCWG Accountability group and discuss issues, in the IANA transition which are relevant to India but not receiving adequate attention. The discussion session was moderated by Dr. Govind, CEO NIXI and Dr. Mahesh Uppal, Director, Com First India and chaired by Dr. Ajay Kumar, Joint Secretary, Department of Electronics and Information Technology. The event saw a total turn-around of about 50 dignitaries from various organizations- Government, Civil society, Industry, Industry Associations, Academics, Consultants etc. Mr. Subhrajit Nag, HOD (CSE, IT & MCA) from Dronacharya Group of Institutions, Greater Noida attended the session as delegate.

The one day round table discussion began with the introductory remarks by Dr. Govind. He introduced the audience to the panelists of the session and handed over the session to Dr. Ajay Kumar. He gave a brief overview on launch of the IANA Transition Report and its background. He went on to make the audience aware of the fact that National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), an agency of the US government, which supervises the IANA functions through a contract, announced to relinquish the oversight and shift key internet domain name functions to the global multi-stakeholder community with the expiration of IANA contract on September 30th, 2015. NTIA entrusted ICANN with the responsibility to convene stakeholders to develop a transition plan to replace their role in the IANA functions and the IANA stewardship Transition Coordinating group (ICG) was set up with responsibility of preparing the transition proposal.

Dr. Mahesh Uppal made his remarks on the INR issue and the immense interest of governments, business houses, academics and civil societies on the transition process due to the far reaching impact of domain name functions on communities both, connected or disconnected from the internet. He further added that since emerging nations like India have a critical stake in the success of the IANA function and especially the entire transition, CCAOI with the support of NIXI has conducted a study plan on “The Indian Perspective on the IANA Transition” and with approaching timelines, the discussions pertaining to the transition is moving at a rapid pace.

Mr. Samiran Gupta, head of India, ICANN announced to make ICANN, especially its policy making process more accountable due to the deliberation of the CCWG (Cross Community Working Group) Accountability group’s proposal on a wide array of corporate governance changes. He also discussed about the power to veto or approve changes in bylaws, restriction of ICANN’s mission and scope and improving the appeals mechanism and review process.

The discussion came to an end with a vote of thanks by Dr. Govind and subsequent lunch session.

The event was successful and was able to sensitize the stakeholder communities on issues pertaining to IANA transition.