Strickling: No consensus yet on tools for enhancing ICANN accountability says NTIA

The Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling has given a new update on the ongoing proposals to prepare the IANA transition plan where the NTIA notes that comments have revealed that stakeholders have not reached consensus on all the specific tools that have been proposed to enhance the accountability of ICANN.

Strickling in his “Reflections on the IANA Stewardship Transition Process” also states that

“The most critical factor for a successful discussion this week is that stakeholders focus on bridging their differences.  This transition planning is testing the multistakeholder model as never before.  The world is watching to see if stakeholders can find a consensus way forward.  Making history is hard work and on matters this important, it is never a smooth path to reach agreement. Do not get discouraged or frustrated.  Above all, stay engaged.”

He cautions on the simplicity as well as the timeline pressure on the community working on the proposal that

“….do not let timing pressures deter you from delivering a fully-formed, well-thought-through plan.  As I stated in Argentina in June, provide us a plan that is as simple as possible but still meets our conditions and the community’s needs.  Every day you take now to simplify the plan, resolve questions, and provide details will shorten the length of time it will take to implement the plan and increase the likelihood that the plan will preserve the security and stability of the Internet.  Putting in the extra effort now to develop the best possible consensus plan should enhance the likelihood that the transition will be completed on a timely schedule.”

Read the entire blog by the Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator here