[CCWG-ACCT] Additional Stress Tests to discuss

[Bruce Tonkin]

Hello Steve,

Regarding Street test #24 – you note that the NTIA could cancel its contract with ICANN if ICANN were to broaden its scope by changing its strategic plan when a new CEO is appointed.   I can see that the community might want to be able to override the Board if it went outside of its mandate, but for the IANA functions I would assume this is only an issue if it meant that ICANN was no longer performing to the standards in the IANA contract.    I.e. I don’t see this as directly connected to the NTIA transferring stewardship of IANA – but I do see that it fits into the ICANN accountability discussion.   I see this as a bit of a common thread in discussions on the IANA transition – i.e. the “threat” that NTIA will cancel the contract if ICANN does something the community doesn’t like that is unrelated to the IANA function.     To me NTIA is ensuring through the IANA contract that the IANA technical functions are performed to the standard expected of the community – nothing more.       The NTIA does not have any over-ride/veto powers on the strategic plan., and the US Government is a stakeholder in the ICANN community in the development of the strategic plan like everyone else.

 This is one of the reasons why the Board recommended that CCWG operate as a separate initiative to look at ways to improve accountability, and ensure that ICANN's strategic plan is in accordance with the wishes of the community.


Regards,
Bruce Tonkin