[CPWG] Summary of the yesterday GNSO TRPR call

[Lutz Donnerhacke]

The session discussed ICANN-approved transfers, specifically focusing on
bulk transfers involving registrars and their coordination. Proposed
Preliminary Agreements were examined, with a spotlight on two major topics:
full portfolio transfers (bulk transfers) and change of sponsorship (partial
bulk transfers). We were encouraged to review Proposed Preliminary
Agreements #1 and #4 before the upcoming meeting on August 29.

The Working Group proposed that Registry Operators be allowed to charge a
fee for transferring domain name portfolios between ICANN-accredited
registrars, while considering circumstances where fees could be waived. The
discussion revolved around ensuring transparent and predictable pricing
while safeguarding registrants' interests. There were conversations about
defining fee ceilings and avoiding abusive pricing practices. Care must be
taken to distinguish between bulk transfers for economic reasons (no ICANN
approval), ICANN initiated transfers (i.e. termination of a registrar), and
those in question (ICANN approved).

Participants debated the responsibility of the entity initiating a transfer,
raising concerns about practicality, incentives, and potential
complications. The importance of balancing the needs of the ecosystem while
considering the impact on registrants emerged as a key theme. Overall, the
meeting aimed to strike a balance between flexible pricing for Registry
Operators and preventing unreasonable fees, with a focus on registrants'
welfare and ongoing engagement.

Smaller registrants are typically involved by domain registration through
resellers (the sponsorship case). In cases of changing legal environments,
such as the example of Brexit, resellers might be compelled to switch
registrars due to shifts in regulatory frameworks. These transitions
potentially involve bulk transfers of domain portfolios which might fell in
this category.

Meeting link:
https://community.icann.org/display/TPRPDP/2023-08-22+Transfer+Policy+Review
+PDP+WG+Call