European Union (UK)
 

Proposal for addition to Chair’s paper Sub-Com A internet Governance on
Paragraph 5 “Follow-up and Possible Arrangements”

62. In reviewing the adequacy of existing institutional arrangements for Internet Governance and policy debate we agree that adjustments need to be made and we propose accordingly:

63. Principles
The new model for international cooperation stated in paragraph [49] should adhere, besides the Geneva principles, to the following guiding principles:

• it should not replace existing mechanisms or institutions, but should build on the existing structures of Internet Governance, with a special emphasis on the complementarity between all the actors involved in this process, including governments, the private sector, civil society and international organisations each of them in its field of competence;

• this new public-private co-operation model should contribute to the sustainable stability and robustness of the Internet by addressing appropriately public policy issues related to key elements of Internet Governance;

• the role of governments in the new cooperation model should be mainly focused on principle issues of public policy, excluding any involvement in the day-to-day operations;

• the importance of respecting the architectural principles of the Internet, including the interoperability, openness and the end-to-end principle.

64. Essential tasks
The new cooperation model should include the development and application of globally applicable public policy principles and provide an international government involvement at the level of principles over the following naming, numbering and addressing-related matters:

1. Provision for a global allocation system of IP number blocks, which is equitable and efficient;

2. Procedures for changing the root zone file, specifically for the insertion of new top level domains in the root system and changes of ccTLD managers;

3. Establishment of contingency plans to ensure the continuity of crucial DNS functions;

4. Establishment of an arbitration and dispute resolution mechanism based on international law in case of disputes;

5. Rules applicable to DNS system.

65. Forum function
In order to strengthen the global multi-stakeholder cooperation within Internet Governance, we decide to create a Forum. The task of this Forum is to address multidimensional and interrelated public policy issues, through the exchange and sharing of information and good practices. It shall work on the basis of a clear mandate for a predefined period. It should work with existing institutions or organisations and not try to dominate issues already dealt with elsewhere. It should not perform oversight tasks.

66. Transition to this new model of international cooperation
In order to implement par. 62 to 65, two separate processes will be launched, firstly

• Creation of the new Forum; and secondly

• Transition to this new model of international cooperation.