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Public Comment

Public Comment is a vital part of our multistakeholder model. It provides a mechanism for stakeholders to have their opinions and recommendations formally and publicly documented. It is an opportunity for the ICANN community to effect change and improve policies and operations.

Name: Faheem Soomro
Date: 2 Apr 2024
Email: faheem180@gmail.com
Original Public Comment: Review of the Draft Applicant Support Program (ASP) Handbook – New gTLD Program
1. Do you believe that Section 1 (“Introduction”) of the ASP Handbook accurately reflects the relevant policy recommendations on Applicant Support?
Yes
2. Do you believe that Section 2 (“Overview”) of the ASP Handbook accurately reflects the relevant policy recommendations on Applicant Support?
Yes
3. Do you believe that Section 3 (“Applicant Support Program Timeline”) of the ASP Handbook accurately reflects the relevant policy recommendations on Applicant Support?
Yes
4. Do you believe that Section 4 (“Reduction of New gTLD Program Application and Evaluation Fees”) of the ASP Handbook accurately reflects the relevant policy recommendations on Applicant Support?
Yes
5. Do you believe that Section 5 (“Applicant Eligibility and Evaluation Criteria”) of the ASP Handbook accurately reflects the relevant policy recommendations on Applicant Support?
Yes, but with the following suggested clarification(s)

Please provide the suggested language change or an explanation of any inconsistencies, and provide alternative language where possible.

In section 5.1 (General Business due diligence/Legal Complaince check): The organization, country, regime, entity, and individuals are not listed on the US Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control's (OFAC) List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (the SDN List). However, I believe there should be a channel via GAC to establish credibility for applicants with their respective country of residence. In section 5.1 (General Business due diligence/Completeness check): When required documents are missing, ICANN org reaches out to the applicant to let them know and gives them a chance to submit the necessary materials. The applicant needs to provide all required documents within a designated time period. This helps ensure efficiency in the application process and gives applicants a reasonable timeframe to address any deficiencies in their submissions. It further allows us to filter out vague applications and ensure that we can proceed with a thorough evaluation.

6. Do you believe that Section 6 (“Applicant Support Program Application Process”) of the ASP Handbook accurately reflects the relevant policy recommendations on Applicant Support?
Yes
7. Do you believe that Section 7 (“ASP Application Evaluation”) of the ASP Handbook accurately reflects the relevant policy recommendations on Applicant Support?
Yes, but with the following suggested clarification(s)

Please provide the suggested language change or an explanation of any inconsistencies, and provide alternative language where possible.

It is suggested to have multilingual customer support to assist applicants in understanding the application process better and addressing any language barriers they may face.

Summary of Attachment

None

Summary of Submission

ASP aims to facilitate broader participation in the New gTLD Program by making application and evaluation fees accessible to entities facing financial and resource constraints. This initiative underscores a commitment to inclusivity and support for aspiring ASP applicants. In terms of general business due diligence, ensuring that entities and individuals are not listed on the US Treasury Department's SDN List is crucial. However, it is recommended to establish a channel via GAC to enhance credibility for applicants based on their country of residence, adding a layer of validation to the evaluation process. Furthermore, ICANN org's proactive approach in reaching out to applicants regarding missing documents and setting a designated time period for submission contributes to the efficiency and thoroughness of the application process, filtering out vague applications. Finally, the suggestion of implementing multilingual customer support reflects a commitment to overcoming language barriers and ensuring a clear understanding of the application process for all applicants.

However, the draft clearly demonstrates ICANN’s dedication to fostering a fair, accessible, and supportive environment for applicants in the New gTLD Program.