.za UPDATE

1
.za UPDATE

• Michael Silber
• Chairperson
• Namespace ZA

2
.za Brief History

• Delegation by J Postel to Vic Shaw (head of
  Uninet)
• Redelegation to Mike Lawrie (1994)
• 1999 - request by ML to ISOC-ZA to propose an
  organisation as his replacement
• 2001 formation of Namespace ZA

3
.za Current Structure

• Thin ccTLD
• 14 SLDs
• Each SLD delegated to a different administrator
  (practically not policy)
• Many SLDs have questionable relevance

4
.za Structure cont.

• Uniforum SA administers .co.za (commercial) with
  /- 120 000 registrations accounting for 95 of
  .za registrations
• 2,6 2,8 million users
• 900 000 academic
• 1,2 1,4 million commercial
• 500 000 dial-up (individuals and small business)

5
.za Status

• ML still administrator (ICP-1 / contract, Govt.
  request etc)
• If ML is prevented by ZA law for administering
  AND no redelegation THEN .za will disappear
• Accusations of threats by ML
• Move of the primary off-shore

6
Government Consultation

• DG of ZA DoC agreed to sit on ISOC-ZA drafting
  committee
• Numerous discussions, delayed process
• Appointed seat on Namespace Board rejected
• Numerous formal and informal discussions

7
Government Process

• Part of eCommerce legislation process
• 1999 consultants report
• 2000 green paper
• 2001 consultative conference rejects government
  control of the ccTLD
• 2002 draft legislation

8
Criticism of Legislation

• Have learnt from our submissions over the years
  allegedly independent organisation BUT
• Board appointed by the Minister
• Finances controlled by Minister
• Regulations made by Minister (including over
  technical issues vs IETF)
• Subservient to ICANN in all respects
• SLD management licensed and all existing managers
  must reapply

9
Main Criticisms

• Ignores RFC 1591 and ICP-1
• Ignores current administrator
• Ignores vested rights (including SLD rights)
• Ignores user community
• Ignores international ccTLD redelegation process

10
Negotiations

• Submissions, negotiations etc have resulted in an
  improved Bill, BUT
• Minister still controls Board (now through a
  nominating panel)
• Minister still regulates (though not on technical
  issues) and controls finances
• No member/user community involvement rather
  user communities

11
Main Conflict

• Democracy vs representivity
• digital divide existing users vs potential
  users
• Government involvement vs government control
• Distrust of industry / Internet community
• Racial issues or racialised issues?

12
Status of Legislation

• Passed by National Assembly
• Before National Council of Provinces on Tuesday
  25/6/2002
• No amendments notwithstanding discussions
• To President for signature

13
Our Requests

• Ignore the politicing and racialisation
• Refuse to redelegate other than strictly in
  accordance with RFC1591 (and
• ICP-1)
• Pressure (formal/informal) both Internet
  community and governments
• Awareness watch your own back (particularly in
  Africa but not exclusively).

14
Other issues to note

• Crypto register (extra-territorial)
• Critical databases
• Consumer protection (extra-territorial)
• Signature accreditation by Government in some
  circumstances
• Govt LOVES Stuart Lynns paper but ignores
  developments thereafter

15
Thanks you

• For your emotional and practical support to date
• For assistance in putting together our review of
  Government involvement in ccTLDs worldwide
• For not accepting the hysteria
• For acting as role models