The GAC is urging the Board to implement WIPO-developed policies despite the fact that no GNSO constituency supports them. (The GNSO is ICANN’s domain name policy formulating organ, for those of you who forgot) GAC representatives thoroughly dominate the WHOIS workshop program. In many cases spokespersons for government agencies have usurped the role of spokespersons for “privacy advocates.” The US Government is here in force: NTIA Director Nancy Victory, Christine Pauze (NTIA), Robin Layton (NTIA), and a US PTO representative all attended a special session allowing GNSO Council to interact with GAC members.

As a sign of the times, the GAC has formed policy task forces on various key issues; however, it is afraid to publicly release the names of people on them knowing that they will be heavily lobbied.

Aside from that, there is a general sense of unease about the impending departure of Louis Touton. It occurs at a time of turnover in the Board, implementation of new ERC structure, and the management problems associated with ICANN’s internalization of the GNSO Secretariat function. There is recognition in GNSO Council that Touton is the only one capable of providing policy support and guiding staff. There are fears of a train wreck.