.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 consultant’s 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 Lynn’s 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 ccTLD’s worldwide • For not accepting the hysteria • For acting as role models