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18(b) How do you expect that your proposed gTLD will benefit registrants, Internet users, and others?

gTLDFull Legal NameE-mail suffixDetail
.CHESAPEAKEAfterdot LLCsedari.comView
i. goal in terms of specialty, service levels, reputation

Definitions:
Registrants
As the proposed TLD is a closed registry model, the ʺregistrantʺ is effectively Chesapeake Energy Corporation, its subsidiaries and employees who are authorized to utilize an address or sub-domain under the TLD ʺ.CHESAPEAKEʺ.

Internet users
In the closed registry model, ʺinternet usersʺ refers to individuals and organisations that are legitimately interested in communication within or between Chesapeake Energy Corporation. This category may include authorised employees and stakeholders.

Others
ʺOthersʺ includes potential users of the Internet, potential clients or stakeholders, industry organisations and industry regulators⁄governments.

Background
Chesapeake Energy is the second-largest producer of natural gas, a Top 15 producer of oil and natural gas liquids and the most active driller of new wells in the United States. Chesapeake Energy has approximately 11,000 employees and has a number of affiliates in associated energy industry, technology and operative fields.

Community Partnerships
Chesapeake Energy has for five years in a row been recognised as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For [ref: Fortune, 2012], and is a recognised leader in corporate social responsibility. In 2010, Chesapeake contributed more than $25 million to support community development, the arts, the environment, social services, health and medical causes and education.

Leading corporate citizenship is one of the key principles of all Chesapeake activities and a significant consideration in the decision to place its brand at the highest level of the Internet domain name system. The citizenship that Chesapeake displays in its core industry will be equally expressed in its operation and management of the TLD through its wholly owned subsidiary, Afterdot.

Chesapeake enthusiastically shares the policy goals of ICANN in this round of innovation in the development of the Internet. The proposed new TLD enables Chesapeake to promote, develop and deliver an optimal level of service that advances the Internet as a secure and efficient method for delivering information and transacting business.

Specialisation, Service Levels and Reputation

Specialisation
The team operating the TLD through the Registry brings considerable speciality experience in the Internet industry both in relation to high-level policy development, launch, operation and management considerations. Significant marketing resources together with registrar partnerships and technical facilities enable the Registry to specialise in the provision of a top-level domain that provides a valuable alternative model to existing gTLDs.

The Registryʹs domain name registry services will be driven by customer focus and, technological innovation. Specialty delivery of services will be closely mapped to clients and constituents, ensuring a higher level of relevance and efficiency.

The Registryʹs services in terms of DNS management expertise, registry operations and technical database management capabilities will be industry- leading standards. Together with the technical provider and management team, speciality services will be continually examined for optimal utility and functionality consistent with all ICANN requirements.

Service Levels
In order to advance its mission as stated above, the applicant has brought together a team with expertise, experience and technical capacity to ensure that the TLD is operated to the best industry standards in the provision of services.

The Registry will provide a substantial network infrastructure that can guarantee maximum performance and reliability as well, if required in the future, to scale seamlessly to meet variations in demand.

Reputation
The applicant is concerned to ensure that both the reputation of the TLD as well as the reputation of the Internet generally is enhanced by this delegation. Chesapeake Energyʹs reputation will be enhanced while simultaneously enhancing and promoting the Internet as a secure and efficient place for business. The applicant is mindful of the critical importance of confidence in the operation of the Internet. It is core to the application that the applicant is a leading model for Internet welfare in establishing a TLD that can be trusted .

Benefit to Registrant(s)
Chesapeake Energy will benefit from the capacity to shape and control the landscape of its Internet-related structure and presence. Chesapeake will be able to create bespoke solutions for secure, client-focused services that distinguish Chesapeake and set higher standards in the energy industry generally.

The longer-term micro benefit to Chesapeake in enhanced reputation, standing and security for investors is importantly extended to the macro level of the energy industry, corporate communities and the Internet generally.

Benefit to Users
The proposed gTLD will create a direct and straightforward external connection to Chesapeake Energy as well as secure and private internal communication. The proposed TLD will create a closed connection between Chesapeakeʹs clients, market and employees, thus enabling efficiency in communication and security of information. Efficiencies and security are enhanced by the control that flows from a bespoke top-down domain.

The applicantʹs intention is that users will be unified in the ʺvirtual spaceʺ of the Internet as though they were face to face. Chesapeakeʹs extensive range of services and large numbers of employees can cohere in a single web identity and location that utilises the Internet as a tool to gather unity in diversity.

Benefit to Others
The benefit of the proposed TLD extends beyond registrants and Internet users to others who have a policy concern in ensuring that the reputation of the specific industry and the Internet generally is enhanced. Potential users of the Internet in countries yet to develop access will encounter a more clearly defined, brand and product-specific environment on the Internet that facilitates search for services and enables more focused delivery of service by Chesapeake.

Chesapeake believes strongly in responding to community needs and specific conditions of its clients and stakeholders. A closer relationship between Chesapeake and its present and future clients strengthens the delivery of services. Chesapeakeʹs commitment to community and social programmes will find a more effective level of delivery and assessment, helping to build a stronger platform for Chesapeakeʹs existing projects of returning benefits to the community.

At the broadest policy level, Chesapeakeʹs strong corporate citizenship will be a case in point for the responsible running of a Top Level Domain that authenticates ICANNʹs core values.

ii. What do you anticipate your proposed gTLD will add to the current space in terms of competition, differentiation or innovation

Competition
The applicant believes that by setting higher standards in the industry with a secure and focused Internet presence, the industry as a whole will evolve similarly high standards of service in order to remain competitive. Enhanced competition amongst service providers flows directly to enhanced service to the end consumer.

The applicant aims to set leading corporate standards for communication and service through the Internet. By promoting market-appropriate information Chesapeake is able to facilitate accurately informed consumer choice, high levels of confidence and ultimately market-regulation by the end-user consumer. The applicant believes that this round of TLD applications will at its best allocate more strength and decision-making power in the individual consumer.

Differentiation
The applicantʹs proposal is founded on the belief that competition in the marketplace makes for stronger, more innovative and more creative alternatives for the consumer. Together with its technical and management partners, the applicant has a rich understanding of the needs of the global Internet community and is committed to building a domain name system that grows with and responds to the needs for services, products and information sought by this global community. A steady, secure and responsive service that offers users a competitively priced and distinctive service will enable the TLD to operate as a genuine and enduring alternative to existing TLDs.

Industry, product and service differentiation have become increasingly challenging as the Internet has expanded to over 200 million domain name registrations. In terms of service provision to users, lack of differentiation creates a greater likelihood of frustration, brand confusion or fraud.

Occupation of a TLD by an individual brand substantially addresses the possibility of error or uncertainty in identification of a brand and its associated services. The consumer is able clearly to differentiate Chesapeake from among all others on the Internet, quickly, simply and reliably.

Innovation
The innovation of the TLD is a key building block to its inherent differentiation. Innovation is core to survival in a competitive commercial environment. The applicant believes that in the case of a vital public service such as the Internet, innovation must be founded solidly on the critical requirements of DNS stability, longevity and utility. In other words, the applicant believes in evolution, not revolution.

There have been many years of outstanding effort involved in creating the existing mechanisms and policies for guiding change in the Internet. These mechanisms have been substantially successful in maintaining the stability of the Internet. As such, the applicantʹs policies have been developed with a view to extend and enhance existing procedures in an incremental and cooperative manner. While committed to innovation in the provision of services and technical standards, the applicant aims to measure and interpret the needs of the Internet community

The applicant is working closely with technical service provider, Afilias, to ensure that the proposed TLD innovates in ways that actively support the security and quality of services to clients, internal cohesion within Chesapeake, as well as structure of the Internet generally. While the capacity for innovation will undoubtedly accelerate, the applicant is committed to vigilant analysis of any proposed innovations so that they remain consistent with stated goals of both Chesapeake and ICANN.

iii. What goals does your proposed gTLD have in terms of user experience goals

User experience goals
Consistent with the applicantʹs key goals to work co-operatively and positively in the provision and management of a vital public resource, the applicant aims to ensure that the user experience is centered on the following goals which are consistent with ICANNʹs registry contract:

* rapid, responsive and reliable internal customer service
* robust neutrality
* robust data security and privacy
* robust data escrow
* Internet standards regarding naming and reserved names
* Industry standard acceptable-use policy and registrar agreements
* Leading protocols on technology, rights protection mechanisms and accurate WHOIS.
* Consumer confidence in security, privacy and authenticity thus building confidence in the usage of the Internet for business purposes
* Ease and facility in locating both Chesapeake and the desired location and or service
* A direct line of communication between Chesapeake and its clients
* Responsive and monitored business services, directly targeted to identified client needs

iv. Provide a complete description of the applicantʹs intended registration policies in support of the goals listed in iii (above)

Registration policies to support above goals
The applicant has developed the following explicit policies to support the user-experience goals enunciated in (iii) above.

(a) Customer service
In conjunction with the technical service provider the Registry will have advanced system functions and features to ensure high service reliability and a flexible systems architecture.

Strong cooperative relationships with registrar(s) will ensure that consumer needs are monitored, measured and responded to in a way that reflects the evolving role and purpose of the Internet.

(b) Robust Neutrality
The Registry will be operated on best industry and ICANN practices to ensure that it is a trusted, unbiased provider of core Internet DNS functionality while providing consistent and stable operation of a new TLD.

Among the most important aspect of the neutrality policy is the registryʹs relationship with registrars noted below.

(c) Robust Data Security and Privacy
The Registry, as a neutral and trusted registry, must maintain the trust of the registrars and the consumers. Therefore, the Registry will not market in any way the registrant information obtained from registrars for purposes of running the registry, nor will it share that data with any unrelated third parties. The Registry operator will only have access to such data as is necessary for operation of the registry itself and will use that data only as required by registry operations.

The Registry will provide registrars with a mechanism for accessing and correcting personal data and will take reasonable steps to protect personal data from loss, misuse, unauthorized disclosure, alteration or destruction.

(d) Robust Data Escrow: The Registry will follow all data escrow requirements mandated by ICANN and work with an ICANN accredited Data Escrow provider. By so doing, the Registry will ensure that all data necessary for operation of the registry will be available in the event of a catastrophic failure of the registry or following the selection by ICANN of a new registry using the EBERO system.

(e) Internet Standards Regarding Naming and Reserved Names
The Registry will reserve and block the registration of names as specified in Schedule 5 of the Registry Agreement. The Registry will consistently work with ICANN to ensure that registry practice confirms with ICANN requirements.

The Registry will reserve for itself a small number of names necessary for the secure operational and technical functions of the registry.

(f) Acceptable Use Policy and Registrar Agreements
The policy of the Registry and contracted registrars relating to the computer systems, hardware, servers, bandwidth, telecommunications transport and e-mail routing provided by the Registry and Domain Provider(s) will promote the integrity, security, reliability and privacy of the Registry Network and the Registrar(s).

The Registryʹs policy will follow leading industry standard that both (i) support the free flow of information over the Internet and (ii) inhibit the transmission of materials that offend relevant laws, rights, interests and codes of conduct. The policy will provide a complaints procedure and enforcement mechanisms.

The Registry and Domain Provider(s) and⁄or the Registrar may at its sole discretion remove any content or material or services such as URL forwarding, Email forwarding, DNS hosting, WHOIS protection, proxy service etcetera from its servers, or terminate access to the Registry Network where it has been determined by the Registry and Domain Provider(s) and⁄or the Registrar that a registrant has violated the Acceptable Use Policy.

(g) Leading Protocols on Technology, Anti- Cybersquatting and WHOIS
The Registry will adhere to all existing ICANN policies as well as commit to further evolution of TLD policies that advance ICANNʹs core principles in the operation of the Internet. While this round of applications for new TLDs may revolutionize the Internet, the Registry believes that such revolution be supported by evolutionary development of operational rules. The Registry is committed to a full and cooperative partnership with ICANN in the growth of Internet services on a secure and sustained basis. See further, below.

(h) General registration policies
As a wholly ʺin houseʺ closed registry TLD, .CHESAPEAKE will be available only to authorized users and members of Chesapeake and its subsidiaries. Together with technical provider, Afilias, the business management team and qualified registrars, the Registry will have in place a vigilant system of authentication and permission to ensure that registration is tightly controlled and monitored.

(i) Reservation of sub-domains
Second and subsequent level sub-domains will only be created as part of the communication structure and strategy within Chesapeake. Sub-domains will not be freely available on the market.

The Registry will comply with all the requirements and policies of ICANN as set out in the Schedule 5 to the Registry Contract.

v. Will your proposed gTLD impose any measures for protecting the privacy and confidential information of registrants or users?
Protection of Privacy
The Applicant recognizes the importance of balancing individual privacy rights with the rights of intellectual property owners, law enforcement and other interested third parties to have access to WHOIS data for legitimate uses. Comprehensive privacy and authentication rules are built into the operation of the proposed gTLD consistent with requirements under the Registry Agreement.

As privacy and confidentiality of personal information is a key element in the provision of a positive user experience, the Registry will take all reasonable steps to protect personal data from loss, misuse, unauthorized disclosure, alteration or destruction. The Registry will also comply, in accordance with the Registry Agreement, with all existing and future consensus policies as formally adopted by ICANN.

The Registry will operate a WHOIS service in accordance with Specification 4 of the Registry Agreement and operate this service in full compliance with applicable privacy laws or policies. The Registry will also implement appropriate measures to avoid abuse of WHOIS in order that access is restricted to legitimate authorized users.

vi. Describe whether an in what ways outreach and communications will help achieve your projected benefits
General
The applicant will put in place a system of communication to its existing and potential users to advance the policies underpinning its application for the gTLD.
These plans may include:

(i) Web site
Through its web presence, the applicant will systematically and comprehensively communicate to its customers the:
* Introduction of Chesapeakeʹs new Internet presence
* Timescale of introduction and or changes
* Manner and method of interaction with Chesapeake Energy
* Advantages and benefits to customers
* Provide customer service facilities to ensure client service is monitored and maximized

(ii) Press and media
As and when appropriate, the applicant will communicate through the press and media to ensure wide dissemination of key information about changes affecting its current and potential clients.

(iii) Industry Events
As and when appropriate, the applicant may communicate the existence, operation and advantages of its new TLD through industry events, including, but not limited to:

* Roadshows
* General Meetings
* Internal and external sponsoring events

(iv) Investor Relations
The applicant will ensure that full information is provided to all stakeholders through corporate reporting mechanisms, shareholder information and other corporate communication strategies.
gTLDFull Legal NameE-mail suffixDetail
.GCCGCCIX WLLsedari.comView
i. goal in terms of specialty, service levels, reputation
Definitions:
Registrants: Registrants includes all those who register a domain name in the TLD and who act in accordance with the stated user policies.
Users: Users includes the broader Internet community of users who interact with the TLD.
Others: Others whose interest is relevant to this application includes regulators, policy makers and other public authorities

Specialty experience
The Registry operations team brings considerable specialty experience in the Internet industry both in relation to high-level policy development, launch, operation and management practice in the region and globally. These experiences include managing domain name operations at the UKʹs first consumer ISP, running a globally distributed DNS monitoring platform used by numerous Root Server and TLD registry operators, founding an ISP⁄telecommunications company and a regional Internet Exchange, and serving as Founding Chairman of the Middle East Network Operators Group (MENOG). In addition, there is experience operating at executive board and management levels within the Regional Internet Registry that serves the Middle East. Significant marketing resources together with registrar partnerships and technical facilities enable the Registry to specialise in the provision of a competitive TLD that is an alternative to existing TLDs.
The Registryʹs services will be driven by customer focus, liberal policies balanced by cultural sensitivity, technological innovation and channel management expertise.
The cultural backgrounds and participation of the online community are key drivers of the services provided by GCCIX. GCCIX is mindful of the importance of confidence in the operation of the Internet. It is core to the application to be a Registry that is a leading model for Internet stability and security.

Service Levels
In order to advance its mission as stated above, GCCIX has brought together a team with expertise, experience and technical capacity to ensure that the TLD is operated to the best industry standards, in compliance with ICANNʹs registry contract. The Registry will provide substantial network infrastructure that can guarantee maximum performance and reliability as well as scale seamlessly to meet variations in demand.

Reputation
GCCIX is committed to ensuring that the reputation of .GCC is enhanced by this delegation. The services and operability of .GCC have been designed with the specific policy goals of ICANN in mind.
GCCIX believes that its responsibility as a registry extends beyond registrants and users of the Internet. Our credentials as an organization motivated to provide high-level public services are well established. GCCIX was created in August 2011 as the Gulfʹs first truly independent Internet Exchange Point, entirely free of any carrier or government involvement.
GCCIX has also facilitated the expansion of the CDN and DNS Root Server regional footprint. Our commitment to the development of Internet services in the region rests on the fundamental belief that the Internet must continue as an open resource that advances universal benefits.

Our intention is to support the goals of ICANN and the original concept of the Internet as a universal resource by acting philanthropically and inspirationally in the dedication of our services. We have made significant investment in the above-mentioned developments with neither the expectation nor motivation of profit. The return and value creation we seek is developing the Internet as a tool that will stimulate economic growth, development and benefit to all users. Our participation in the region enables us to understand the historic context, the contemporary needs, and the future potential for the region to flourish as part of the international Internet community. Our application for the .GCC TLD represents a logical extension of our endeavors.

ii.

Context for Competition
Statistical evidence demonstrates the continued expansion of Internet registrations. The number of domains in the current generic TLD space ( for example.COM, .NET, .ORG, .INFO, .BIZ and . US) is in excess of 135 million (see http:⁄⁄www.whois.sc⁄internet-statistics ) and there are over 215 million registered domain names in all TLDs. In the second quarter of 2011 more than five million domain names were added to the Internet, marking a growth rate of 2.5% over the first quarter.

The .COM and .NET TLDs experienced aggregate growth, surpassing a combined total of 110 million names in the second quarter of 2011, representing a 1.8 percent increase in the base over the first quarter of 2011 and an 8.3 percent increase over the same quarter in 2010. In the same period, 2.9 million ccTLD domain names were added, bringing total ccTLD registrations to approximately 84.6 million. This is an increase of approximately 6.6 million domain names, or 8.4 percent from a year ago.

The enthusiastic take-up rate is evidence of the positive impact of increased TLD opportunities. While .COM will continue for some time to be dominant in the domain name market, there is clear evidence that consumers seek TLD innovation and differentiation.

In particular, the following issues arise in the current environment:
* challenges for registrants to secure a unique and appropriate name within a heavily populated gTLD space
* challenges for users to locate authentic sources of information
* cybersquatting and entrenched inactive ownership of domain names

Competition
Research indicates that, in contrast to the global context described above, the GCC regional ccTLD market has had slow growth, and for the most part, this is due to a lack of competition, high prices, restrictive policies, manual processing of applications and long delegation delays.

With 40 million inhabitants, the region has an estimated combined total of just 200,000 registrations across six country codes, five of which require proof of a local presence to register a domain name. Registration times are much longer than in registries that use standard EPP systems. This is largely true because of manual processes in place that mandate the manual verification of presence requirements. Registration fees in these regionally focused domains are multiple times that of broadly available TLDs. Unsurprisingly, many registrants prefer to use the established gTLDs even though this means settling for a less appropriate name.

.GCC represents a strong competitive alternative to existing regional ccTLDs by providing instant registration and delegation under the most liberal framework permitted by law, within a TLD which has local significance. The advantage over generic TLDs is that .GCC will provide more ʹfirst choiceʹ labels while respecting important local cultural considerations. We believe that introducing such competition will stimulate other TLDs within the region.

.GCC will be a valuable digital asset dedicated residents living and working in the region. Registrants will have the opportunity to create and control an online identity reflective of their culture and society and with the potential to help fuel greater Internet use across the region. GCCIXʹs proposal is founded on the belief that competition in the marketplace makes for stronger, more innovative and more creative alternatives for the consumer.

Like other actions that remove artificial barriers to entry, the likely effect of the expansion of this TLD is to increase innovation and lower prices over the longer term. GCCIX has allocated appropriate funding to ensure the long-term viability and stability of its proposed registry. We believe that standards and services in the technical solution are paramount for delivering optimal service.

Differentiation
The differentiation of this registry from existing market offerings is key to competition. .GCC is explicitly by:
* A unique and meaningful three letter string
* The most liberal policies of any TLD in the region whilst maintaining respect for cultural sensitivities
* Preferential opportunities for registration, described launch policies below
* The opportunity to self-select a regional affiliation that reaches past jurisdictional boundaries. Previously, entities in the area were caught between narrow ccTLD presence requirements on one side and an undifferentiated global registration pool in the gTLD marketplace on the other.
GCCIX has a rich understanding of the needs of the global and local Internet community and is committed to building a domain name system that grows with and responds to the needs for services, products and information sought by the local community. A steady, secure and responsive service that offers users a competitively priced and distinctive service will enable the TLD to operate as a genuine and enduring alternative to existing TLDs.

Future opportunities for differentiation
GCCIX is committed to providing IDN support at the second level in the future, once registry operations are stable. Whereas the primary language of the region is Arabic, half of the registries serving the region only permit registrations using ASCII characters. GCCIX believe that it is fundamentally important to support Arabic script if .GCC is to succeed. We observe that there are significant number of groups within the GCC region that use other non-roman, non-Arabic scripts (for example the Indian and Filipino communities). We will gauge community demand with respect to supporting additional character sets.

Innovation
GCCIX believes that in a vital public and business service such as the Internet, innovation must be founded on the critical requirements of DNS stability & security.
Policies for the .GCC registry have been developed to extend and enhance existing procedures in an incremental and cooperative manner.

iii.
We aim to ensure that the user experience achieves the following outcomes:

a) Customer Service: rapid, responsive and reliable customer service using leading technology supporting the registrant from registration onward
b) Accessibility: preferential registration opportunities to support policies of regional access to a new attractive TLD
c) Robust neutrality, data security and privacy
d) Robust data escrow
e) Internet standards regarding naming and reserved names
f) Liberal, yet culturally sensitive standards of acceptable-use policy and registrar agreements
g) Leading protocols on Technology, Anti- Cybersquatting and WHOIS.

iv.

GCCIX has developed the following explicit policies to support the user-experience goals enunciated in above.

(a) Customer service

There is strong evidence that Internet registration and usage grows where service quality is enhanced. One regional ccTLD adopted EPP and rapidly represented approximately 45% (approximately 90,000 of 200,000) of the regional non-generic registrations. Unfortunately, this benefit was only available to users of that ccTLD. The untapped potential in the region of the Internet as an accessible resource for business and communication will be addressed by the introduction of the .GCC TLD.

The development of a clear channel to market for new second level registrations is critical to the success of any TLD. Strong cooperative relationships with local registrars will be forged.. GCCIX has committed funding, focused management of TLD programs across registrars, and registrar participation in program management.

(b) Accessibility
In order to compete with existing generic TLDs, .GCC will offer unrestricted access to registrants subject to comprehensive ICANN approved privacy and trademark protections. Our sunrise and landrush policies will enable early opportunities for entities in the region to secure their preferred domain name in the .GCC space.

GCCIX is committed to the operation and development of an outstanding registry that expands the accessibility and function of the Internet to new communities. A commitment to leading Internet corporate citizenship remains a critical element of the financial and policy platform.

GCCIX has focused particularly on policies and procedures that enhance the external benefits of .GCC. More particularly the facilitation of trademark protection both before and after domain name registration, sunrise service, trademark claims service and opportunities for entry after landrush.

We believe that an immediate benefit to the Internet community is the open access to a new gTLD that will relieve name scarcity and offer new and fair opportunities to acquire domain names. As new Internet communities are established, the issue of name scarcity becomes both more pressing and emphasizes the entry disadvantages to new registrants. The ʺlevel playing fieldʺ created by .GCC enables users to establish a meaningful Internet presence with a registry that is committed to strong marketing strategies to support the value, trust, and credibility of the TLD name.

(c) Robust Neutrality
The Registry will be operated on best industry and ICANN practices to ensure that it is a trusted, unbiased provider of core Internet DNS functionality while providing consistent and stable operation of a new TLD.

(d) Robust Data Security & Privacy
The Registry, as a neutral and trusted registry, must maintain the trust of the registrars and the consumers. Therefore, the Registry will not market in any way the registrant information obtained from registrars for purposes of running the registry nor will it share that data with any unrelated third parties.

The Registry will provide registrars with a mechanism for accessing and correcting personal data and will take reasonable steps to protect personal data from loss, misuse, unauthorized disclosure, alteration or destruction.

In addition, as part of the Registrar Code of Conduct, registrars will be required to abide by all applicable international, national, and local laws regarding data privacy and information collection.

(e) Robust Data Escrow: The Registry will follow all data escrow requirements mandated by ICANN and work with an ICANN accredited Data Escrow provider.

(f) Internet Standards Regarding Naming & Reserved Names
The Registry will reserve and block the registration of names as specified in Schedule 5 of the Registry Agreement. The Registry will reserve for itself a small number of names necessary for the secure operational and technical functions of the registry.

(g) Acceptable Use Policy and Registrar Agreements
The policy of the Registry and contracted registrars relating to the computer systems, hardware, servers, bandwidth, telecommunications transport and e-mail routing provided by the Registry and Domain Provider(s) will promote the integrity, security, reliability and privacy of the Registry Network and the Registrar(s).

The Registryʹs policy will follow leading industry standards that support the free flow of information over the Internet and inhibit the transmission of materials that offend relevant laws, rights, interests and codes of conduct. The policy will provide a complaints procedure and enforcement mechanisms.

The Registry and Domain Provider(s) and⁄or the Registrar may at its sole discretion remove any content or material or services such as URL forwarding, Email forwarding, DNS hosting, WHOIS protection and proxy privacy services from its servers, or terminate access to the Registry Network where it has been determined by the Registry and Domain Provider(s) and⁄or the Registrar that a registrant has violated the Acceptable Use Policy.

(h) Leading Protocols on Technology, Anti-Cybersquatting & WHOIS
The Registry will adhere to all existing ICANN policies as well as commit to further evolution of TLD policies that advance ICANNʹs core principles in the operation of the Internet. While this round of applications for new TLDs may revolutionize the Internet, the Registry believes that such revolution be supported by evolutionary development of operational rules. The Registry is committed to a full and cooperative partnership with ICANN in the growth of Internet services on a secure and sustained basis through, for example, Generic Names Supporting Organisation policy development processes.

v.

GCCIX recognizes the importance of balancing individual privacy rights with the rights of intellectual property owners, law enforcement and other interested third parties who have access to WHOIS data for legitimate uses. Comprehensive privacy and authentication rules are built into the operation of .GCC consistent with requirements under the Registry Agreement.

As privacy and confidentiality of personal information are key elements in the provision of a positive user experience, the Registry will take all reasonable steps to protect personal data from loss, misuse, unauthorized disclosure, alteration or destruction. The Registry will also comply, in accordance with the Registry Agreement, with all existing and future consensus policies as formally adopted by ICANN.

The Registry will operate a WHOIS service in accordance with Specification 4 of the Registry Agreement, in full compliance with applicable privacy laws or policies. The Registry will also implement appropriate measures to avoid abuse of WHOIS in order that access is restricted to legitimate authorized users. As the Registry will only use ICANN-accredited registrars, the registrars will be required to implement the data privacy policies as defined in the Registrar Accreditation Agreement.

vi. Describe whether and in what ways outreach and communications will help to achieve your projected benefits
Context for Projected Benefits
It is clear from historic data relating both to registrations in.COM and other generic TLDs, as well as industry specific and country-code registrations, that the demand for unrestricted domain names has grown exponentially. The number of registrations in the.COM TLD far outstrips all of the other TLDs. There are no indications that there will be any slowing of this trend and demand is expected to continue to grow as the needs of new generations of Internet users evolve.

Registrant ⁄ User Outreach and Communication

GCCIX will communicate to users through wide public and industry channels. While accurate predictions of the initial volume of registration requests can only be speculative, GCCIX will ensure that it is able to provide contingencies for the case where demand greatly exceeds predictions. Through its appointed marketing partners, the Registry will market and brand.GCC in the target region and worldwide. Through these marketing efforts, the Registry acts to fulfill ICANNʹs mission to enhance the functionality and usability of the Internet on a global basis.

Registrar Outreach and Communication
The Registry will undertake a pro-active educational campaign with registrars to quantify the opportunity for Internet end-users. This will involve a systematic information drive and personal contact from the registry customer support staff and account managers.

Registry Outreach and Communication
The Registry will allocate resources to fund and support collaboration, knowledge sharing, and adoption of best practices among all TLD operators in the GCC region.

User Outreach and Communication
GCCIX will actively seek opportunities to promote awareness of and activities to combat issues such as online threats, phishing and cybercrime. These opportunities may be pursued as annual awards, educational initiatives at all levels of the Internetʹs user population including at educational establishments, and participation in conferences, and other similar activities.