As part of the new gTLD program ICANN provided it would establish an Independent Objector who could file an objection to new gTLD strings or applicants and May 14th 2012 on named Professor Alain Pellet as the Independent Objector (IO).
“Acting solely in the best interests of global Internet users, the Independent Objector may lodge Limited Public Interest and Community objections in cases where no other objection is made to an application that the Independent Objector deems to be objectionable.
More information about the Independent Objector role can be found in the new gTLD Applicant Guidebook.
The IO did in fact issue preliminary warning on the following Strings/Applications:
.Adult
.Africa
.Army
.Catholic
.Church
.Gay
.GCC
.Hot
.Islam
.LGBT
.Persiangulf
.Porn
.Sex
.Sexy
.Vodka
.WTF
However, the IO has now updated all of his general comments on each of the strings he issued a preliminary warning to, with an explanation of why he didn’t wind up objecting to any of the strings or applications
Take the case for .adult which initially the IO issued a preliminary warning:
“An application that would directly lead to incitement to or promotion of child pornography or other sexual abuse of children would unquestionably trigger a limited public interest objection from the IO. However, it does not appear to be warranted for applications to gTLDs expected to host pornographic materials, which is not contrary to generally accepted legal norms of morality and public order and do not not fall upon prohibition under fundamental principles of international law.”
“Therefore, as for his possibility to object on the community ground, the IO is of the opinion that an objection against applications for new gTLDs expected to host pornographic websites is not warranted. Moreover and as specified in his opinion regarding his possibility to object on the limited public interest ground, the IO considers that it is in the interest of global internet users to be able to easily identify websites containing sexually explicit materials before they actually find themselves on the website.”
In the case of .Africa which the objector was concerned not about the string but one of the applicants:
“During his review of the applications for the new gTLD “.Africa”, the Independent Objector (IO) has noted that numerous comments have been posted on the public comments webpage of ICANN. To ensure transparency and address public concerns on those controversial applications, the hereunder comment aims at informing the public of the reasons why the IO does not consider in principle filing an objection.”
“None of the arguments raised by DCA Trust has convinced the IO that an objection on the community ground is not warranted against their application.…
