N E W S R E L E A S E 24 July 2000 For Immediate Release IIA Calls for User Participation in Global Domain Name Elections The Internet Industry Association, today called upon all Australian internet users to register as 'at large members' of ICANN, the international domain name body to help ensure that Australia could maintain a voice in shaping international domain name policy. "It is important that Australia has a voice in international domain name issues. It is even more important that we are recognised as a credible voice in the region. Ultimately domain name stable policy will assist in the orderly development of e-commerce and the net generally, which is why the IIA has supported ICANN's efforts to date," said IIA executive director, Peter Coroneos. The IIA also announced its endorsement of Ms Liz Williams' for election to the ICANN board. ICANN is the international self regulatory body set up to manage international domain name issues. Ms Williams is the chair of the IIA e-commerce virtual taskforce, and is very well regarded in the industry, being the formed head of BT's regulatory affairs division for the Asia Pacific. Mr Coroneos said that Ms Williams will stand as an 'at-large' candidate for the Asia Pacific region's allocated directorship of ICANN. "Presently the number of Australian at-large members was very low and we need lots of people to register so that we can ensure Liz's votes are maximised. Australia has less than 500 people signed up as registered at-large members, compared with over 4000 in Japan and over 600 in South Korea." "If we are not more active, the at-large directorship for our region will go to one of these nations" said Mr Coroneos. "Having another Aussie on board will support the efforts that both Greg Crew and Paul Twomey have been working tirelessly to achieve, much to their credit. "But it is important that we maintain the momentum," he said. Mr Coroneos pointed out that the eligibility criteria for registration to vote were very low. Registration was a "two minute exercise". Anyone who holds a valid email address and is over 16 can register to vote in the ballot, which takes place at the end of the month. Registrations can be made at https://members.icann.org/. Ends -- About the IIA The Internet Industry Association is Australia's national Internet industry organisation. Members include telecommunications carriers; content creators and publishers; web developers; e-commerce traders and solutions providers; hardware vendors; systems integrators; banks, insurance underwriters; Internet law firms, ISPs; educational and training institutions; Internet research analysts; and a range of other businesses providing professional and technical support services. On behalf of its members, the IIA provides policy input to government and advocacy on a range of business and regulatory issues, to promote laws and initiatives which enhance access, equity, reliability and growth of the medium within Australia. --- For further comment contact: Mr Peter Coroneos Executive Director Internet Industry Association (IIA) Phone: +61 2 6232 6900 (for TTY callers, please call 133 677 and ask for 6232 6900) PO Box 3986 MANUKA ACT AUSTRALIA 2603 http://www.iia.net.au
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