Are you in favour of establishing a Code of Ethics to which .ca licensees must adhere?

[Dan]

Absolutely Not!
As attractive as such an idea might sound, the enforcement of such a Code would be fraught with problems in this ‘cancel culture’ world we live in. There seems to be enough problems with the oversight of this CIRA organization as it is that our country does not need to give them any additional powers.

As a case in point, the “Terms, Rules and Conditions” of this Forum that I’ve had to agree to to merely post here is the kind of overly broad and subjective language that authoritarians love to use to censor people and undoubtedly would be used by such people to ‘cancel’ even this post.

[Frank]

Without seeing the proposed content of the Code of Ethics, this is difficult to answer.

I mean most cases should already be covered by the CDRP, terms and conditions and generally our laws.

[Daniel]

Is this really a CIRA staff member posting this question, or someone attempting to look like a staff member?

I ask because the ‘cancel-culture’ and ‘censorship’ tags are obviously pejorative and influence the way in which the question is considered and answered.

For myself, I would, like Frank, need more information about what such a ‘Code of Ethics’ would include. Most (if not all) domain registrars already include TOU and such that would cover anything (and likely too much more than) a reasonable code of ethics would include, so I am not sure of the a) the need for such a code, (are there cases where there are problems that cannot be resolved through existing means, or a reasonable possibility of such?) b) that such a code is non-arbitrarily enforceable (that is both enforceable and in a fair and consistent manner).

Please clarify.

• This reply was modified 2 months, 2 weeks ago by  Daniel.

[Robert]

I would question the need for introducing a “Code of Ethics” as CIRA has sufficient policies in place for .CA registrants. Adding an additional barrier for interested parties to obtain their .CA Domain only makes it more difficult to get, and start using, their domain. Additionally, it would add a new burden on CIRA operations as a proposed “Code of Ethics” would need to be managed and enforced, otherwise it becomes meaningless.

Based on CIRA holding a solid standard for registrations within the domain industry, it would be worth discussing with the Board why a “Code of Ethics” is being considered as the concerns are likely already captured in existing processes.

[Shaheen]

This seems to overstep the boundaries of what should be governed by CIRA however I would want to learn more about what problem we’re trying to solve and any existing policies that may already be in place. Other factors that should be considered are member feedback, industry best practice, and operational overhead.

[Wade]

In light of the diverse opinions expressed so far (which is one of the benefits of seeing these questions after others), I lean towards a measured stance. I don’t mean this as a cop-out and I echo the concerns about the potential challenges of enforcing such a Code, especially in the context of perceived ‘cancel-culture’. Also, understanding the specific content and intent of the proposed Code is essential. As highlighted previously, it’s crucial to discern the actual need for this Code given the existing terms, conditions, and policies. Before endorsing or opposing the idea, I would advocate for a clearer understanding of the problem we’re attempting to address and a review of the already available frameworks.

[David]

Thanks for the provocative policy question.

Although at first glance, it may seem reasonable to want policies that protect Canadian internet users from unethical behaviour which harms trust using the Internet, this policy idea, as presented, does not warrant the attention of the board.

My opinion is based on practical considerations. The current CIRA policy process is not robust and will likely produce a policy which either excessively burdens Canadians or a policy which is so weak that it has no meaning towards the goal of building greater trust in the use of a .ca domain name.

Many CIRA members are aware that CIRA currently relies on a policy process written in 2006. The details can be found here.

However, CIRA members may not be aware of the more robust policy process work that comes out of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). ICANN relies on supporting organizations to work through policy options before bringing well thought policy proposals to the ICANN board. Delegating policy work to non-board level working groups consisting of different stakeholders for later approval at the board level is a good way of balancing board time demands vs creating good policies for Canadians A high level summary of the ICANN policy process can be found here.

CIRA should consider updating its policy process. If elected, I will bring up the question of whether CIRA’s policy process meets modern standards to the board. Beyond this question about a specific policy, it seems reasonable for us to consider how to improve the policy process to better serve Canadians.

[Daniel]

@david_mackey Thank you for the info and links on ICANN policy process. I support the board examining the policy creation/update process (and reviewing policies in an organized and well-documented fashion).