Berkman Center to Conduct Study to Assist ICANN’s Accountability and Transparency Review Process

Cambridge, Mass. – The Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University will conduct an independent, exploratory study analyzing ICANN’s decision-making processes and communications with stakeholders. The study will develop a framework and recommendations for understanding and improving ICANN’s accountability and transparency.

“We are excited to take on this challenge and contribute to ICANN’s ongoing review over the next few months,” Berkman Center executive director Urs Gasser said. “The processes of this unique organization raise interesting issues related to networked governance, participation, and dispute resolution with implications for emerging digital institutions more broadly.”

The Berkman Center’s final report will be made publicly available after ICANN’s Accountability and Transparency Review Team has had the opportunity to utilize its findings in recommendations to the ICANN board.

The Accountability and Transparency Review Team's announcement can be found at http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-10aug10-en.htm.

About the Berkman Center for Internet & Society
The Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University is a research program founded to explore cyberspace, share in its study, and help pioneer its development. Founded in 1997, through a generous gift from Jack N. and Lillian R. Berkman, the Center is home to an ever-growing community of faculty, fellows, staff, and affiliates working on projects that span the broad range of intersections between cyberspace, technology, and society. More information can be found at http://cyber.harvard.edu.

Contact
Seth Young
Berkman Center for Internet & Society
617-384-9135
syoung@cyber.harvard.edu

###