[NCSG-PC] Input on SPIRT Charter approval by Council

[Bolutife Adisa]

Hi Tomslin,

As discussed in our previous PC meeting, I have highlighted below a summarised explanation of my position regarding the SPIRT charter - for consideration by the council. 

According to the draft charter, the membership criteria for SPIRT is “open to all”, not subject to “conflict of interest” criteria, and based solely on the interest and expertise of candidates, hence, the important question:

‘How else does ICANN ensure that SPRIT membership does not evolve into a group with only commercial-driven interests?’

I personally believe it is as important to consider the expertise of the volunteers as it is to consider the stakeholder-interests that they may represent. Obviously, there is a strong incentive for commercial stakeholders with big budget to send their big names and policy experts to take up spaces like this within ICANN. Therefore, despite the approval of the SPIRT charter document, I would recommend the council highlight the following - as a moral obligation and best practice - 

“ICANN org must endeavour to include safeguards in the application or selection process to ensure that non-commercial voices are not completely excluded from the SPIRT membership”.

This would remove the need for another extension of the timeline and allow for demoing approval process. 

Best regards,
Bolu. 
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