Could this be a conflict of interest scenario?, ICANN recently lost its first president of ICANN’s Global Domains Division Akram Attalah to Donuts to assume the role of CEO. He joined former ICANN CEO Fadi Chehade who resigned from his post in March 2016 and joined ABRY Partners, a Boston-based private equity investment firm which has an undisclosed stake in Donuts.
The recent resignation of Akram has stirred concerns within the internet community, though it was not entirely unexpected. David Redl, the chief of the U.S. National Telecommunications and Information Administration, responded by suggesting that ICANN employees should undergo a “cooling off” period to uphold ethical standards.
In his prepared remarks, Redl emphasized that while the community has made significant strides in enhancing ICANN’s accountability during the IANA stewardship transition, there remains room for improvement. He highlighted the necessity of safeguards to ensure that ICANN staff and leadership act ethically not only during their tenure but also in their future career pursuits outside the organization.
One proposed solution is to implement “cooling off periods” for ICANN employees who accept jobs with companies engaged in ICANN activities and programs. This measure aims to minimize conflicts of interest and prevent any perception of unethical behavior.
ICANN has faced numerous instances that could be seen as potential conflicts of interest, and given its critical role in ensuring the internet’s transparency and resilience, the departure of high-ranking staff may prompt a review of its policies. Establishing clear rules of engagement could help protect ICANN’s institutional reputation and reinforce trust within the internet community. By addressing these ethical concerns proactively, ICANN can better navigate the complexities of its responsibilities while fostering confidence among stakeholders.