auDA's DIWG focus group quits in disgust over rigged auDA process!

[DomainNames]

"On the 24th August 2018, auDA publicly posted that the Chairman of the PRP (Policy Review Panel) welcomed “Focus Groups in relation to direct registration implementation policy“. https://www.auda.org.au/news/focus-...to-direct-registration-implementation-policy/

Most notably, auDA stated the first “focus group” was to be the Domain Investor Working Group“convened by Robert Kaay”.​

“Convened” means “bring together for a meeting”, and that’s what I did. I reached out to a number of high-profile business people and domain investors (aka entrepreneurs!) and asked them to be a part of what I hoped would be a “fair consultation process” regarding implementation of Direct .AU Registrations.

At short-notice last Thursday, the DIWG was shocked to find its name changed to the DIFG instead? Without consultation. And we were all individually asked to attend a meeting in Melbourne at very short notice, instead of as a group.

That same day, The PRP released their new version of the Public Consultation Paper regarding Existing Policy Reform and Implementation of Direct .AU Registration on the auDA website.

After reading the new Policy Review Panel PUBLIC CONSULTATION PAPER (Feb 2019), I now wish to state that I no longer have confidence that The PRP has listened, or intends to listen to the DIWG, business people, domain name investors or entrepreneurs in regards to their thoughts or concerns on Direct .AU Registration implementation.

Furthermore, I believe that one or two individual people involved with The PRP are responsible for initiating brand new rules that are intended to attack existing domain name holders. Existing domain name holders who have complied and obeyed auDA Policy for decades, only to have a few Panel Members of The PRP attempt to turn back the clock in a bid to confiscate domains from legitimate holders.

Therefore, I formally advise The PRP that I am disbanding the DIWG (Domain Investor Working Group) and I have informed all members.

As many people have said before me, I am greatly concerned that the Panel lacks objectivity and I no longer have confidence that The PRP can proceed in a manner that is in the best interests of the Australian internet community.

I particularly made mention of this in March 2018, when I posted auDA’s Policy Review Panel was always doomed on NameBid.

Nothing seems to have changed. " Rob Kaay​

___
The resignations from auDA.org.au of mass people, domain name and legal industry experts, even many auDA Directors looks familiar but this is the first time a FULL AUDA FOCUS / WORKING GROUP HAS QUIT!

https://www.itwire.com/strategy/83945-auda-director-quits-over-mass-recruitment-of-members.html
https://internetretailing.com.au/members-warn-online-catastrophe-domain-shake/
http://www.domainpulse.com/2018/04/12/auda-bullying-fear-silence-critics/
https://www.dntrade.com.au/threads/auda’s-‘broken-management’-seeks-to-undermine-au’s-multistakeholder-model.11733/
http://www.domainpulse.com/2018/01/04/audas-broken-management/
https://www.smartcompany.com.au/technology/websites-confiscated-auda-prohibited-domains/
https://www.dntrade.com.au/threads/...group-without-even-calling-for-members.12123/
https://namebid.com.au/articles/19/auda-policy-review-panel-2018-doomed/
https://namebid.com.au/articles/18/auda-existing-registrants-priority/
https://namebid.com.au/articles/17/prp_trap_direct_au_registrations/ "I have no choice but to now publicly come out and say, I no longer have any faith that Direct .AU Registrations are going to be a good idea. In fact, I feel that implementing Direct .AU Registrations are now going to do nothing but damage the reputation, value and trust of our Australian domain name ccTLD. auDA need to reverse their decision, about bringing Direct .AU Registrations into existence. It's clear this just isn't going to work."

https://www.itwire.com/strategy/83762-auda-panel-moves-to-delete-record-of-past-meetings.html
https://domainer.com.au/auda-director-resigns/
https://www.auda.org.au/mailouts/auDA+Plain+Announce/Policy+Review+Panel+Update
https://domainer.com.au/audas-prp-ruin-domain-names/
https://namebid.com.au/articles/15/auda_prp_direct_au_registration/
https://www.centr.eu/news/news/au-resignation-of-auda-director-tim-connell.html
https://domainer.com.au/ex-director-auda-tim/

https://domainer.com.au/diwg-disbanded/

 

[Bacon Farmer]

Maybe he'll wake up and smell the BS he's been fed by his "mate".

He must know his massive ego makes him vulnerable to manipulation.

 

[DomainNames]

I think Rob was misled by auDA and the auDA PRP fake consultation process like so many others have been.

At least he knows it has all been rigged now and he has spoken up on the record with his post.https://domainer.com.au/diwg-disbanded/

It seems everyone on the DIWG feels the same... ( conned and misled by auDA and the auDA Policy Review Panel) and that is why the whole group quit.

Add all the DIWG members resignations to the long list of other auDA associated resignations over the last 2 1/2 years due to current auDA mismanagement.

 

[Bacon Farmer]

I expect the final push is on so it's done before the federal elections, when Mitch's influence and protection gets voted out.

 

[DomainNames]

auDA's false and misleading claims they are sending out to focus group people should be investigated by Commonwealth Government, stakeholders, media and the ACCC.https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/misleading-claims-advertising/false-or-misleading-claims
For example, businesses cannot make false claims about:
benefits or use of products and services
the need for the goods or services
This example shows clear evidence is in my opinion of blatant false and misleading claims propaganda which has never been substantiated by auDA. It is obvious auDA are trying to push in direct registrations and misinform working / focus groups and the wider community / government, stakeholders etc.

".au domain review released | Department of Communications and the ...

https://www.communications.gov.au/departmental-news/au-domain-review-released
Apr 18, 2018 - ... improved transparency, stakeholder engagement, consultation and accountability. auDA is endorsed by the Government as the.au domain ..."​

___________

"From: "Amelia Bitsis" <amelia@squadconsulting.com.au>
Date: XX
To: XX
Subject: Business Focus Group Invitation and Registrar Focus Group

Dear XX

................ Please find the details below:

On behalf of John Swinson, Chair of the Policy Review Panel, I am writing to invite you to attend the Business Focus Group which will be held on 6 March 2019 at 9.00am (AEDT) at auDA Head Office Level 17, 1 Collins street, Melbourne. Mr Swinson’s invitation is attached.

The Registrar Focus Group is on this Thursday at auDA's offices at 3.00pm. Please let me know if XX and XX would prefer to dial in and I will send you the skype details. Alternatively they are welcome to come on March 6th.

The Policy Review Panel (PRP) is seeking your views on the possible introduction of a new domain space in Australia: dot au. It means that for the first time Australians will be able to register their domain name under the Top Level Domain e.g. auda.au and it will be much easier for individuals to have a domain name too.

Australia is one of three countries (along with Turkey and Israel) in the OCED that does not allow domain names to be registered at the top level. There is evidence that suggests this is compromising our global competitiveness.

Allowing Australians to register at the top level will:

* Grow our digital economy;
* Leverage the Australian brand;
* Provide certainty for consumers;
* Improve cyber security;
* Enhance online privacy;
* Allow for shorter, catchier websites;
* Provide new opportunities for personal websites; and
* Provide a new online space for new businesses.

The Policy Review Panel's papers can be found here: https://www.auda.org.au/news/call-f...es-and-implementation-of-direct-registration/

This is third and penultimate round of consultation. Following this the PRP will make recommendations to the auDA Board which will make a final decision and convey that advice to the Federal Government.

We are committed to a meaningful consultation process. You are welcome to pass this invitation to colleagues, however we will require RSVPs by noon on 4 March 2019.

If you are unable to attend, we would be pleased to receive your comments via written submission to policy.review@auda.org.au before 11 March 2019.

The other option available is to join the meeting via Skype - details for which are below:

à Join Skype Meeting
Join by phone
XXXXXXXX

We look forward to seeing you soon. In the interim, if you have any questions please contact me via email or mobile.

Kind regards

Amelia Bitsis
Director
+61 XXXXX" ​

 

[snoopy]

Not worth putting 1 cent into .com.au. .Com is the future.

 

[Bacon Farmer]

"...it will be much easier for individuals to have a domain name too."

Um and foreigners too right? Thats where the demand is, a fake landrush in .au

Open slather for individuals and foreigners.

That's got to be good for the trust and goodwill built up in .com.au?

And the winner is...... the registries!

 

[DomainNames]

auDA lies:

"Australia is one of three countries (along with Turkey and Israel) in the OCED that does not allow domain names to be registered at the top level. There is evidence that suggests this is compromising our global competitiveness.

Allowing Australians to register at the top level will:

* Grow our digital economy;
* Leverage the Australian brand;
* Provide certainty for consumers;
* Improve cyber security;
* Enhance online privacy;
* Allow for shorter, catchier websites;
* Provide new opportunities for personal websites; and
* Provide a new online space for new businesses."

__________​

These are some facts on auDA's absurd cyber security / online privacy claims their new proposed competing .au extension will improve cyber security and enhance online privacy.

1000 Australian websites taken down after China-based criminal plot revealed.

• https://www.afr.com/technology/web/...lowing-chinaled-criminal-plot-20161007-grxa2o
• https://www.smartcompany.com.au/sta...ains-deleted-as-regulatory-body-doubles-down/
• https://www.itnews.com.au/news/auda-orders-1025-bogus-au-domains-be-deleted-439035

https://techwireasia.com/2019/02/ic...ongoing-and-significant-risk-to-the-internet/

https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252456511/UK-cyber-security-agency-investigating-DNS-hijacking

https://www.straitstimes.com/world/...dnspionage-attacks-on-internet-infrastructure

Is anyone at auDA moonlighting trying to make money out of "cyber security" on the side?.......

Create a problem and then make money for yourself or "consultants" or mates or other organisations to give the impression you will fix it?