The BWG is urging the Commerce Department to wait for a public meeting scheduled for Nov. 14 in Cambridge, Mass.

CNN: Groups protest ICANN plans

The BWG is primarily concerned with the role of so-called Supporting Organizations (SOs) in the bylaws, arguing that if they are able to nominate half the directors to the board there will be a conflict of interest.

CNN: Groups protest ICANN plans

If ICANN has a contract with the U.S. government before the public meeting it will not have the incentive to reach a consensus on controversial issues in the bylaws, the BWG said in a letter to the Commerce Department.

CNN: Groups protest ICANN plans