GDS: PPSAI IRT Working Session | Wednesday March 12, 2025 09:00 - 10:00 PDT (16:00 UTC) | @example name | Use template: What happened? Example: This session discussed.... What are the At-Large specific takeaways from this session? Example: At-Large is interested in... What are the At-Large specific action items (next steps)? Example: At-Large needs to... | |
Joint Session: ICANN Board and SSAC | Wednesday March 12, 2025 09:00 - 10:00 PDT (16:00 UTC) | Natálie Terčová | What happened? This session focused on the importance of in-person meetings for SSAC's effectiveness, as virtual meetings alone often do not provide the necessary engagement for productive discussions, and it takes a long time to solve issues. Participants emphasized that SSAC benefits from exchanging perspectives not just with the Board, but also with other ICANN bodies, such as ALAC and GAC, and that ICANN’s meeting strategy should reflect this need. Another key discussion was about bylaws and reviews. The current bylaws require efficiency in reviews, but participants noted that more time is often needed to ensure effectiveness. If certain review processes do not fit their intended purpose, modifications to the bylaws may be necessary. Tripti Sinha acknowledged this issue and recognized that other ICANN constituencies, including ALAC, share similar concerns. SSAC also sought Board input on prioritizing key SSR (Security, Stability, and Resilience) issues, including guidance on which aspects need amplification. Additionally, SSAC raised questions about free and open-source software and DNS blocking, discussing how these topics intersect with broader issues like internet fragmentation and the Global Digital Compact (GDC). The Board agreed that there should be closer cooperation between SSAC (and OCTO, perhaps) and the Board to maximize impact. Another critical topic was DNS abuse and registration data access. The Board recognized the need for timely access to registration data to address DNS abuse effectively, acknowledging that the current process is too slow. Finally, the session covered the responsible expansion of new gTLDs. SSAC confirmed that it will submit a response to the public comment proceeding on the draft Applicant Guidebook, specifically to request clarifications regarding Topic 29: Name Collisions. What are the At-Large specific takeaways from this session? In-person engagement is critical for effective policy discussions, as online meetings do not fully support the exchange of nuanced perspectives and tend to take long. Bylaws should facilitate meaningful reviews, not hinder them. At-Large aligns with the broader community's interest in modifying the bylaws to allow for practical, impactful review processes, if needed. The expansion of new gTLDs should be handled responsibly for the safety of internet end-users, including possible security threats in relation to name collisions.
What are the At-Large specific action items (next steps)? Support efforts to ensure in-person engagement within various WGs. Monitor and contribute to discussions on potential bylaw review processes. Engage in discussions on DNS abuse mitigation, particularly advocating for the interests and safety of end-users.
Follow SSAC’s response to the draft Applicant Guidebook and contribute At-Large perspectives to the public comment process regarding new gTLD expansion. | |
GNSO: Universal Acceptance (UA) Progress and the Strategy Forward for Digital Inclusion | Wednesday March 12, 2025 10:30 - 12:00 PDT (17:30 UTC) | satish.babu | The session summarized the first decade of Universal Acceptance (2015-2025), Moderator: Sarmad Hussain
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