Dear ALAC colleagues,
Please find below a summary of the ccNSO Council meeting #224, held on Thursday, 18 December 2025 at 18:00 UTC.
Agenda and Background Materials
Working Groups written updates December 2025
In order to make it easier for you to read, I would like to highlight the main topics informed and discussed during the meeting.
Main Topics:
1. Launch of the new ccNSO Website
2. ccNSO participation on GNSO DNS Abuse PDP
3. ccNSO email list archive
4. Tech Day interpretation removal
5. Council Elections
1. Launch of the New ccNSO Website
The Council formally marked the launch of the new ccNSO website earlier this week. Members of the Website Steering Committee and the ICANN staff team presented key features, including improved content taxonomy, enhanced navigation, a new subscription function based on topic selection, and a timeline view of ccNSO activities. The Council expressed strong appreciation to the ICANN team and the Steering Committee for their collaboration and sustained effort throughout the project.
2. ccNSO participation on GNSO DNS Abuse PDP
The Council held an initial discussion on whether and how the ccNSO should participate in the upcoming GNSO DNS Abuse PDPs, following the GNSO Council’s adoption of the Issue Report and the expected launch of two PDPs once the working group charters are finalized. Councilors noted potential benefits of participation, including the opportunity to share ccTLD operational experience, highlight the comparatively low levels of abuse within the ccTLD space, and contribute constructively to the multistakeholder process with the aim of reducing DNS abuse overall.
At the same time, several concerns were raised. These included the significant resource commitments typically required by GNSO PDPs, as well as the risk of misunderstandings regarding the ccNSO’s role, particularly in relation to policy authority and the distinction between ccTLD and gTLD spaces. Some Councillors also emphasized the importance of ensuring that participation would not create expectations that PDP outcomes would be applicable to ccTLDs.
The Council agreed to approach the discussion in two phases: first, determining whether the ccNSO should participate in principle, and second, if participation is supported, considering what form such participation should take. No decision was taken at this stage, and the Council agreed to revisit the matter in January 2026, once further clarity is available.
3. Mailing list archive
The Council discussed the current status of the ccNSO Council mailing list archive, which is presently accessible only to subscribed members. For transparency and accountability reasons, the Council considered whether the archive should remain closed or be made publicly accessible, noting that other SO/ACs maintain public archives for similar bodies. Concerns were raised regarding the handling of confidential or sensitive materials; however, it was noted that closed meetings and confidential communications could continue to be managed through alternative channels. Following discussion, the Council agreed to open the Council mailing list archive going forward and also supported allowing observers to the mailing list. Implementation details will be communicated once finalized.
4. ICANN84 Tech Day Report and possible Interpretation Removal
The Council discussed feedback from ICANN84 Tech Day, particularly regarding session pacing and the continued provision of interpretation. Broad support was expressed for maintaining interpretation to ensure inclusiveness and accessibility, especially for non-native English speakers. The topic will be revisited in January.
5. Council Elections 2026
The Council addressed the special selection process for the African region seat, noting that Ingabire Grace Mwikarago (.rw) accepted her nomination. The Council agreed that a candidate Q&A was not required in this case.
The Council also adopted the Council Election Process Report for the AP, EU, LAC, and NA regions, confirming the election of:
The Council requested the Guidelines Review Committee to review the Council Selection Process Guideline based on recommendations from the Election Process Manager.
This is all for now.
I would be happy to answer any questions or provide additional information if needed.
Thank you for reading and Happy Holidays for everyone!
Kindest Regards,