Dear All: Please take a moment to review the latest ccNSO news. February 2025 [image: Screenshot 2021-08-02 at 12.51.32.png] [image: ccNSO_Lockup_W_B_bg_RGB.jpg] ccNSO News February 2025 | Issue 59 Call for volunteers: GRC welcomes new members The ccNSO is seeking additional volunteers for the Guidelines Review Committee (GRC). The call for volunteers closes on Friday, 21 February 2025, at 23:59 UTC. Interested individuals can watch a short webinar <https://danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Urd3snSAlgzQ5bOlLTDbreeKLSzvcI_iy8U...> or read the call for volunteers <https://danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Urd3snSAlgzQ5bOlLTDbreeKLSzvcI_iy8U...> to learn about the GRC’s work, membership requirements, key topics, and working methods. The GRC’s role is to review existing guidelines, assess their alignment with current practices, identify gaps, and recommend updates to the ccNSO Council. Read more <https://danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Urd3snSAlgzQ5bOlLTDbreeKLSzvcI_iy8U...> Keep informed about the work of the ccNSO In preparation of each ccNSO Council meeting, a written update regarding the work by the various working groups and committees is drafted. It includes information about the current status, next steps and what the activities are about. Read more <https://danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Urd3snSAlgzQ5bOlLTDbreeKLSzvcI_iy8U...> 2024 ccNSO Achievements Report A note from Alejandra Reynoso Dear Colleagues, I hope that you are having a great start of the year! May 2025 bring you an abundance of good news. I would like to share with you the achievements of the ccNSO over 2024 and what this new year has in store for us. I am very proud of the hard work you all put into the ccNSO, whether in-person or remotely, joining actively or as an interested observer. It’s a privilege and an honor to work with you all. Warm regards,  Alejandra Reynoso ccNSO Council Chair Read the report <https://danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Urd3snSAlgzQ5bOlLTDbreeKLSzvcI_iy8U...> Join the ccNSO DASC Survey Webinar Join the ccNSO DNS Abuse Standing Committee (DASC) for a 90-minute webinar on Wednesday, 26 February 2025, at noon UTC. This session will present the final results of the 2024 DASC Survey, highlighting trends in ccTLD abuse mitigation.  Wednesday, 26 February 2025, at noon UTC. Register in advance for this meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.  REGISTER HERE <https://danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Urd3snSAlgzQ5bOlLTDbreeKLSzvcI_iy8U...> Recordings will be posted here <https://danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Urd3snSAlgzQ5bOlLTDbreeKLSzvcI_iy8U...> . About the DASC Survey The DASC conducted its first survey in late 2022, collecting insights from ccTLDs across different regions and governance models. The findings revealed that ccTLDs experience low levels of abuse and that even those with limited resources—such as funding and staff—can effectively combat DNS abuse through well-defined policies, procedures, and monitoring tools. The second survey, conducted in August–September 2024, builds on the 2022 results <https://danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Urd3snSAlgzQ5bOlLTDbreeKLSzvcI_iy8U...>, focusing on trends in DNS abuse mitigation across ccTLDs. Key findings were presented at ICANN81. Read more <https://danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Urd3snSAlgzQ5bOlLTDbreeKLSzvcI_iy8U...> DASC Survey Subgroup Members: Angela Matlapeng (.bw) Bruce Tonkin (.au) | Chair DASC survey subgroup Nick Wenban Smith (.uk) | Chair DASC Olga Cavalli | NomCom appointed Councillor Tatiana Tropina (former member) Respondent Quotes: - “Comprehensive survey” - “Opened my eyes on how much we could be doing” - “DNS Abuse mitigation has always been key for the ccTLDs operational and security processes” - “Abuse moves around between both TLDs and registrars” - “Our biggest issue are false positives” - “Compromised websites are challenging: often the registration is compliant with registry policies” - “Reports of DNS Abuse are often poorly presented or misreported” - “It is challenging to explain the legal and regulatory framework our registry operates in” DASC LIBRARY The DASC has created a library to share DNS Abuse-relevant information. The DNS abuse library <https://danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Urd3snSAlgzQ5bOlLTDbreeKLSzvcI_iy8U...> includes links to tools, articles, reports and more. You can do both searches and suggestions for content in the library. We invite you to have a look. ABUSE DISCUSSION LIST The Committee has also launched a DNS abuse discussion email list <https://danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Urd3snSAlgzQ5bOlLTDbreeKLSzvcI_iy8U...>, open to all persons associated with a ccTLD with an interest in DNS abuse. The list will be used to regularly inform you about new additions to the library, discussions, and relevant upcoming events for ccTLDs. SOPC Submits Comments on ICANN and PTI FY26 Plans The Strategic and Operational Planning Committee (SOPC) has submitted its comments on the ICANN FY26–30 Operating & Financial Plan and the ICANN/IANA FY26 Operating Plans & Budgets. As part of its role, the SOPC reviews these plans to ensure they reflect the needs and priorities of the ccTLD community. In its submission, the SOPC emphasized transparency, financial sustainability, and strategic alignment with ccNSO interests. The committee also identified areas for improvement in resource allocation and community engagement. Andreas Musielak, SOPC Chair: "The SOPC values the opportunity to contribute to ICANN’s planning process and encourages ccTLD managers to remain actively involved in these discussions." More details on the submission: 🔗 ICANN Plans <https://danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Urd3snSAlgzQ5bOlLTDbreeKLSzvcI_iy8U...> 🔗 PTI Plan <https://danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Urd3snSAlgzQ5bOlLTDbreeKLSzvcI_iy8U...> Final Reminder: Board Seat 12 vote Don't miss the deadline: 18 February at 23:59 UTC The ccNSO community is in the final stage of electing a representative for Board Seat 12, one of two ccNSO-designated seats on the ICANN Board of Directors. All eligible ccNSO Emissaries are encouraged to cast their vote before the deadline on Tuesday, 18 February 2025, at 23:59 UTC. Read more <https://danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Urd3snSAlgzQ5bOlLTDbreeKLSzvcI_iy8U...> NEW! A list of Countries/Territories involved in the Board nomination process for Seat 12 (FY25) is published, showing which voted and their ICANN Region. Consult the list here <https://danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Urd3snSAlgzQ5bOlLTDbreeKLSzvcI_iy8U...> . Join the ccNSO Newcomer Webinar Are you new to the ccNSO, or looking to deepen your understanding of its work? Do you know colleagues or peers who would benefit from an introductory session on the ccNSO? Join ccNSO Council Vice Chair Biyi Oladipo (.ng) for a 1-hour ccTLD Webinar for newcomers! This session will provide an overview of: - The role and work of the ccNSO - What to expect from the ccNSO at ICANN82 - How ccTLD community representatives can get involved This is a great opportunity to gain insights, ask questions, and connect with the global ccTLD community. When? Tuesday, 25 February 2025 at noon UTC How to participate? Register in advance for this meeting. REGISTER HERE <https://danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Urd3snSAlgzQ5bOlLTDbreeKLSzvcI_iy8U...> After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Recordings will become available here <https://danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Urd3snSAlgzQ5bOlLTDbreeKLSzvcI_iy8U...> . ccNSO at ICANN82 The ICANN82 Community Forum <https://danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Urd3snSAlgzQ5bOlLTDbreeKLSzvcI_iy8U...> will be held 8-13 March 2025 in Seattle, USA. Find out more <https://danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Urd3snSAlgzQ5bOlLTDbreeKLSzvcI_iy8U...> about the ccNSO session highlights, the overall ccNSO schedule at ICANN82, and Tech Day. ICANN82 links to bookmark now - ccNSO Schedule & Session Highlights https://community.icann.org/x/EoCRG <https://danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Urd3snSAlgzQ5bOlLTDbreeKLSzvcI_iy8U...> - Tech Day Agenda https://community.icann.org/x/HAA9HQ <https://danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Urd3snSAlgzQ5bOlLTDbreeKLSzvcI_iy8U...> Seattle changes to daylight saving time (Pacific Daylight Saving Time, PDT / UTC -7) on Sunday, March 9, 2025 at 2:00 am local time PDF Block Schedule ccNSO ICANN82 <#m_7728248085134716463_> ccNSO working groups and committees The ccNSO program will begin on Saturday, 8 March. Various ccNSO Working Groups and Committees will all hold working sessions. The ccNSO schedule continues on Sunday, 9 March, when the ccNSO Council will meet in preparation of its 215th meeting at ICANN82. Furthermore, to ensure the future resilience and continuity of Council’s operations, the ccNSO Council conducts its annual review of the distribution of the relevant roles and responsibilities, and discusses the roadmap related to increasing the ccNSO capacity. There will also be working sessions by further working groups and committees. Policy Gap Analysis (PGA Working Group) The ccNSO Policy Gap Analysis (PGA) Working Group began its work in August 2024. Its objective is to identify, analyze, and advise the Council whether and how to address gaps in existing ccNSO policies, guidance, or practices pertaining to the delegation, transfer, revocation, and retirement of ccTLDs, and other related IANA Naming Functions for ccTLDs. The DASC will hold an internal working session over the weekend, among others to continue the discussions on the gaps and the policy consolidation. PGA WG will hold a public session on Wednesday during day 1 of the ccNSO members meeting. Internet Governance Liaison Committee (IGLC) The ccNSO established the IGLC to coordinate, facilitate and increase the participation of ccTLD managers in Internet governance discussions and processes. The IGLC will hold a working session to refine its work plan. Focus topics for IGLC include among others resilience, and the United Nations (UN) led review of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) being held in 2025 on the twentieth anniversary of the original WSIS. DNS Abuse Standing Committee (DASC) The ccNSO DASC is the focal point for the ccTLD community’s global efforts to address DNS abuse under the ICANN umbrella. It serves as a dedicated forum for ccTLD managers to discuss DNS abuse, share insights, and exchange best practices. The DASC will hold an internal working session over the weekend and a public session on Wednesday during the ccNSO members meeting. Universal Acceptance Committee (UAC) The purpose of the ccNSO Universal Acceptance Committee (UAC) is to provide the ccTLD community a platform to interact and share information at a global level and with other groups under the ICANN umbrella on topics related to UA and acceptance of IDNs. The UAC will hold an internal working session. Topics for discussion include among other drivers and blockers for UA Readiness. Guidelines Review Committee (GRC) The ccNSO Guidelines Review Committee (GRC) will hold an internal work session. The purpose of the GRC is to review the current guidelines and to ascertain whether they reflect current practices and working methods, identify potential gaps, and based on this analysis propose changes to the current guidelines to the Council. Current topics for discussion include among others efforts to increase the participation of ccNSO members in voting processes, updates to the Council Selection Guideline, as well as the creation of a template to effectively review the functioning of ccNSO working groups and committees. Finance Working Group (FIN2) The second ccNSO Finance Working Group (FIN2 WG) will hold an internal work session. The objective of the second Finance Working Group is to review, explore and propose financial contribution models that are fair and equitable, and encourage ccTLDs to contribute at a level deemed reasonable, while preserving the principle of voluntary contributions. Strategic & Operational Planning Committee (SOPC) The SOPC provides input on ICANN and PTI's strategic, operational, and budget planning from a ccTLD and ccNSO perspective. It also facilitates and encourages ccTLD managers' participation in these processes. In December 2024, ICANN released the draft FY25 Operating Plan and Budget for both ICANN and PTI, along with the draft 5-Year Plans, for public comment. During this workshop, the SOPC will meet with ICANN staff to discuss its recent submission and the overall submission process. TLD-OPS Standing Committee The Top-Level Domain Operations (TLD-OPS) Standing Committee is the oversight body of the TLD-OPS mailing list <https://danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Urd3snSAlgzQ5bOlLTDbreeKLSzvcI_iy8U...> . The purpose of the standing committee is to govern the daily operation of the TLD-OPS email list and, when necessary, to develop and implement progress plans for future improvements and developments of the TLD-OPS email list, including its ecosystem. TLD-OPS is the incident response community for and by ccTLDs and brings together those who are responsible for the overall security and stability of their ccTLD. The goal of the TLD-OPS community is to enable ccTLD operators worldwide to collaboratively strengthen their incident response capabilities. The TLD-OPS Standing Committee will hold an internal working session. ccNSO Members Meeting - day 1 Welcome Session The ccNSO Council Chair and MPC Chair will welcome participants to the ccNSO Members Meeting. In addition, the review of the ICANN meeting strategy - developed in 2014 - will be discussed with the ccTLD community: is the strategy able to meet the evolving needs of the community while also being cost-effective? ccTLD News Session The ccTLD News Sessions have been part of the ccNSO Members Meetings for several years. They have provided a global platform for both experienced and new people to meet, share experiences, and discuss ccTLD-related aspects. Session Chair: Pablo Rodriguez (.pr) - News from .us | Name TBC - Findings APTLD Research in DNS Next-Generation | Sameer Gahlot (.in) - ccTLDs as the Cornerstone of Local Digital Identity: Leveraging AI for Growth and Innovation | Veronica Motloutsi (.za) - .ua: 3 years under fire | Dmytro Kohmanyuk (.ua) - Strengthening Digital Bonds: A Vision from the Lusophone Community | Marta Moreira Dias (.pt) ccNSO Working Group Updates Several ccNSO working groups and committees will provide an update on their progress and seek input on the next steps. ccTLD Financial Contributions Session The objective of the second ccNSO Finance Working Group (FIN2 WG) is to review, explore and propose financial contribution models that are fair and equitable, and encourage ccTLDs to contribute at a level deemed reasonable, while preserving the principle of voluntary contributions. This session provides an opportunity to inform and consult the broader ccTLD community on the working group’s progress and approach. Ultimately, the group aims to deliver community-endorsed recommendations to the ccNSO Council by ICANN83 in Prague. The FIN2 WG will also hold a working session on Saturday, 8 March at ICANN82. Policy Gap Analysis Session The ccNSO Policy Gap Analysis (PGA) Working Group began its work in August 2024. Its objective is to identify, analyze, and advise the Council whether and how to address gaps in existing ccNSO policies, guidance, or practices pertaining to the delegation, transfer, revocation, and retirement of ccTLDs, and other related IANA Naming Functions for ccTLDs. The PGA Working Group expects to present and discuss its initial findings during the ICANN82 ccNSO Members Meeting. The PGA Working Group will also hold a working session on Saturday, 8 March at ICANN82. ccNSO Members Meeting - day 2 Joint Session: ccNSO & GAC The ccNSO and the Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC) will hold a joint meeting to discuss work by the ccNSO Policy Gap Analysis Working Group. Furthermore, the diversity of ccTLD governance models will be explored in smaller groups by both ccNSO and GAC participants. Data Accuracy & Validation The ccNSO DNS Abuse Standing Committee (DASC) is organizing a session DASC delves into the topic of domain name registration data accuracy and its relevance to DNS abuse. How important is it for ccTLD registries to maintain correct and accurate domain name registration data in combating abuse? What role does accurate data play? This session invites the ccTLD community and other stakeholders to share diverse perspectives, recognizing that while approaches vary globally, ccTLDs consistently demonstrate low levels of abuse. The DASC will also hold a working session on Saturday, 8 March at ICANN82.  Q&A with ccNSO-appointed ICANN Board members The ccNSO appointed ICANN Board members have been invited to attend a question and answer session and to share their experiences as ICANN Board members. Drivers for Universal Acceptance Readiness The ccNSO Universal Acceptance Committee (UAC) is hosting an interactive session to explore key drivers for UA readiness within the global ccTLD community. Session Highlights: - Presentation by UNESCO on UA readiness and its impact on local language communities. - ccTLD case studies on their UA experiences. - Interactive discussion with in-person and remote participants. Universal Acceptance (UA) ensures that all domain names, including IDNs, are recognized, accepted, and functional across internet applications, systems, and devices. The UAC provides a platform for the ccTLD community to exchange insights on UA and IDN acceptance at a global level and within ICANN. In addition to this session, the UAC will hold a working session on Saturday, 8 March, at ICANN82. ccNSO Council at ICANN82 At ICANN82, the ccNSO Council will meet over the weekend to prepare for its 215th meeting. As part of its commitment to resilience and continuity, the Council will review the distribution of roles and responsibilities and discuss the roadmap to enhance the ccNSO’s capacity.  ccNSO Council meeting 215 will be held on the the final day of ICANN82. Key topics for discussion include outcomes from the recent Council workshop on resourcing, the ccNSO session on policy gaps in ccTLD post-delegation processes, and the roles and responsibilities of Council members. The Council will also hold elections for its leadership team, selecting a chair and two vice chairs. Additional agenda items will be available on the ccNSO Council’s workspace <https://danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Urd3snSAlgzQ5bOlLTDbreeKLSzvcI_iy8U...> . country code Names Supporting Organisation https://ccnso.icann.org <https://danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Urd3snSAlgzQ5bOlLTDbreeKLSzvcI_iy8U...> | ccnsosecretariat@icann.org <https://danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Urd3snSAlgzQ5bOlLTDbreeKLSzvcI_iy8U...> [image: Facebook] <https://danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Urd3snSAlgzQ5bOlLTDbreeKLSzvcI_iy8U...> [image: Twitter] <https://danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Urd3snSAlgzQ5bOlLTDbreeKLSzvcI_iy8U...> ICANN | 12025 Waterfront Drive Suite 300 | Los Angeles, CA 90094-2536 US Unsubscribe <https://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=un&m=00115LrDzKl3LoTB9FWCDiE2A%3D&c...> | Update Profile <https://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=oo&m=00115LrDzKl3LoTB9FWCDiE2A%3D&c...> | Constant Contact Data Notice <https://www.constantcontact.com/legal/customer-contact-data-notice> [image: Constant Contact] <https://www.constantcontact.com/landing1/vr/home?cc=nge&utm_campaign=nge&rmc...> Thank you. Best Regards, -- *Laura Margolis* ALAC Liaison to ccNSO margolisl@gmail.com +59899690992 skype: lauri.margolis ccNSO Liaison Workspace <https://community.icann.org/display/atlarge/ALAC+Liaison+to+the+ccNSO+Report...>