July 2025 - At-Large - lists.icann.org

SAC130: SSAC Comments on Name Collision Guidelines in the Proposed Language for the Draft Next Round Applicant Guidebook
by Matthias M. Hudobnik April 24, 2026

April 24, 2026

Dear Colleagues, The SSAC welcomes the opportunity to comment on ICANN's Draft Applicant Guidebook (AGB) for the New gTLD Program: Next Round. Our comments focus on improving Section 6.7 on Name Collisions, with an emphasis on risks arising from collisions between DNS and alternative naming systems (e.g., blockchain-based systems), as outlined in the Name Collision Analysis Project Study 2 Report (NCAP2). SUMMARY OF KEY RECOMMENDATIONS: * Clarify TRT's Role in Initial Assessments AGB §6.7.2 does not clearly state that the Technical Review Team (TRT) conducts the initial name collision risk assessment. NCAP2 indicates TRT is responsible from the outset. _Recommendation:_ Explicitly assign the initial assessment to the TRT. * Enable Pre-Delegation Action on High-Risk Strings Current language suggests high-risk strings are identified only after temporary delegation. NCAP2 supports action based on existing data. _Recommendation:_ Allow TRT to recommend withholding delegation if early analysis shows high risk. * Broaden TRT's Assessment Scope Beyond DNS Data Limiting analysis to DNS logs misses collisions from alternative namespaces that resolve via DNS (e.g., users accustomed to _.wallet_ from blockchain). _Recommendation:_ Permit use of OSINT, qualitative assessments, and external data sources per NCAP2. * Allow TRT Flexibility to Evolve Assessment Methods AGB cites four NCAP2 methods (NI, CI, VI, VIN), but doesn't state whether TRT may adopt new techniques. _Recommendation:_ Affirm TRT's discretion to evolve methods to address future risks. These updates will better align the AGB with NCAP2 and ICANN Board guidance, while improving transparency, security, and technical rigor in handling name collisions. The SSAC appreciates the efforts of the ICANN org and Subsequent Procedures IRT, and we are available for further discussion. Link: https://itp.cdn.icann.org/en/files/security-and-stability-advisory-committe…. Best, Matthias

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Fwd: [AfrIPv6-Discuss] Organisation of New AFRINIC Board Elections by 30 September 2025
by Olivier MJ Crépin-Leblond July 28, 2025

July 28, 2025

FYI -------- Forwarded Message -------- Subject: [AfrIPv6-Discuss] Organisation of New AFRINIC Board Elections by 30 September 2025 Date: Tue, 15 Jul 2025 11:44:36 +0000 From: comms--- via AfrIPv6-Discuss <afripv6-discuss(a)afrinic.net> Reply-To: comms(a)afrinic.net <comms(a)afrinic.net>, IPv6 in Africa Discussions <afripv6-discuss(a)afrinic.net> To: IPv6 in Africa <afripv6-discuss(a)afrinic.net> */Apologies for cross-posting/* Dear Valued Members and the Internet Community, During the elections held on 23 June 2025, suspicions of irregularities were raised, particularly regarding the use of Powers of Attorney by some voters. Complaints were submitted to the relevant authorities by aggrieved parties, and the Police is investigating the matter. In the interest of transparency and fairness and given the absence of final conclusions from the ongoing investigation, I made the decision to annul the results of these elections. Therefore, I am currently unable to formally report on the extent of the identified irregularities. Nevertheless, I reported the matter to the Supreme Court of Mauritius and requested an extension of my mandate as Receiver to organize new elections. This request was granted. These elections must now be held _no later than 30 September 2025._ In this context, and to ensure a more inclusive electoral process, I invite all stakeholders of the Internet community to submit the names of credible and trustworthy individuals to serve on the Nominations Committee (NomCom), which will be responsible for overseeing the candidate selection process. The responsibilities of the Nom Com are outlined here: a)use its best effort towards ensuring that a satisfactory number of individuals from the African internet community stand as candidate for the election of the directors of AFRINIC; and b)have general responsibility for, and shall supervise the conduct of the polls by the election Committee throughout the voting period. c)In the discharge of its function above, the Nom Com: i.shall call for candidates for elections held by AFRINIC; ii.prescribe criteria and qualifications for eligibility to stand as candidate for elections held by AFRINIC; iii.may interview candidates prior to finalising the list of candidature; and d) Shall finalise the list of candidates for any election held by AFRINIC. Deadline for submission: 17 July 2025 Please send your proposals to the following email address: nomcomselection(a)afrinic.net <mailto:nomcomselection@afrinic.net> The NomCom will be formed by selecting one representative from each region. This measure helps protect the integrity of the election and ensures neutrality, addressing any concerns of regional bias or conflict of interest. Finally, to prevent any disputes similar to those previously observed, /_neither Powers of Attorney nor proxies will be accepted_/ for the upcoming elections. The elections will be conducted entirely online, allowing all eligible voting members to exercise their rights from wherever they are. Thank you for your cooperation and your commitment to AFRINIC’s renewal and stability. Gowtamsingh DABEE /Receiver/

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WSIS+20 Informal Stakeholder Consultation Session for 29 July 2025 (10:00-13:00 EDT / 14:00-17:00 UTC)
by Amrita Choudhury July 21, 2025

July 21, 2025

Dear All The follow-up WSIS+20 Informal Stakeholder Consultation Session will be held on 29 July 2025 (10:00-13:00 EDT / 14:00-17:00 UTC). This is a multistakeholder consultation with the participation of Member States and all other stakeholder groups together. At the session, participants are encouraged to share brief summaries of their written inputs, organized according to the thematic areas <https://publicadministration.desa.un.org/sites/default/files/2021-04/2025/T…> outlined in the Elements Paper <https://publicadministration.desa.un.org/sites/default/files/2021-04/2025/W…> Advance registration is required by 23 July, and you must indicate if you wish to speak during the session. Please see the announcement containing registration link and additional information here: https://publicadministration.desa.un.org/wsis20/wsisinformalsession Regards Amrita

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The SSAC has published SAC129
by Matthias M. Hudobnik July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

Dear all, The SSAC appreciates the opportunity to provide input on the GNSO's efforts regarding domain name registration data accuracy. Although our response comes later than intended, we are grateful for your consideration. Key Points: Impact of Inaccurate Data: Usability: Hinders effective communication and identification. Security: Impairs law enforcement, anti-abuse efforts, and timely cybersecurity notifications. Operations: Disrupts domain transfers, dispute resolution, and security analysis due to incorrect metadata (e.g., create/update dates, registrar info). The SSAC consistently stresses the critical role of accurate data in enabling legitimate communications and mitigating abuse. What Inaccurate Data Does Not Prevent: It does not stop bad actors from continuing abusive domain use. Harm prevention is still possible using other tools, but accurate data improves effectiveness. Vulnerable Stakeholders: Law enforcement, cybersecurity firms, reputation service providers, researchers, brand protection teams, and operators of critical infrastructure (OS vendors, CAs, web/email/social platforms). These groups rely heavily on registration data for investigations and system protections. Problem Statement Recommendations: Current Challenge: Lack of clear definitions, measurable standards, and inconsistent accuracy. Consequences: Weakened DNS security, delayed investigations, and ineffective abuse mitigation. Objective: Improve data accuracy to strengthen trust and security. Proposal: Define “accuracy” clearly. Justify accuracy efforts through measurable benefits. Address the potential commercial impacts. Evaluate the implications of the EU’s NIS2 directive on ICANN policies. SSAC does not offer a formal problem statement but urges the GNSO to tackle key foundational issues including definitions, compliance mechanisms, and external regulatory impacts. Administrative Notes: The document reflects the consensus of the SSAC, with full transparency on contributors, disclosures, and any recusals. Link: https://itp.cdn.icann.org/en/files/security-and-stability-advisory-committe… Best, Matthias __________________________ Ing. Mag. Matthias M. Hudobnik FIP, CIPP/E, CIPT, DPO, CIS LA matthias(a)hudobnik.at http://www.hudobnik.at @mhudobnik

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Re: The SSAC has published SAC129
by Matthias M. Hudobnik July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

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SSAC Comments on GNSO Domain Name Registration Data Accuracy Concept Proposal.
by Hadia Abdelsalam Mokhtar EL miniawi July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

Dear All, FYI The SSAC has published SAC129: SSAC Comments on GNSO Domain Name Registration Data Accuracy Concept Proposal. https://itp.cdn.icann.org/en/files/security-and-stability-advisory-committe… Best Hadia مهندسة/ هادية المنياوى كبير خبراء - البنية التحتية والطيف الترددي الجهاز القومي لتنظيم الاتصالات القرية الذكية، طريق مصر اسكندرية الصحراوي تليفون: 20235344392 Eng. Hadia Elminiawi, M.Sc. Chief Expert - Infrastructure and Radio Spectrum Planning National Telecom Regulatory Authority of Egypt (NTRA) Tel: 202 3534-4392 Email: Hadia(a)tra.gov.eg<mailto:Hadia@tra.gov.eg> Smart Village, Cairo/Alex Desert Road, Giza, Egypt 12577 www.tra.gov.eg<http://www.tra.gov.eg/> AFRALO Chairwoman & SSAC member Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)

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No podre asistir a Praga
by Sergio Salinas Porto July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Dear friends, Today I woke up with a very serious ailment, which prompted me to make an appointment with the doctor. After some tests he prescribed, the decision was made to admit me to emergency surgery. Unfortunately, I won't be able to be with you in Prague. Best regards. *Sergio Salinas Porto**Presidente Internauta Argentina - LACRALO/ICANN <https://atlarge.icann.org/ralos/lacralo>**Asociación Argentina de Usuarios de Internet <http://www.internauta.org.ar/>/FeTIA <http://www.fetia.org.ar/>**FUILAC- Federación de Usuarios de Internet de LAC <https://fuilac.org>**facebook: salinasporto <http://www.facebook.com/salinasporto> **twitter: sergiosalinas <http://twitter.com/sergiosalinas>**Mobi:+54 9 223 5 215819**"Ojalá podamos ser desobedientes, cada vez que recibimos órdenes que humillan nuestra * * conciencia o violan nuestro sentido común" Eduardo Galeano*

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BBC Tech Live : ICANN CEO talks about his concerns for the future of the Internet
by Dev Anand Teelucksingh July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

On BBC’s Tech Live : ICANN CEO Kurt Lindqvist talks about his concerns for the future of the Internet https://www.bbc.com/audio/play/w3ct6znx

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ICANN84 moved to Dublin, Ireland from Muscat, Oman
by Greg Shatan [NARALO] July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

ICANN84 Annual General Meeting Relocated <https://www.icann.org/en/announcements/details/icann84-annual-general-meeti…> *____________________* *Greg Shatan* *Chair, NARALO* gregshatanalac(a)gmail.com

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