September 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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SAC131 SSAC Comments on Functional Model for Root Server System Governance
by Matthias M. Hudobnik Oct. 1, 2025

Oct. 1, 2025

Dear all, The SSAC commends the Root Server System (RSS) Governance Working Group (GWG) for developing the proposed Functional Model, a significant step toward evolving RSS governance. We acknowledge the Root Server Operators’ (RSOs) critical role in ensuring DNS stability through independent, resilient, and technologically advanced operations. The SSAC supports the Functional Model as a foundation for future RSS governance but highlights areas needing further clarity: · Governance Principles: Define clear principles to guide decision-making and governance evolution. · Implementation Roadmap: Develop a staged plan balancing continuity and governance maturity. · Inclusivity and Transparency: Ensure accountability and diverse stakeholder participation. · Funding Stability: Explore sustainable funding to maintain RSS security and resilience. Regarding the RSSAC037 Concept Model, the SSAC recommends the RSS Council address: · Operationalization: Provide a detailed plan to implement the Concept Model. · High-Level Principles: Specify processes, e.g., for RSO designation/removal. · Operational Details: Define secretariat formation, funding mechanisms, and ICANN community relations. · Interactions: Clarify relationships with bodies like CSC, RZERC, and SSAC. The SSAC urges the RSS Council to prioritize these operational specifics, maintain transparency, and consult the community throughout implementation. We look forward to offering further support to enhance RSS security, stability, and accountability. Link: HYPERLINK "https://itp.cdn.icann.org/en/files/security-and-stability-advisory-committe…"SAC131 SSAC Comments on Functional Model for Root Server System Governance. SAC131 has also been submitted as the SSAC’s response to the Functional Model for Root Server System Governance: https://www.icann.org/en/public-comment/proceeding/functional-model-for-roo… 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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HAPPY HOSH HASHANAH!!
by Vanda Scartezini Sept. 25, 2025

Sept. 25, 2025

Dear all If you are celebrating Hosh Hashanah, an important occasion, my best wishes are for a peaceful and joyful celebration! Vanda Scartezini DNS WOMEN Sao Paulo, Brazil + 55 11 98181-1464 Vanda(a)Scartezini.org www.dnswomen.org

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Re: Fw: Launch of The Internet Ecosystem Book
by Kaleel Bin Javeed Sept. 24, 2025

Sept. 24, 2025

I will also recommend it. Nice to have ! It is a very good reference guide book for the whole Internet history, the future of the Internet, Internet Governance and for the community. Dr. Kaleel Bin Javeed, PhD Associate Professor, Research and Development On Tuesday, September 23, 2025, Abba wrote: Nice comprehensive book. I have received a shared coupon for community-use from the author. You can use coupon code: INTECO10, you will receive the book at a discounted price for those interested. Abba Saheb, PhD CTO *From:* Nikesh B. Simmandree <nikeshbs(a)outlook.com> *Sent:* Monday, August 18, 2025 1:35 PM *To:* alac-announce(a)icann.org <alac-announce(a)icann.org>; alac(a)icann.org < alac(a)icann.org>; at-large(a)icann.org <at-large(a)icann.org>; afri-discuss(a)icann.org <afri-discuss(a)icann.org> *Subject:* Launch of The Internet Ecosystem Book Dear Community, I am thrilled to announce the launch of my book, *The Internet Ecosystem* — a comprehensive exploration of the history, architecture, governance, and future of the Internet. This book distills decades of technological evolution — from ARPANET and packet switching, to AI, Web3, quantum networks, and beyond — into a clear, engaging narrative accessible to both technical and non-technical readers *What the Book Covers* - *The Past:* How Cold War research, ARPANET, and packet switching gave birth to the Internet we know today. - *The Present:* The intricate roles of ISPs, backbone providers, cloud infrastructure, AI, cybersecurity, and global governance shaping our daily online experiences. - *The Future:* Insights into 5G/6G, blockchain, immersive technologies, quantum security, and the Internet in 2050. With *49 detailed chapters*, the book provides a definitive yet approachable reference for students, professionals, policymakers, and curious readers alike. My mission with *The Internet Ecosystem* is to make the Internet’s complexity understandable — showing not only *how* the Internet works, but also *why* it matters and has become one of the most transformative human inventions — while sparking dialogue on how we build a secure, inclusive, and sustainable digital future. In the 21st century, understanding the Internet is not optional — it’s essential. Whether you’re a business leader, policymaker, educator, student, or everyday Internet user, this book provides the context and clarity you need to navigate the opportunities and challenges of our connected world. *Get Your Copy* *The Internet Ecosystem* is now available: https://payhip.com/b/hfvYg Thank you, Best Regards, Nikesh B. Simmandree +230-5-907-3413 nikeshbs(a)outlook.com This message and its attachments are intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and are strictly confidential. If you have received this in error, please delete it from any devices after having informed the sender.

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Fw: Re: Launch of The Internet Ecosystem Book
by Ole Mubanga Sept. 23, 2025

Sept. 23, 2025

Those who wish to have a copy of the newly launched: "The Internet Ecosystem" Book. Use coupon code: INTECO10 I completed the reading and I will recommend it. A book which englobe the whole history and future of the Internet. Happy Reading ! - Ole Dear Community, > > I am thrilled to announce the launch of my book, *The Internet Ecosystem* — > a comprehensive exploration of the history, architecture, governance, and > future of the Internet. > This book distills decades of technological evolution — from ARPANET and > packet switching, to AI, Web3, quantum networks, and beyond — into a clear, > engaging narrative accessible to both technical and non-technical readers > > *What the Book Covers* > > - *The Past:* How Cold War research, ARPANET, and packet switching > gave birth to the Internet we know today. > - *The Present:* The intricate roles of ISPs, backbone providers, > cloud infrastructure, AI, cybersecurity, and global governance shaping our > daily online experiences. > - *The Future:* Insights into 5G/6G, blockchain, immersive > technologies, quantum security, and the Internet in 2050. > > With *49 detailed chapters*, the book provides a definitive yet > approachable reference for students, professionals, policymakers, and > curious readers alike. > > My mission with *The Internet Ecosystem* is to make the Internet’s > complexity understandable — showing not only *how* the Internet works, > but also *why* it matters and has become one of the most transformative > human inventions — while sparking dialogue on how we build a secure, > inclusive, and sustainable digital future. > In the 21st century, understanding the Internet is not optional — it’s > essential. Whether you’re a business leader, policymaker, educator, > student, or everyday Internet user, this book provides the context and > clarity you need to navigate the opportunities and challenges of our > connected world. > > *Get Your Copy* > *The Internet Ecosystem* is now available: https://payhip.com/b/hfvYg > > Thank you, > > Best Regards, > Nikesh B. Simmandree > +230-5-907-3413 > nikeshbs(a)outlook.com > > This message and its attachments are intended only for the person or > entity to which it is addressed and are strictly confidential. If you have > received this in error, please delete it from any devices after having > informed the sender. >

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Fw: Re: Launch of The Internet Ecosystem Book
by Ole Mubanga Sept. 23, 2025

Sept. 23, 2025

Those who wish to have a copy of the newly launched: "The Internet Ecosystem" Book. Use coupon code: INTECO10 I completed the reading and I will recommend it. A book which englobe the whole history and future of the Internet. Happy Reading ! - Ole On Tue, Sep 02, 2025 at 3:55 PM <abbasaheb(a)atomicmail.io> wrote: > Nice comprehensive book. I have received a shared coupon for community-use > from the author. You can use coupon code: INTECO10, you will receive the > book at a discounted price for those interested. > > Abba Saheb, PhD > CTO > > ------------------------------ > *From:* Nikesh B. Simmandree <nikeshbs(a)outlook.com> > *Sent:* Monday, August 18, 2025 1:35 PM > *To:* alac-announce(a)icann.org <alac-announce(a)icann.org>; alac(a)icann.org < > alac(a)icann.org>; at-large(a)icann.org <at-large(a)icann.org>; > afri-discuss(a)icann.org <afri-discuss(a)icann.org> > *Subject:* Launch of The Internet Ecosystem Book > > Dear Community, > > I am thrilled to announce the launch of my book, *The Internet Ecosystem* — > a comprehensive exploration of the history, architecture, governance, and > future of the Internet. > This book distills decades of technological evolution — from ARPANET and > packet switching, to AI, Web3, quantum networks, and beyond — into a clear, > engaging narrative accessible to both technical and non-technical readers > > *What the Book Covers* > > - *The Past:* How Cold War research, ARPANET, and packet switching > gave birth to the Internet we know today. > - *The Present:* The intricate roles of ISPs, backbone providers, > cloud infrastructure, AI, cybersecurity, and global governance shaping our > daily online experiences. > - *The Future:* Insights into 5G/6G, blockchain, immersive > technologies, quantum security, and the Internet in 2050. > > With *49 detailed chapters*, the book provides a definitive yet > approachable reference for students, professionals, policymakers, and > curious readers alike. > > My mission with *The Internet Ecosystem* is to make the Internet’s > complexity understandable — showing not only *how* the Internet works, > but also *why* it matters and has become one of the most transformative > human inventions — while sparking dialogue on how we build a secure, > inclusive, and sustainable digital future. > In the 21st century, understanding the Internet is not optional — it’s > essential. Whether you’re a business leader, policymaker, educator, > student, or everyday Internet user, this book provides the context and > clarity you need to navigate the opportunities and challenges of our > connected world. > > *Get Your Copy* > *The Internet Ecosystem* is now available: https://payhip.com/b/hfvYg > > Thank you, > > Best Regards, > Nikesh B. Simmandree > +230-5-907-3413 > nikeshbs(a)outlook.com > > This message and its attachments are intended only for the person or > entity to which it is addressed and are strictly confidential. If you have > received this in error, please delete it from any devices after having > informed the sender. >

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APRALO Bytes - WSIS+20, 2 Sep 2025
by Justine Chew Sept. 3, 2025

Sept. 3, 2025

Hello everyone, Here is this week's *APRALO Byte*, which is on the topic of *WSIS+20*, published at https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/APRALO/pages/412844037/AP… (click on 'Read more'). In brief, we draw attention to the *recently released WSIS+20 Zero Draft*, for which written comments are being invited up to 26 Sep. More details are in the Byte. Kind regards, APRALO Leadership Team ---------------------- *APRALO Bytes* (see: https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/BYCbG) is an APRALO initiative aimed at *keeping the community apprised* of issues or topics of importance to the At-Large and/or APRALO community in a manner that is* issue/topic-focused, informative yet lightweight*, *while encouraging community interest and discourse* in such issues/topics.

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Invitation to APAC Webinar on ICANN’s Applicant Support Program (ASP), 3 Sep 2025 at 05:00 UTC
by Justine Chew Sept. 3, 2025

Sept. 3, 2025

Dear colleagues, For the first time in over a decade, businesses, communities, regional and local governments, non-profits, and other organizations will have the opportunity to apply for a new generic top-level domain (gTLD). A TLD is the part of a web address that comes after the last dot. For example, in www.icann.org, “.org” is the TLD. TLDs are unique digital assets that can be used to serve diverse cultural, geographic, linguistic, and professional communities, and provide a unique and secure space for customers and constituents online. Today there are more than 1,200 new gTLDs representing brands and businesses like .microsoft and .toyota, cities and regions like .amsterdam, and communities like .kids. Plus, there are gTLDs available in different scripts representing many languages. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is the organization that coordinates the Internet’s Domain Name System. ICANN <http://www.icann.org/>, in partnership with the Asian, Australasian and Pacific Islands Regional At-Large Organization (APRALO) <https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/AoDdBg>, will host a webinar mainly for prospective and current applicants from the Asia Pacific to learn more about the resources available to help with the ASP and gTLD application processes. The webinar will cover: - How a gTLD can be used to create a meaningful and trusted digital space. - The availability of financial and non-financial assistance through the Applicant Support Program including information on how to apply and qualify for support. - Introductions to volunteer professional service providers and mentors, willing to provide general business support, application assistance, or technical assistance. - Key dates and milestones ahead. *Join us on 3 September 2025 at 05:00 UTC. Pre-registration <https://icann.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zs1c7B-9RXWFsUkP4mmh6w> is required.* Please feel free to share this invitation with interested persons, especially from the APAC region. Kind regards, APRALO Leadership Team

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APRALO Invitation to Webinar on Applicant Support Program (ASP) for the APAC Community I Wednesday 3 September 5:00 UTC
by Amrita Choudhury Sept. 1, 2025

Sept. 1, 2025

Dear All, For the first time in over a decade, businesses, communities, regional and local governments, nonprofits, and other organizations will have the opportunity to apply for a new generic top-level domain (gTLD). A TLD is the part of a web address that comes after the last dot. For example, in www.icann.org, “.org” is the TLD. TLDs are unique digital assets that can be used to serve diverse cultural, geographic, linguistic, and professional communities, and provide a unique and secure space for customers and constituents online. Today there are more than 1,200 new gTLDs representing brands and businesses like .microsoft and .toyota, cities and regions like .amsterdam, and communities like .kids. Plus, there are gTLDs available in different scripts representing many languages. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is the organization that coordinates the Internet’s Domain Name System. ICANN, in partnership with the Asian, Australasian and Pacific Islands Regional At-Large Organization (APRALO), will host a webinar mainly for prospective and current applicants from the Asia Pacific to learn more about the resources available to help with the ASP and gTLD application processes. The webinar will cover: - How a gTLD can be used to create a meaningful and trusted digital space. - The availability of financial and non-financial assistance through the Applicant Support Program including information on how to apply and qualify for support. - Introductions to volunteer professional service providers and mentors, willing to provide general business support, application assistance, or technical assistance. - Key dates and milestones ahead. *Join us on September 3 at 05:00 UTC. Pre-registration [LINK <https://icann.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zs1c7B-9RXWFsUkP4mmh6w>] is required. Do note Registration is Mandatory for the event* *We would request you to share this invitation to interested persons from your communities.* [image: APAC ASP Webinar.png] Regards Amrita

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