January 2026 - 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

1 1

RECORDING - At-Large Fireside Chat #1: Participating in ICANN Working Groups
by Joly MacFie Jan. 28, 2026

Jan. 28, 2026

<https://isoc.live/20120> [image: ISOC LIVE] <https://isoc.live/20120>VIDEO <https://youtu.be/nGU_Cthciqk> | AUDIO <https://archive.org/download/at-large-participation1/at-large-participation…> | RECAP <https://www.patreon.com/posts/149281375/> | ARCHIVE <https://archive.org/details/at-large-participation1> | PERMALINK <https://isoc.live/20120> On 26 January 2026, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers <https://www.icann.org/> (ICANN) hosted the first of two At-Large Fireside Chats. Eunice Alejandra Pérez Coello <https://www.linkedin.com/in/eunice-perez-coello/> chatted with Cheryl Langdon-Orr <https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryl-langdon-orr/> and Hadia Elminiawi <https://www.linkedin.com/in/hadiaelminiawi/> about their experiences participating in various ICANN working groups. SPEAKERS Cheryl Langdon-Orr – APRALO Hadia Elminiawi – AFRALO Moderator: Eunice Alejandra Pérez Coello – LACRALO FACILITATOR Michelle DeSmyter – Policy Support At-Large & GNSO, ICANN -- -------------------------------------- Joly MacFie +12185659365 -------------------------------------- -

1 0

Sebastien Bachollet - Candidate statement Board Seat 15
by Sébastien Bachollet Jan. 24, 2026

Jan. 24, 2026

Dear all, Please find attached my candidate statement for Board Seat 15 by at-Large. Word and pdf. All the best SeB -- Sebastien Bachollet Ex-Chair of EURALO President d'honneur Isoc France President Espace SocioCulturel du Val du Sauzay (Nievre France) +33 6 07 66 89 33

1 0

Candidate statement Board Seat 15 - Lito Ibarra
by Lito Ibarra Jan. 24, 2026

Jan. 24, 2026

Dear all I am sending my Candidate Statement for Board Seat 15. If possible, please acknowledge reception. Thank you. Regards, -- "Tomo lo bueno, no importa de quién venga; desecho lo malo, no importa de quién venga" "El amor y el odio afectan más profundamente a quien lo profesa que a quien lo recibe" "Las canas se tornan plata cuando son matizadas con la experiencia" ------------- Rafael (Lito) Ibarra Miembro del Salón de la Fama de Internet Premio Trayectoria LACNIC 2020 Twitter: litoibarra Skype: lito.ibarra El Salvador (SV) Tel. (503) 2223-5016

1 0

End-User Perspectives on International Law and Internet Governance: EU Training in Brussels
by Joanna Kulesza Jan. 17, 2026

Jan. 17, 2026

Dear Colleagues, I am pleased to share this opportunity in case it may be of interest to you or your networks. The European Security and Defence College (ESDC), in cooperation with the University of Łódź, is offering a specialized training course on *Cybersecurity and International Law*, to be held in Brussels from *16–18 February 2026*. We have previously benefited from strong end-user participation, and I would warmly encourage eligible candidates to consider applying. Please note that the *application deadline is 30 January 2026*, and a limited number of places remain available. The course adopts a practical approach to the application of international law in cyberspace, addressing contemporary geopolitical and regulatory challenges. Key topics include, inter alia, state responsibility and due diligence in cyber operations, peaceful dispute settlement, transboundary data flows (including GDPR), artificial intelligence and algorithmic accountability, intermediary liability, and ongoing international and UN-level cyber processes (including the Hanoi Convention, WSIS+20, the Second Additional Protocol to the Budapest Convention, and discussions on autonomous weapons systems and AI liability). The training is part of the ESDC’s Cyber Education, Training, Exercise and Evaluation (ETEE) platform and is designed for professionals working on cybersecurity-related matters. Participation is open to individuals from *non-EU **countries, and international and regional organisations*. There is *no course fee*. However, participants are expected to *cover their own travel and accommodation costs*. Nomination by the relevant national authority or institutional representative is required. The official course page and registration information are available here: *https://goalkeeper.eeas.europa.eu/goalkeeper/course/1881 <https://goalkeeper.eeas.europa.eu/goalkeeper/course/1881>* Interested candidates are kindly requested to *contact Mr Giuseppe Zuffanti directly* for registration and administrative matters: - *Giuseppe Zuffanti* European External Action Service / ESDC Email: giuseppe.zuffanti(a)eeas.europa.eu At a time of rapid technological change, geopolitical fragmentation, and evolving security challenges, sustained engagement with *international law as the common language for addressing cyber-related risks and responsibilities is particularly vital*. This course offers a timely opportunity to return to, and critically engage with, international legal frameworks as a foundation for cooperation, stability, and accountability in Internet governance. -- Kind regards, Joanna Kulesza ------------------- Joanna Kulesza, PhD Professor of International Law Lodz Cyber Hub / University of Lodz Law School / Poland www.cyber.uni.lodz.pl (EURALO ALS 341) EURALO / ALAC Liaison to the GAC

1 0

HAPPY NEW YEAR
by Vanda Scartezini Jan. 1, 2026

Jan. 1, 2026

Happy 2026!

10 10