February 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

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Anthropic
by Roberto Gaetano Feb. 28, 2026

Feb. 28, 2026

Hi all The question on whether the development and deployment of AI should be governed or not is probably not really in the scope of ICANN. However, this issue is germane to the question on whether the development and deployment of the Internet should be governed, a question to which ICANN has been the (partial) answer. In any case, something that affects the users of the modern technologies. The case of Anthropic has already triggered some debate on AI. Maybe the official statement of the company is worth reading - here it is: https://www.anthropic.com/news/statement-department-of-war?bsft_eid=c6aa509… Cheers, Roberto

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RECORDING - APRALO Policy Forum Webinar on Multilingual Domain Names
by Joly MacFie Feb. 27, 2026

Feb. 27, 2026

[image: ISOC LIVE] <https://isoc.live/20262>VIDEO <https://youtu.be/p60OOUfGg3s> | AUDIO <https://archive.org/download/apralo-multilingual-1/apralo-multilingual-1.mp3> | RECAP <https://www.patreon.com/posts/151789905/> | ARCHIVE <https://archive.org/details/apralo-multilingual-1> | PERMALINK <https://isoc.live/20262> On 26 February 2026 the APRALO Policy Forum <https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/OOrdBg> hosted ‘Multilingual Domain Names <https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/KYDWM>‘, ,the first of the series of 3 webinars to introduce ICANN’s goal for a “Multilingual Internet” and its engagement of relevant stakeholders to deliver this goal. Pitinan Kooarmornpatana <https://www.linkedin.com/in/pitinan/> provided an introduction to Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs), and a guided exercise on how to develop Label Generation Rules (LGR) which is a key technical requirement for enabling IDNs PRESENTER Pitinan Kooarmornpatana – IDN Programs Director, ICANN HOST / MODERATOR Gopal Tadepalli -- -------------------------------------- Joly MacFie +12185659365 -------------------------------------- -

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RECORDING – EURALO Round Table: DNSSEC – The “Points of Trust” Concept
by Joly MacFie Feb. 26, 2026

Feb. 26, 2026

[image: ISOC LIVE] <https://isoc.live/20243>VIDEO <https://youtu.be/Hgjf7OP3sQo> | AUDIO <https://archive.org/download/euralo-dnssec-trust/euralo-dnssec-trust.mp3> | RECAP <https://www.patreon.com/posts/151612047/> | ARCHIVE <https://archive.org/details/euralo-dnssec-trust> | PERMALINK <https://isoc.live/20243> On 11 February, 2026, the the European Regional At-Large Organization <https://atlarge.icann.org/ralos/euralo> (EURALO) hosted a roundtable webinar ‘DNSSEC – The “Points of Trust” Concept <https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/AQA2Lg>‘. bringing together technical experts, registry operators, and community representatives to discuss DNSSEC <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domain_Name_System_Security_Extensions> as a trust mechanism in today’s DNS ecosystem, and how to move beyond theory toward actionable understanding and future directions for DNSSEC implementation. SPEAKERS Matthias Hudobnik – ALAC Liaison, SSAC Peter Thomassen – SSAC Julien Taes – ISOC Belgium Barbara Jantzen – desec.io Oli Schacher – .ch José Casinha – .pt Werner Staub – the CORE Association Christian Elmerot – Cloudflare HOSTS / MODERATORS Frederic Taes – Chair, EURALO Natalia Filina – Secretary, EURALO -- -------------------------------------- Joly MacFie +12185659365 -------------------------------------- -

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Fwd: APRALO Bytes - DNS Abuse, 23 Feb 2026
by Justine Chew Feb. 26, 2026

Feb. 26, 2026

Dear all, We are pleased to release the second *APRALO Byte *for 2026, which is on *DNS Abuse*, published at https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/APRALO/pages/412844037/AP… (click on 'Read more'). As we head closer to the next ICANN public meeting in Mumbai, we thought it would be useful to focus on this topic, given the upcoming commencement of the *new GNSO PDP1 on DNS Abuse Mitigation*, and the *ICANN85 At-Large Plenary* on 10 March. Kind regards, APRALO Leadership Team ---------------------- *APRALO Bytes* (see: https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/BYCbG) is 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. Feedback and contributions are welcomed; please reach out if you wish to contribute a Byte.

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DNS WOMEN -ICANN 85 MUMBAI
by Vanda Scartezini Feb. 24, 2026

Feb. 24, 2026

Dear friends all over the world.H Please join our DNS WOMEN session with great panelists in MUMBAI or online!! Amrita Choudhury will lead the Panel. Here the Panelists, ordered in Alphabetical order of the regions:\ Africa - Fiona Asonga Asia - Ihita Gangavarapu Europe - Sandra Hoferichter Latin America: Renata Mielli North America - Judith Hellerstein Below the invitation: Feel free to invite your connections around. Remember it is needed to register at ICANN.org, then enter the schedule and look for the day /time, and click on “my Schedule” to make it easy to find on the day, especially if you will be online. The day before the meeting, for security reasons, the link to the meeting will be posted at that slot in the Schedule. Hope to see you at the meeting!! Kisses Here the invite: [image.png] Vanda Scartezini DNS WOMEN Sao Paulo, Brazil + 55 11 98181-1464 Vanda(a)Scartezini.org www.dnswomen.org<http://www.dnswomen.org/>

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Re: Launch of The Internet Ecosystem Book
by Peter Anderson Feb. 22, 2026

Feb. 22, 2026

*(Apologies for cross-posting)* As a researcher, I have never come across a highly intensive and inclusive book like "The Internet Ecosystem". The book englobes the whole Internet Ecosystem with the correct information compared to misleading information from blogs/wikipedia on the Internet. This book was reviewed by Vint Cerf. I have just completed the reading, I will highly recommend it and it is nice to have a copy to keep for reference. Professor Peter Anderson Head of Research ------------------------------ *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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RECORDING: Applying the DTSP Safe Framework to Hosting, Registries, and Registrars: From Compliance to Operational Maturity
by Joly MacFie Feb. 7, 2026

Feb. 7, 2026

[image: ISOC LIVE] <https://isoc.live/>VIDEO <https://youtu.be/jF48PKvRSEQ> | AUDIO <https://archive.org/download/topdns11/topdns11.mp3> | RECAP <https://www.patreon.com/posts/150122559/> | SLIDES <https://archive.org/download/topdns11/topdns11_SLIDES.pdf> | ARCHIVE <https://archive.org/details/topdns11> | PERMALINK <https://isoc.live/20186> On 4 February 2026, eco’s topDNS Initiative <https://topdns.eco.de/>, in cooperation with the Digital Trust & Safety Partnership <https://dtspartnership.org/> (DTSP), hosted the first *topDNS Best Practice webinar* of 2026, ‘Applying the DTSP Safe Framework to Hosting, Registries, and Registrars: From Compliance to Operational Maturity <https://topdns.eco.de/topdns-best-practice-series-applying-the-dtsp-safe-fr…>‘. Speakers Farzaneh Badiei <https://www.linkedin.com/in/farzaneh-badiei-phd-768224b5/> and David Sullivan <https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmcgrawsullivan/> focused on how infrastructure providers can apply the DTSP Safe Framework (ISO/IEC 25389 <https://www.iso.org/standard/90106.html>) to strengthen trust and safety practices beyond baseline compliance. The discussion framed the topic in the context of expanding global online safety regulation – particularly the EU Digital Services Act <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Services_Act> (DSA) and its transparency reporting obligations – and the need for a shared, globally usable vocabulary and approach that reflects different infrastructure roles. SPEAKERS Farzaneh Badiei – Head of Outreach and Engagement, Digital Trust & Safety Partnership / Founder, Digital Medusa David Sullivan – Executive Director, Digital Trust & Safety Partnership HOSTS Lars Steffen – Director International, eco – Association of the Internet Industry Thomas Rickert – Director Names & Numbers, eco – Association of the Internet Industry - -- -------------------------------------- Joly MacFie +12185659365 -------------------------------------- -

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APRALO Bytes - WSIS+20 Outcome, 26 Jan 2026
by Justine Chew Feb. 2, 2026

Feb. 2, 2026

Dear all, We are pleased to share with you the first *APRALO Byte *for 2026, on the *WSIS+20 Outcome*, published at https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/APRALO/pages/412844037/AP… (click on 'Read more') Apologies for the delay in doing so. Kind regards, APRALO Leadership Team ---------------------- *APRALO Bytes* (see: https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/BYCbG) is 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. Feedback and contributions are welcomed; please reach out if you wish to contribute a Byte.

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RECORDING - At-Large Fireside Chat #2: Participating in ICANN Working Groups
by Joly MacFie Feb. 2, 2026

Feb. 2, 2026

(Mildly edited, and truncated because I had to jump to another call) [image: ISOC LIVE] <https://isoc.live/20147>VIDEO <https://youtu.be/N0rWwmKl0cE> | AUDIO <https://archive.org/download/icann-participation2/icann-participation2.mp3> | RECAP <https://www.patreon.com/posts/149564828/> | ARCHIVE <https://archive.org/details/icann-participation2> | PERMALINK <https://isoc.live/20147> On 29 January 2026, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers <https://www.icann.org/> (ICANN) hosted the second <https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/mIDmLQ> of two At-Large Fireside Chats. Justine Chew <https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinechew/> chatted with Alan Greenberg <https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-greenberg-3370394/> and Steinar Grøtterød <https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgrotterod/> about their experiences participating in various ICANN working groups. SPEAKERS Alan Greenberg – NARALO Steinar Grøtterød – EURALO Moderator: Justine Chew – APRALO / ALAC Vice-Chair FACILiTATOR Yeşim Sağlam – Policy Operations Specialist (At-Large), ICANN - -- -------------------------------------- Joly MacFie +12185659365 -------------------------------------- -

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