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Noncommercial Users' Role in a Safe Internet - session @ IGF 2024
by Amin Hacha Dec. 13, 2024

Dec. 13, 2024

📢 𝐘𝐨𝐮'𝐫𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝! 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐔𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐍 𝐈𝐆𝐅 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐭 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 🌟 Be part of a transformative dialogue that empowers Non-Commercial Users to advocate for a safer, more inclusive internet. Your voice shapes a digital future that protects privacy, promotes equity, and champions freedom of expression. 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: Noncommercial Users' Role in a Safe Internet 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐍𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫: WS *#183* Organized by Lebanese Cyberspace Association 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: Tuesday, December 17, 2024 � 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞: 09:30 - 11:00 GMT+03 / 06:30 - 08:00 UTC � 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: King Abdulaziz International Conference Center (KAICC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 🛜 Can't join in person? Participate online via Zoom. https://intgovforum.zoom.us/j/95041187183 👉 RSVP Now and Add the Session to Your Calendar 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬 * 𝐕𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐞𝐫𝐟 — Vice President and Chief Internet Evangelist, Google, -𝑭𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒕 - * 𝐀𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐚— Founder, Lebanese Cyberspace & ICANN NCUC Executive Committee * 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐳𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐡 𝐁𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐢 — Founder, Digital Medusa * 𝐃𝐫. 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐛𝐚𝐚𝐥𝐲 — Founder & Managing Director, Global Learning * 𝐁𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐝𝐨𝐬 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐬 — ICANN GNSO Councilor & IGF MAG member > 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 (Onsite): Amine Hacha > 𝐎𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 & 𝐑𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐮𝐫: Pedro de Perdigão Lana, ISOC Brazil & ICANN NCUC Executive Committee 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 Join an interactive roundtable to explore the pivotal role of Non-Commercial users in creating a safer internet. Key discussion points include: Protecting Privacy: How NCUC and its partners influence international policies to safeguard user data and privacy amidst growing digital surveillance. Advancing Equity: Advocacy for inclusive internet governance that upholds freedom of expression and digital equality. Ensuring Accountability: Strategies for transparent and accountable cross-border data management. 🏆 Participants will gain actionable insights, connect with global experts, and contribute to critical conversations shaping the future of Internet governance. 🛜 For inquiries, contact: Amine Hacha @ aminhacha(a)gmail.com 𝐓𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐥𝐞𝐭'𝐬 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐥𝐥!

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[Blog] ICANN’s DNS Abuse Mitigation Program: Key Updates from 2024
by Fahd Batayneh Dec. 13, 2024

Dec. 13, 2024

https://www.icann.org/en/blogs/details/icanns-dns-abuse-mitigation-program-… Throughout 2024, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has made notable strides in its approach supporting efforts that combat Domain Name System (DNS) Abuse. By contributing data and expertise to fact-based discussions, providing tools to the ICANN community, and enforcing the contractual obligations with registries and registrars, ICANN supports the community in addressing malware, phishing, pharming, botnets, and spam (when used to propagate the other four named forms of DNS Abuse). These efforts also help ICANN achieve its strategic objective to strengthen the security of the DNS, which is a cornerstone of the current ICANN Strategic Plan. Expanded DNS Abuse Contractual Requirements Following extensive discussions on enhancing ICANN's efforts to combat DNS Abuse, the Contracted Parties House (CPH) and the ICANN organization successfully negotiated targeted amendments to the Registry Agreement (RA) and Registrar Accreditation Agreement (RAA), regarding DNS Abuse mitigation obligations. The amendments, which received broad support from generic top-level domain (gTLD) registries and ICANN-accredited registrars, became effective on 5 April 2024. They introduce new requirements that require gTLD registry operators and registrars to take action to stop or disrupt well-evidenced cases of DNS Abuse. These amendments represent a significant first step forward in ICANN's efforts to help combat DNS Abuse and highlights the community's ability to collaborate on practical solutions to ensure a secure and stable DNS. ICANN's Enforcement Actions on DNS Abuse Mitigation Requirements During the first six months of enforcement of the DNS Abuse mitigation requirements, from 5 April 2024 through 5 October 2024, ICANN's Contractual Compliance team launched 192 investigations into potential violations. ICANN's enforcement actions resulted in the suspension of over 2,700 abusive domain names and the takedown of more than 350 phishing websites while additional compliance cases involving hundreds of domain names are ongoing or were closed after 5 October 2024. The six-month report published in November 2024 highlights these actions and underscores ICANN's commitment to transparency in enforcement. Additionally, an audit of registry operators' compliance with DNS Abuse mitigation obligations is currently underway. Well-Attended Sessions at ICANN Meetings ICANN's efforts to raise awareness and engage the community on DNS Abuse mitigation efforts were clearly reflected in the strong attendance at key sessions during ICANN79 (San Juan, Puerto Rico) in March 2024, ICANN81 (Istanbul, Republic of Türkiye) in November 2024, and a special session during the Contracted Parties Summit (Paris, France) in May 2024. These gatherings brought together stakeholders from across the DNS ecosystem to discuss good practices, challenges, and ongoing efforts in combating domain abuse. These sessions also fostered collaboration among registries, registrars, and other stakeholders involved in the fight against DNS Abuse. Launch of ICANN Domain Metrica One of the most significant developments in DNS Abuse mitigation is the phased launch of ICANN Domain Metrica, a new platform designed to provide essential metrics and insights. Managed by ICANN's Security, Stability, and Resilience (SSR) Research team, Domain Metrica aggregates a variety of datasets to produce metadata on Internet identifiers, enabling registries, registrars, and the broader ICANN community to track and address DNS Abuse more effectively. Domain Metrica is planned to be modular. The platform's first module focuses on reporting abuse concentrations across generic top-level domain (gTLD) registries and registrars. It allows users to access metrics on abuse reports, compare data across multiple registrars or gTLDs, and explore trends in domain name misuse. The initial release of Domain Metrica occurred in late October 2024 for contracted parties, with a broader rollout planned for January 2025, making the platform accessible to all ICANN account holders. This tool will continue to evolve, with plans to add more advanced features and modules, including abuse risk scores and categorization of maliciousness. INFERMAL Project: Analyzing Malicious Registration Patterns Another important initiative is the Inferential Analysis of Maliciously Registered Domains (INFERMAL) Project, funded by ICANN and conducted by KOR Labs. This project examines factors that contribute to why certain domain registrars and top-level domains (TLDs) are particularly attractive to cybercriminals engaged in phishing domains. By analyzing factors such as registration attributes (e.g., pricing and payment methods), proactive verification practices (e.g., contact validation), and reactive security measures (e.g., abuse mitigation), the INFERMAL project aims to uncover patterns that can help registrars and registries reduce the risk of malicious registrations. The final report provides deeper insights into how malicious actors exploit domain registration systems. Looking Ahead ICANN's evolving approach to DNS Abuse mitigation, underpinned by collaboration, data-driven insights, and proactive enforcement, marks a significant advancement in addressing this complex issue. With the introduction of tools like ICANN Domain Metrica and INFERMAL, the community is better equipped to respond to DNS Abuse in a more coordinated and effective manner. Recognizing the complexity of the issue, ICANN continues to trust the wider community to provide valuable input on future potential policy recommendations. For more information on ICANN's ongoing efforts, visit ICANN's DNS Abuse Mitigation Program page.

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Call for SOs/ACs: Nominate Fellowship Mentors and Selection Committee Members
by Fahd Batayneh Dec. 12, 2024

Dec. 12, 2024

Friends and Colleagues, The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) invites its Supporting Organizations (SOs) and Advisory Committees (ACs) to nominate volunteers to serve as mentors in its Fellowship Program and to serve on the Fellowship Program Selection Committee. Each group is welcome to nominate one individual for each role. Interested SOs/ACs should select their respective Fellowship Program mentor and Selection Committee representative and notify ICANN Fellowship Program Manager Siranush Vardanyan at siranush.vardanyan(a)icann.org no later than 31 January 2025. Self-nominations will not be considered. More at https://www.icann.org/en/announcements/details/call-for-sosacs-nominate-fel…. Thank you, Fahd Batayneh ICANN

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Call for Expressions of Interest: 2025 ICANN Nominating Committee Standing Committee Members
by Fahd Batayneh Dec. 11, 2024

Dec. 11, 2024

Dear All, The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is seeking Expressions of Interest for members of the 2025 Nominating Committee (NomCom) Standing Committee. The purpose of the NomCom Standing Committee is to: Support continuous improvement to the NomCom Operating Procedures and associated processes to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the NomCom while enhancing the NomCom's commitment to transparency and accountability to the overall ICANN community. Provide continuity across annual NomCom cycles and to build the institutional memory of the NomCom. More at https://www.icann.org/en/announcements/details/call-for-expressions-of-inte…. Thank you, Fahd Batayneh ICANN

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Next Iteration of ICANN's Regional Engagement Plan for the Middle East
by Fahd Batayneh Dec. 10, 2024

Dec. 10, 2024

Friends and Colleagues, I trust this finds you all well. This ICANN fiscal year (AKA FY25) will be the last year for the current ICANN Regional Plan for the Middle East (FY21 – FY25 Regional Plan). We would like to thank every one of you for your work and collaboration with us these past 4.5 years. As we embark on developing the next Regional Plan for FY26-FY30 to go in line with ICANN’s Next Strategic Plan, and after a few discussions with some of you and other regional community members, we will be working on the next regional plan slightly differently. Rather than having a strategy working group, we plan on having an open mailing list to get feedback and input on the Middle East Regional Plan as it is being developed. The process will involve some webinars and mailing list communication leading to the finalization of the Regional Plan. As a high-level timeline for our upcoming work: DatesAction 15 December 2024 – 15 April 2025 Organize community calls / webinars several calls with the Advisory Team Compile input and develop the Regional Plan 16 April – 31 May 2025 Issue the draft Regional Plan for public comments Organize a webinar for the regional community 1 June – 30 June 2025 Consider feedback received and develop the final version of the plan Publish the FY26-FY30 Regional Plan We plan to organize a call with those who subscribe to this open mailing list sometime during the next 2 weeks to discuss the ICANN FY26-FY30 Strategic Plan, expand on the above timelines in further details, and discuss next steps. We will share the exact date and time of the call soon. Of course, if you would like to suggest other agenda items, please do share. Call for Action - This is a public call to join the new mailing list. If you are interested, please reach out to me offlist showing your interest. Thank you, Fahd Batayneh ICANN

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[Invitation] ICANN to Host Webinars on the Draft FY26–30 and FY26 Operating Plan and Budget
by Fahd Batayneh Dec. 8, 2024

Dec. 8, 2024

Friends and Colleagues, The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) invites the community to attend informational webinars about the Draft ICANN Operating and Financial Plan for fiscal year (FY) 2026–30 and the Draft FY26 Operating Plan and Budget. Both webinars will present identical information. 17 December 2024 at 17:00–18:30 UTC 18 December 2024 at 3:00–4:30 UTC The Draft Five-Year (FY26–30) Operating and Financial Plan articulates the nature and timing of activities and milestones needed to achieve the objectives and goals set forth in the Draft ICANN Strategic Plan for FY26–30. The Draft Annual (FY26) Operating Plan and Budget describes ICANN’s planned activities in FY26 and the anticipated funding and expenses levels. The webinars will help attendees better understand these draft plans and offer an opportunity to ask questions. They will also provide a short overview of the Draft Internet Assigned Numbers Authority and Public Technical Identifiers FY26 Operating Plans and Budgets. The webinars are intended to prepare the community to participate in the Public Comment proceedings for the plans, which will open on 17 December 2024 and close on 14 February 2025. Thank you, Fahd Batayneh ICANN

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[Webinar Invitation] Arab Region Perspectives on Internet Governance Processes: Reviewing WSIS, the Summit of the Future, GDC, and the Road to IGF Riyadh & WSIS+20
by Fahd Batayneh Dec. 5, 2024

Dec. 5, 2024

Dear All, You are coordially invited to a webinar organized by the Lebanon IGF, Arab IGF, and North Africa IGF entitled “Arab Region Perspectives on Internet Governance Processes: Reviewing WSIS, the Summit of the Future, GDC, and the Road to IGF Riyadh & WSIS+20" Date: Tuesday, 10 December 2024 Time: 08:00 AM UTC Venue: Online (Join the Webinar) Thank you, Fahd

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"New gTLD Applicant Support Program for Diversity in the DNS Industry" statement
by Amin Hacha Nov. 28, 2024

Nov. 28, 2024

Dear friends and colleagues, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you who participated in our ME Space session, whether in person or online, during ICANN81 in Istanbul. The positive outcomes we achieved would not have been possible without your invaluable support and contributions. As you know, we requested your input on the draft statement concerning the "New gTLD Applicant Support Program for Diversity in the DNS Industry" a week before the start of ICANN81. Following our engaging discussions of the draft during the ME Space session, we provided a two-week window for additional feedback or comments on the draft to ensure that every voice was heard. For that, attached to this email, you will find the final version of the statement that we are preparing to publish online and present to the ICANN board members. We want to extend our sincere appreciation to the working group members who assisted in crafting this statement. Thank you once again for your continued support. Together, let's keep pushing forward for positive work. Regards, ME Space Co-chairs, Amin and Layal

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ICANN Opens New gTLD Registry Service Provider Evaluation Program
by Fahd Batayneh Nov. 22, 2024

Nov. 22, 2024

https://www.icann.org/en/announcements/details/icann-opens-new-gtld-registr… Today, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) opened the Registry Service Provider (RSP) Evaluation Program for the New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) Program: Next Round. The RSP Evaluation Program was created to streamline the evaluation of gTLD applications by separating the evaluation of the technical aspects of operating the gTLD from the application for the name. RSPs provide critical back-end services on behalf of the gTLD registry operator. These services include operating Domain Name System (DNS) services, performing the cryptographic operations required of DNS Security Extensions, and providing registration data via the Registration Data Access Protocol, among others. The RSP Evaluation Program ensures that RSPs have the proper technical qualifications to run a gTLD back end. RSPs need only be evaluated once through the program, regardless of the number of services they provide or the number of gTLDs they support. All gTLD applicants must use RSPs that have been successfully evaluated through the program. In some cases, the RSP may be the same entity as the prospective applicant; in other cases, the gTLD may outsource services to a third party. There are two distinct periods during which RSPs may be evaluated: 19 November 2024 to 20 May 2025, and again during the New gTLD Program: Next Round application window, which is expected to open in April 2026 for 12–15 weeks. RSPs that choose to be evaluated in this first phase and successfully complete the process will be listed on the RSP Evaluation Program webpage. This timing will allow new gTLD applicants to enter into discussions with evaluated RSPs before the gTLD application window opens in April 2026. The RSP Evaluation Program, like the New gTLD Program: Next Round, is operated on a cost-recovery basis by those seeking evaluation. This approach involves potentially lowering the final RSP evaluation fee based on the number of applicants received by 20 May 2025, the end of the first evaluation phase. Based on a conservative estimate of how many RSP applications will be received, the evaluation fee is set at a maximum of US$92,000, due at the time of application. ICANN may issue refunds if it receives more applications than were projected. If you are seeking comprehensive information related to the RSP Evaluation Program, the RSP Handbook along with instructions for accessing the RSP Portal can be found on the program webpage.

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ICANN Opens Application Period for New gTLD Applicant Support Program
by Fahd Batayneh Nov. 20, 2024

Nov. 20, 2024

https://www.icann.org/en/announcements/details/icann-opens-application-peri… Today, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) opened the application submission period for the Applicant Support Program (ASP), part of the New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) Program: Next Round. The ASP provides financial and nonfinancial assistance to qualified, eligible entities who plan to apply for a new gTLD. ICANN developed the ASP to make the New gTLD Program accessible to organizations that may want to apply for a new gTLD but are unable to do so because of financial and other resource constraints. The ASP provides a range of assistance, including access to volunteer professional services, training, and other resources, and reductions in gTLD evaluation fees. Nonprofits, nongovernmental, and charitable organizations; intergovernmental organizations; indigenous and tribal peoples’ organizations; and small businesses that operate as social enterprises or which operate in a less-developed economy are eligible to apply for support. Applications will be evaluated based on financial need; financial viability; and eligible entity status, among other criteria. A complete guide to the ASP application and evaluation process is available in the ASP Handbook. The ASP website provides resources to prepare potential applicants for the support evaluation process. These materials include the ASP Quick Start Guide, which provides links to two critical resources: the ASP Applicant Checklist and the ASP Application System Applicant User Guide. The checklist offers a summary of the information required as part of the ASP application. The ASP Application System Applicant User Guide is a technical aid to lead the applicant through the online application system. It is important for potential applicants to consider both the risks and rewards of operating a registry in the long term, which requires significant operational, technical, and financial resources – beyond what is covered by the ASP portfolio of support. Therefore, an award of support does not guarantee a successful application for a gTLD because all new gTLD applicants must pass the required evaluations. More information about applying for a gTLD is available on the Next Round website. The ASP application submission period is open today, for 12 months, through 19 November 2025. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early to take full advantage of the capacity development materials and pro bono services to inform a strong gTLD application in April 2026. If you are interested to learn more about this opportunity, please visit the ASP website for more information. Questions about applying for the ASP or New gTLD Program: Next Round, can be sent to globalsupport(a)icann.org.

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