By Rolla Hassan, Ph.D
Get to Know ICANN Community: GNSO and SSAC
This session introduced ICANN Fellows and NextGen participants to the Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO) and the Security and Stability Advisory Committee (SSAC). The GNSO, led by presenter Nacho Amadoz, is ICANN’s primary policy-making body for generic top-level domains (gTLDs), responsible for developing consensus policies that ensure the stable operation of the DNS. The SSAC, represented by Ram Mohan, advises ICANN on technical security and integrity issues related to the Internet’s naming systems. Key focus areas include DNS abuse mitigation, DNSSEC implementation, and addressing threats to DNS stability. The session emphasized the collaborative, multistakeholder nature of ICANN’s work, with SSAC highlighting its role in risk analysis and global coordination with technical communities.
Get to Know ICANN Community: RSSAC, GAC, and IPC
ICANN Fellows and NextGen participants engaged with representatives from the Root Server System Advisory Committee (RSSAC), Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC), and Intellectual Property Constituency (IPC). Jeff Osborn (RSSAC) explained the committee’s role in advising on the root server system’s operation and security, emphasizing its non-enforcement, advisory nature. Karel Douglas (GAC) outlined how governments contribute to ICANN’s policy processes, particularly on public policy matters, and highlighted mechanisms like the High-Level Government Meeting (HLGM). John McElwaine and David Hughes (IPC) detailed the constituency’s focus on protecting intellectual property rights in DNS policies, addressing issues like DNS abuse and trademark protection in new gTLDs.
How It Works: How the Internet Really Works
Nicolas Antoniello led a foundational session explaining the technical and governance frameworks of the Internet. Topics included the creation of Internet identifiers (e.g., IP addresses, domain names), the role of DNS in translating human-readable names to machine-readable addresses, and the evolution of ICANN’s multistakeholder model. The session covered the hierarchical structure of DNS resolution, from root servers to authoritative TLD servers, and emphasized ICANN’s mission to ensure the stable and secure operation of the Internet’s unique identifier systems.
Get to Know ICANN Community: ISPCP and Tech Career
The first half featured the Internet Service Providers and Connectivity Providers Constituency (ISPCP), represented by Philippe Fouquart and Susan Mohr. They discussed ISPCP’s mission to enhance DNS operational stability and its involvement in policy areas like DNS abuse mitigation and Internet fragmentation. The second half, led by ICANN staff Nicolas Antoniello, David Huberman, and Joe Catapano, focused on career development in tech. Practical advice was shared on building technical expertise, engaging in global policy discussions, and leveraging ICANN’s multistakeholder environment for professional growth.
Get to Know ICANN Community: Noncommercial Stakeholder Group
This session introduced the Noncommercial Stakeholder Group (NCSG) and its constituencies: the Non-Commercial Users Constituency (NCUC) and Not-for-Profit Organizations Constituency (NPOC). Presenters Rafik Dammak, Juan Manuel Rojas, and Wisdom Donkor explained NCSG’s role in advocating for civil society, human rights, and privacy in DNS policy. NCUC focuses on protecting individual and nonprofit interests, while NPOC addresses operational concerns of NGOs, such as domain fraud and data privacy. The session highlighted opportunities for ICANN Fellows and NextGen participants to engage in policy development and collaborate with global nonprofits within ICANN’s framework.
Session Leader for All Sessions: Siranush Vardanyan
Conclusion
Day 2 of ICANN 82 provided ICANN Fellows and NextGen participants with a comprehensive introduction to key ICANN communities and their roles in shaping Internet governance. Through engaging sessions, participants explored the policymaking functions of the GNSO, the security expertise of SSAC, and the advisory roles of RSSAC and GAC. They also gained insights into the importance of intellectual property protection in DNS, the operational responsibilities of ISPCP, and career pathways within the Internet ecosystem. The discussions underscored ICANN’s multistakeholder model, highlighting the diverse contributions of commercial and noncommercial stakeholders in maintaining a stable, secure, and inclusive Internet. With a deeper understanding of these groups, attendees are better equipped to engage in ICANN’s processes and contribute to the future of Internet governance.
Stay tuned for Day 3 insights!
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