ICANN82 Day 4: DNS Security, Leadership & Inclusion

By Rolla Hassan, Ph.D

SSAC Informational Session Highlights

On Day 4 of ICANN82, the Security and Stability Advisory Committee (SSAC) provided key insights into its ongoing and future initiatives. The session covered SSAC’s core mission of ensuring the security and integrity of the DNS, along with updates on its work parties.

Key topics included:

• DNS Blocking Revisited – A deep dive into DNS blocking methods, their impacts, and the policy implications for various stakeholders.
• Free and Open-Source Software (FOSS) in DNS – Addressing the critical role of FOSS in DNS infrastructure and the potential risks posed by emerging regulations.
• Responsible Integration into the DNS Ecosystem (RIDE) – Exploring how emerging technologies like blockchain and decentralized platforms intersect with      DNS governance and security.

Looking ahead to 2025, SSAC plans to enhance its engagement, streamline reporting, and diversify its membership, ensuring continued contributions to the security and resilience of the DNS.

Joint Session – ICANN Board and CPH Session Highlights

On the fifth day of ICANN 82, the ICANN Board and the Contracted Party House (CPH) held a joint session to discuss key priorities and collaborative efforts. CPH highlighted its focus on enhancing ICANN operational efficiency, governance, and policy development within an evolving internet ecosystem. The Board sought input on meeting structures, engagement with governments to align public policies with ICANN’s multistakeholder model, and challenges in contributing to budget and operational planning. The session concluded with a commitment to ongoing dialogue and a reminder that session materials will be made available in the coming weeks.

SSAC Session: How to Chair an SSAC Work Party

The “How to Chair an SSAC Work Party” session at ICANN82 provided key insights into effectively leading an SSAC Work Party. Moderated by Tara Whalen, with panelists Suzanne Woolf and Russ Housley, the discussion covered essential leadership responsibilities, including managing meetings, assigning tasks, and tracking progress.

Key topics included facilitating discussions, handling conflicts, building consensus, and ensuring productive participation. The session also highlighted the chair’s authority in consensus-building, as delegated by the SSAC Chair, and the importance of regular progress reporting. The interactive format allowed for valuable engagement, offering practical guidance to current and aspiring SSAC Work Party Chairs.

DNS Women Spotlight Challenges and Legacy of Innovation session 

The DNS Women session at ICANN82 Day 4 brought together advocates and pioneers to tackle gender disparities in tech, particularly within the DNS industry. Under the theme “There are challenges on the table – Join us for this debate!”, discussions focused on fostering inclusivity while celebrating the women who have shaped the internet.

Pioneering Perspectives: A Conversation with Internet Trailblazers

A highlight of the session was the recognition of Elizabeth “Jake” Feinler, hailed as the original “DNS Woman” and the “mother of WHOIS.” Feinler’s groundbreaking work in the 1970s and 1980s at the Stanford Research Institute (SRI) laid the groundwork for modern internet protocols, including domain name registration and directory services. Ahead of her virtual appearance at the ICANN82 DNS Women session on 11 March, attendees were urged to watch a pre-session roundtable featuring Feinler, her colleagues, and former ICANN Board Chair Steve Crocker.

In the roundtable, Feinler and Crocker reflected on the internet’s evolution from a niche research tool to a global necessity. “The internet was once a quiet frontier,” Feinler remarked. “Today, it’s a universe of opportunities—but ensuring diverse voices shape its future is our collective responsibility.”

Conclusion

Day 4 of ICANN82 underscored the importance of security, leadership, and inclusivity in the DNS ecosystem. From SSAC’s insights on DNS integrity to the inspiring discussions on gender diversity, the sessions highlighted key challenges and opportunities shaping the internet’s future. As ICANN continues its mission, collaboration and knowledge-sharing remain essential for a resilient and inclusive digital world.

 Stay tuned for Day 5 insights!