January 2024 - UA-discuss - lists.iana.org

UA Vice Chair Nabil Benamar Leads Insightful Interaction Program on Universal Acceptance
by Shreedeep Rayamajhi Jan. 31, 2024

Jan. 31, 2024

Dear all, We have successfully conducted Interaction program of Vice Chair Nabil Benamar about Universal Acceptance Steering Group - UASG. In an effort to promote Universal Acceptance (UA) on the internet, Vice Chair Nabil Benamar participated in an engaging interaction program organized by Shreedeep Rayamajhi Learn Internet Governance and co-hosted by Amina Ramallan UA Ambassador and ICANN79 Fellow on January 30th, 2024. The discussion delved into the challenges faced by users in Africa and the initiatives that UASG is taking to address these issues. Vice Chair Nabil Benamar shared insights into the strategies and advancements that UASG has made in fostering a more accessible and inclusive internet landscape. Shreedeep Rayamajhi Learn Internet Governance hosted the session, providing a platform for participants to learn about the significance of Universal Acceptance and its impact on internet governance. The organizers facilitated an open dialogue where attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of the UASG's mission and objectives. "As the internet continues to play a pivotal role in connecting people globally, initiatives like UASG, along with dedicated communication is the current need which can contribute significantly to creating a more inclusive digital space." says Nabil Benamar, Vice chair UASG. The organizers expressed their commitment to continuing such informative sessions to raise awareness and foster collaboration in the realm of internet governance. 1. Interaction program of Vice Chair Nabil Benamar about Universal Acceptance Steering Group - UASG Region: Africa Date: January 30th, 2024 Time: 5pm UTC Video link: https://youtu.be/O65UmtqmdAI Organizers: Shreedeep Rayamajhi Learn Internet Governance , Amina Ramallan Co-host Regards, Shreedeep Rayamajhi

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Universal Acceptance in the DNS Study of Africa
by Mark Elkins Jan. 31, 2024

Jan. 31, 2024

Hello UA interested people, An African look at Universal Acceptance: I'm a UA Ambassador in South Africa. I'm also the technical side of the ICANN 2023 DNS Study of Africa (Africa Domain Name Industry Study) and have looked at incorporating UA/IDN into the Study. I think some points perhaps need to be stated/shared. I did add one page on Universal Acceptance into our recent Webinar... The recording for the webinar on the Africa Domain Name Industry Study is available at https://icann.zoom.us/rec/share/Kl81nXeb6aKYg80DF8KxkvDJe91FAVfmyG7zwpCBxBC… [icann.zoom.us] <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/icann.zoom.us/rec/share/Kl81nXeb6aKYg80D…> Passcode: L=3Ztagfzk Note: More information on the study and the link to the *page for comment* is available here <https://www.icann.org/en/public-comment/proceeding/draft-final-report-of-th…> The page I am referring to is.... The numbers are not perfect as we did not get full zones from every African ccTLD. Africa also has some IDN Domains.... If you look at the (trial) Observatory - you can see... ... again a great lack of information. Sudan did give us all their data though. Second column is the Count of domains (we also used data from global collection sites - perhaps IDN domains are not "captured") and the third is the DNSSEC Algorithm number (I'm also into DNSSEC). It would be great to receive proper Zone Files for these IDN Zones - please chat to me! Several African ccTLDs also support IDN domains ... see above. The Observatory does show the count of IDN names - e.g. ... thus the Observatory is a way to see actual numbers (growth) in the IDN arena of Domain Names in Africa. So if you are interested in seeing such information and have any influence or sway over your local ccTLD - please ask them to contact me. -- Mark James ELKINS - Posix Systems - (South) Africa mje(a)posix.co.za Tel: +27.826010496 <tel:+27826010496> For fast, reliable, low cost Internet in ZA: https://ftth.posix.co.za <https://ftth.posix.co.za> Posix SystemsVCARD for MJ Elkins

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Activities report for 3rd Newsletter
by Raymond Mamattah Jan. 31, 2024

Jan. 31, 2024

Hello, In preparation for the 3rd newsletter publication, kindly let me have any events you have done, together with some pictures, links to videos etc, which you would like to be featured in the newsletter. Kindly let me have this by Wednesday 31st January. Regards, Raymond Mamattah [image: linkedin] <https://www.linkedin.com/in/raymond-selorm-mamattah-02637610/> [image: facebook] <https://www.facebook.com/selorm.mamattah> [image: twitter] <https://twitter.com/RMamattah> Accra, Ghana

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FW: Call for Proposals for EAI Work Item: Make it easier to experiment with self-hosted working EAI systems
by Mark Svancarek (CELA) Jan. 26, 2024

Jan. 26, 2024

May be of interest to the wider UA community. From: UA-EAI <ua-eai-bounces(a)icann.org> On Behalf Of Seda Akbulut via UA-EAI Sent: Friday, January 26, 2024 4:06 AM To: ua-eai(a)icann.org Subject: [EXTERNAL] [UA-EAI] Call for Proposals for EAI Work Item: Make it easier to experiment with self-hosted working EAI systems Importance: High Dear UASG members, UASG EAI Working Group has developed a new Statement of Work (SOW), that is now open for proposals: * SOW on "Make it easier to experiment with self-hosted working EAI systems" The SOW document has been posted on UASG wiki page to call for proposals: https://community.icann.org/display/TUA/UA+Statements+of+Work. We are looking for interested and competent parties to take up this work. If you are interested in this work, feel free to contact us at UAProgram(a)icann.org<mailto:UAProgram@icann.org> by 11 February 2024. Further details are provided in the SOW and at the wiki page. (also attached for your convenience) Kindly help circulate the call for proposals to relevant parties. With thanks and regards, Seda Akbulut Universal Acceptance (UA) Program Manager Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)

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Call for Proposals for EAI Work Item: Make it easier to experiment with self-hosted working EAI systems
by Seda Akbulut Jan. 26, 2024

Jan. 26, 2024

Dear UASG members, UASG EAI Working Group has developed a new Statement of Work (SOW), that is now open for proposals: * SOW on “Make it easier to experiment with self-hosted working EAI systems” The SOW document has been posted on UASG wiki page to call for proposals: https://community.icann.org/display/TUA/UA+Statements+of+Work. We are looking for interested and competent parties to take up this work. If you are interested in this work, feel free to contact us at UAProgram(a)icann.org<mailto:UAProgram@icann.org> by 11 February 2024. Further details are provided in the SOW and at the wiki page. (also attached for your convenience) Kindly help circulate the call for proposals to relevant parties. With thanks and regards, Seda Akbulut Universal Acceptance (UA) Program Manager Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)

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Re: [UA-discuss] [EXTERNAL] Re: [Ua-discuss] UASG Working Group Positions Renewal Status
by John Levine Jan. 26, 2024

Jan. 26, 2024

It appears that Mark Svancarek (CELA) via UA-discuss <marksv(a)microsoft.com> said: >-=-=-=-=-=- >-=-=-=-=-=- >Here’s what SSAC had to say about emoji domain names (they are opposed). >SAC095 SSAC Advisory on the Use of Emoji in Domain Names 25 May 2017 >(icann.org)<https://itp.cdn.icann.org/en/files/security-and-stability-advisory-committe…> We sure are. Also remember that ICANN has a long standing policy to folow IETF standards. The IETF put a lot of work into deciding what characters are and are not allowed in UTF-8 domain names in the IDNA2003 and IDNA2008 documents. Emoji are definitely not allowed. I think I can say with great confidence that if someone showed up in the IETF and asked to update the IDNA rules to allow emoji, the response would be a deep sigh followed by "nope." R's, John

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UASG Working Group Positions Renewal Status
by Azhar Ibrahim Jan. 25, 2024

Jan. 25, 2024

Dear Anil, I am reaching out to seek clarification on the current status of the renewal process for UASG working group positions, specifically those of UA Ambassadors, UASG Working Group Chairs, and Vice Chairs. As outlined in the UASG charter, these positions hold a one-calendar-year term, which officially concluded on December 31, 2023. However, there has been no official communication regarding the commencement of the renewal process or any intimation of forthcoming nominations. Recently, I came across a Facebook post by one of the UA Ambassadors who proudly shared a certificate for the year 2024. This has led to some confusion within the community. I am seeking clarification on whether new UA Ambassadors have already been appointed, and if all previous ambassadors and working group chairs and vice-chairs have been automatically renewed for the year 2024. If not then how are they leading the working group meetings and why their names are still on UASG.tech? Understanding the importance of transparency and effective communication, could you please provide an update on the current status of these positions within UASG? Any information on the appointment process, renewal status, or upcoming announcements would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to receiving clarity on the situation at your earliest convenience. Best Regards, Azhar Ibrahim Muharraq, Bahrain

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ICANN email system Supports the Internationalized Email Addresses
by Jiankang Yao Jan. 22, 2024

Jan. 22, 2024

Hello， ICANN has been working diligently to make all of its systems fully Universal Acceptance-ready and recently achieved a significant milestone: ICANN staff can now send emails to and receive emails from internationalized email addresses. https://www.icann.org/en/blogs/details/icann-universal-acceptance-update-su… Good news! Best Regards Jiankang Yao

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2022/3 African DNS Study and Webinar
by Mark Elkins Jan. 20, 2024

Jan. 20, 2024

If you live in Africa - this Webinar will be of interest to you. There is a page in the Webinar on Universal Acceptance and access to information on numbers of IDN Names in Africa (unfortunately very low). The numbers from the Observatory include IDN, DNSSEC and IPv6 and if that countries Zone is sharing their data, one can see the growth in these numbers on a monthly basis. ------------------------------------- Back in 2016, ICANN commissioned the DNS Study of Africa. Many community members were key to this research output and its publication. Well, this Study has been repeated. As part of the Coalition for Digital Africa (https://coalitionfordigitalafrica.africa/) ICANN and partners were keen to assess the evolving DNS market and economic trends in Africa that describes and quantifies the overall potential of the domain name industry in the region. We have prepared a draft report and we would love to have the community’s and your input on the draft final report of the 2023 Africa Domain Name Industry Study here (https://www.icann.org/en/public-comment/proceeding/draft-final-report-of-th…) The report is currently open for public comment until the 8th February 2024 when it will then be closed for submissions. Linked to this, on Tuesday the 23rd January 2024 at 14:00 - 15:30 UTC (90 minutes) ICANN will host a webinar on the report to feature a comprehensive agenda that delves into key aspects of the Africa Domain Name Industry Study, including an in-depth presentation of the draft final report. We encourage you to register for this at https://icann.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xC4Sue1lR0-WW6KRa0VsxQ#/registrat… It's a great opportunity to learn, appreciate and contribute to the DNS ecosystem in Africa. Please join us for the Webinar! -- Mark James ELKINS - Posix Systems - (South) Africa mje(a)posix.co.za Tel: +27.826010496 <tel:+27826010496> For fast, reliable, low cost Internet in ZA: https://ftth.posix.co.za <https://ftth.posix.co.za> Posix SystemsVCARD for MJ Elkins

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Re: [UA-discuss] Universal Acceptance Workshop
by Amina Ramallan Jan. 18, 2024

Jan. 18, 2024

Dear Avri, It’s open to all ages, it will be reflected in the form shortly. Thank you Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef> ________________________________ From: avri(a)doria.org <avri(a)doria.org> Sent: Wednesday, January 17, 2024 7:47:59 PM To: Amina Ramallan <aramallan(a)ncc.gov.ng> Cc: ua-discuss(a)icann.org <ua-discuss(a)icann.org> Subject: Re: [UA-discuss] Universal Acceptance Workshop Hi, This is only for people under 50? (see shot of form below, if over 50 must either lie or skip) cheers avri [cid:6ad3b3b40ab5f5fafc664451ad909ed4@doria.org] On 2024-01-17 13:39, Amina Ramallan via UA-discuss wrote: Good evening all, Kindly register and join this webinar happening January 30th, 2025 at 5pm UTC. https://forms.gle/qUQPkRwzCL4aeqYv6 Thank you, Amina Ramallan _______________________________________________ UA-discuss mailing list UA-discuss(a)icann.org<mailto:UA-discuss@icann.org> https://mm.icann.org/mailman/listinfo/ua-discuss _______________________________________________ By submitting your personal data, you consent to the processing of your personal data for purposes of subscribing to this mailing list accordance with the ICANN Privacy Policy (https://www.icann.org/privacy/policy) and the website Terms of Service (https://www.icann.org/privacy/tos) You can visit the Mailman link above to change your membership status or configuration, including unsubscribing, setting digest-style delivery or disabling delivery altogether (e.g., for a vacation), and so on.

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Universal Acceptance Workshop
by Amina Ramallan Jan. 17, 2024

Jan. 17, 2024

Good evening all, Kindly register and join this webinar happening January 30th, 2025 at 5pm UTC. https://forms.gle/qUQPkRwzCL4aeqYv6 Thank you, Amina Ramallan

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Request for Input: UA Curriculum
by Seda Akbulut Jan. 11, 2024

Jan. 11, 2024

Dear UASG members, The UA Curriculum overview and most of the micro-modules are completed are posted online and now ready to welcome your feedback. We are going to organize a dedicated session to invite Dessalegn Yehuala to introduce the UA Curriculum to the Measurement and Technology WG members in January. Before that session, we kindly ask you please to review the curriculum and share your input. UA Curriculum: https://community.icann.org/display/TUA/Draft+UA+Curriculum With many thanks for your time. Regards, Seda

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World Endangered Writing Day, 2024 January 23
by Jim DeLaHunt Jan. 5, 2024

Jan. 5, 2024

UASG Colleagues: You may be interested to know of World Endangered Writing Day, on 2024 January 23. If UA Day is promoting of Universal Acceptance, and Universal Acceptance is "All domain names and all email addresses work in all software applications", then Word Endangered Writing Day is a more radical form of universal acceptance: all languages and all scripts should survive and thrive well enough to be used as domain names and email addresses. What is World Endangered Writing Day, and why does it matter? The answer, from <https://www.endangeredwriting.world/about>: > Half of the world’s 7,000-odd languages are endangered, and may be > extinct by the end of this century. > > Some 90% of the world’s 300-plus alphabets are likewise threatened. > Yet that statistic means almost nothing to those of us in Western > Europe and North America. > > For one thing, we had no idea there were all that many alphabets > anyway. For another, the whole concept of an alphabet being endangered > is baffling because our own, the Latin or Roman alphabet, is so > secure. It’s used by more people around the world than every other > script combined. > > How are so many forms of writing endangered, and why does that matter? > > The answers are throughout [the Endangered Alphabets website > <http://endangeredalphabets.com/>], our online Atlas of Endangered > Alphabets [<http://endangeredalphabets.net/>], and our YouTube channel > [<https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCsKW7O5nNNUyqhf0Jphubw>]. World Endangered Writing Day itself appears to consist of a number of presentations to be delivered for free over the internet on Tuesday, January 23, 2024. Schedule at <https://www.endangeredwriting.world/events>. The talk most closely related to UA is perhaps: *The Digital Future: On Digitizing Scripts for Electronic Devices* Does digitizing minority scripts, so they can be used on electronic devices, help to save them? What is the process, and what are the challenges? Speakers: Anshuman Pandey and Deborah Anderson, of the Script Encoding Initiative, University of California at Berkeley, USA. I wonder if some of you thinking about UA Day events, might also advance your causes by creating related World Endangered Writing Day events. Best regards, —Jim DeLaHunt, Vancouver, Canada [writing in the not-at-all endangered Latin script] -- --Jim DeLaHunt,jdlh(a)jdlh.com http://blog.jdlh.com/ (http://jdlh.com/) multilingual websites consultant, Vancouver, Canada

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