IGF 2023 WS #402 Current Developments in DNS Privacy

    Time
    Tuesday, 10th October, 2023 (06:45 UTC) - Tuesday, 10th October, 2023 (08:15 UTC)
    Room
    WS 2 – Room A
    Subtheme

    Data Governance & Trust
    Data Privacy and Protection

    Organizer 1: Vera Major, 🔒
    Organizer 2: David Huberman, 🔒
    Organizer 3: Patrick Jones, 🔒

    Speaker 1: Becky Burr, Private Sector, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
    Speaker 2: Yuko Yokoyama, Technical Community, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
    Speaker 3: Geoff Huston, Technical Community, Asia-Pacific Group
    Speaker 4: Manal Ismail, Government, African Group
    Speaker 5: Bruna Santos, Civil Society, GRULAC

    Moderator

    David Huberman, Technical Community, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

    Online Moderator

    Patrick Jones, Technical Community, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

    Rapporteur

    Vera Major, Technical Community, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

    Format

    Round Table - 90 Min

    Policy Question(s)

    A. What are the key challenges and risks associated with DNS privacy, and how can policy frameworks be developed to address them effectively? B. What are the implications of changes in the registration data access approach by TLD registry operators for DNS privacy and data governance? How can these changes strike the right balance between privacy protection and access to accurate and reliable registration data? C. How can governments, organizations, and Internet service providers collaborate to ensure widespread adoption and implementation of DNS privacy technologies such as DNS over HTTPS, DNS over TLS, and DNS over QUIC?

    What will participants gain from attending this session? This will be a 90-minute town hall style discussion to enable IGF participants to openly discuss and understand upcoming changes in the DNS privacy landscape. During this session, experts will highlight the current adoption of DNS encryption protocols, changes in Registration Data access (deployment of RDAP, planned sunset of WHOIS), and the upcoming launch of the Registration Data Request Service at ICANN. Audience members will be encouraged to discuss these technologies, end user privacy policy goals, and ask questions of both the world class panel and fellow audience members. By examining these advancements and discussing future plans, the workshop aims to empower participants with the knowledge and tools needed to bolster DNS privacy and navigate evolving data governance practices.The session will be guided by four world class experts in the field

    Description:

    The Domain Name System (DNS) is a fundamental component of the Internet that translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses. Every time you go online, regardless of what device you are using, what type of network you are connected to, or where you are in the world, you touch something that originates from the DNS and ICANN. DNS queries and responses can be susceptible to interception, monitoring, or manipulation. As a result, DNS privacy has become a growing concern for Internet users worldwide. This workshop will explore the importance of DNS privacy in the context of data governance and trust and provide strategies to strengthen it. Participants will gain insights into the latest developments in DNS privacy technologies, including DNS over HTTPS, DNS over TLS, and DNS over QUIC. These encryption protocols have witnessed rapid global adoption, enhancing the security and privacy of DNS communications. The session will shed light on these recent changes starting with the registration data access approach by TLD registry operators, offering participants an understanding of the evolving landscape in DNS governance. Furthermore, it will outline plans for the future sunset of WHOIS and the introduction of the Registration Data Request Service at ICANN, emphasizing the importance of responsible data handling while ensuring transparency and accountability. The session will be important for anyone operating DNS name servers and resolvers; NGOs providing connectivity services to their civil society networks, small companies to the largest ISPs. Through engaging presentations and discussions, the workshop will foster knowledge exchange and collaboration among diverse stakeholders. By exploring the interplay between DNS privacy, data governance, and trust, participants will gain practical insights into strengthening DNS privacy practices.

    Expected Outcomes

    The workshop aims to achieve several outcomes. Participants will gain an enhanced understanding of DNS privacy's importance in data governance and trust. They will learn effective strategies and policy frameworks for strengthening DNS privacy, including adopting technologies like DNS over HTTPS, DNS over TLS, and DNS over QUIC. Changes in registration data access by TLD registry operators and their impact on privacy and governance will be discussed. The session will foster collaboration among stakeholders to ensure consistent DNS privacy practices. Actionable recommendations for a smooth transition from WHOIS to the Registration Data Request Service at ICANN, prioritizing privacy and data protection, will be provided. Ultimately, the workshop aims to build partnerships, encourage collaborative initiatives, and enhance user trust in the Internet's infrastructure.

    Hybrid Format: ICANN has extensive experience in the organization of hybrid sessions, an expertise we will be applying to this workshop. The session is designed to work in a hybrid format, with panelists and participants joining virtually and onsite. A strong and experienced workshop leader has been chosen who will be asking questions of both the audience and the panelists, challenging everyone to share their expertise at the microphones. An online moderator will work hand in hand with the workshop leader to fully integrate the online participants in the discussions. All participants’ interventions and questions will be treated in an equal manner, which will be ensured through communication between onsite and online moderators in private chats and extensively exchanging information during the session. ICANN will use best practice from its hybrid public meetings that can be implemented at the IGF to make the interaction vibrant for both in person and remote participates.