Special-Use Domain Names are domain names that are not intended to be resolved globally using the Domain Name System (DNS). For example, queries for the top-level domain name “.onion” are never intended to be resolved through the DNS protocol. Following the approval of RFC 6761, which provides a framework for Special-Use Domain Names, the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) has been asked to designate several names as Special-Use.
During the RFC 6761-specified evaluation process for these Special-Use Domain Names, various issues arose and generated very lively debate, particularly within the Domain Name System Operations (DNSOP) Working Group. These discussions led to an effort within the Working Group to draft a problem statement regarding issues with these domain names, aimed at helping to properly scope and steer future discussions around Special-Use Domain Names.
The draft document (draft-ietf-dnsop-sutld-ps-04) is now ready, and will soon enter a “Last Call” period for any final input. As the ICANN community prepares to start discussions on the policies and guidelines that will govern the next round of new generic top-level domains (gTLDs), it will be useful to also pay attention to the Special-Use Domain Name discussions occurring within the IETF, review the problem statement document, and contribute to the discussion of that document within the IETF Last Call process.
In order to raise awareness on its work in this area within the ICANN community, the DNSOP Working Group is organizing a webinar entitled, “IETF Overview and Special-Use Domain Names Problem Statement.” This webinar will be held on Tuesday, 23 May 2017 at 17:00 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). Details on how to join the webinar are provided below.
This webinar is intended to help ICANN community members understand the IETF process and participate in the ongoing discussion related to the development of a revision of the IETF framework for Special-Use Domain Names. The session will start with an overview of the IETF Last Call process, after which a short summary of the document on Special-Use TLDs (SUTLDs) will be provided with pointers on how to provide input.
Participants who are not familiar with the IETF process are encouraged to read "The Tao of IETF: A Novice's Guide to the Internet Engineering Task Force” prior to the webinar.
Other recommended documents to read before the webinar are:
- Special-Use Domain Names (RFC 6761)
- Domain Names, A Case for Clarifying (draft-lewis-domain-names-06)
- IAB Technical Comment on the Unique DNS Root (RFC 2826)
- MoU Concerning the Technical Work of the IANA (RFC 2860)
- The Liaison Statement from the IAB to the ICANN Board on Technical Use of Domain Names (September 2015)
Webinar participation details:
To join the webinar, go to https://ietf.webex.com/ietf/j.php?MTID=m1333532ce167e4a5a09b1d42d002b632.
Note: If you go to this link in advance of the meeting, you can create a calendar invitation.
To join by phone:
Call-in toll free number (US/Canada): 1-877-668-4493
Call-in toll number (US/Canada): 1-650-479-3208
Meeting number: 310 638 156
Meeting password: LastCall