What else happened?

New gTLDs

The possibility of introducing new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) has been under discussion for some years. SIDN has followed the process closely and prepared for the opening of the root. Initiatives taken by SIDN to support the Dutch internet community have included organising meetings and sharing information on a dedicated website. At the end of 2011, the root was opened to new gTLDs, and in early 2012 ICANN began accepting applications to create new extensions. The process of applying to establish a new gTLD is complex, costly and time-consuming. SIDN has the knowledge and technical expertise to support applicants with that process. In 2012, SIDN assisted three new gTLD applications: for .amsterdam, .overheidnl and .politie. SIDN expects to begin providing registry services for one or more new gTLDs – including .amsterdam – in the near future.
'SIDN provided excellent support'

Number of new gTLDs applied
for versus existing TLDs

 

Local DNS anycast

In 2012, SIDN developed a DNS anycast architecture and realised the first two anycast locations. Anycast is a network technology, with which a single name server can be created by linking a series of servers with the same name and IP address. Network routing technology ensures that each information request is sent to the nearest or most accessible server. An arrangement of this kind substantially reduces the risk an outage, e.g. as a result of a DDoS attack. SIDN previously bought in anycast services from two external partners. However, for security reasons SIDN decided to start its own anycast-service. The move has further enhanced the stability of the .nl domain.

Information security certificate

The ISO27001 certificate that SIDN received in 2011 was renewed in 2012. ISO27001 is an information security quality standard, and SIDN was the first registry in the world to organise its operations in accordance with the standard and to be awarded an ISO27001 certificate. Certification serves to
demonstrate that the availability, continuity, confidentiality and integrity of information, and therefore of the .nl domain, are of a very high standard at SIDN. Registrars and registrants can be confident that their data are in good hands.

Opening of new office complex

In 2011, SIDN moved to a new office complex. The building was formally opened on 3 May 2012 by Steve Crocker, Chairman of ICANN's Board or Directors, and Pauline Krikke, Mayor of Arnhem.
New office

Advice to government

On 23 January, SIDN submitted an advisory report to Afke Schaart, then a member of the Dutch parliament and spokesperson on IT & Innovation for the VVD party (the Dutch liberal party). The report was based on the results of the National Internet Survey and debates held at the '25 years of .nl' congress, both of which were held in 2011. One of the things that SIDN argued for in its report was a public debate on internet access being recognised as a fundamental right. Through the report, SIDN sought to draw Dutch politicians' attention to the influential role that they can play in directing the economic, social and personal changes that the internet brings.

SIDN's recommendations to political decision-makers

  1. Our rights in the on-line world must be safeguarded just as effectively as our rights in the off-line world.
  2. A public debate is needed regarding the principle of internet access being recognised as a fundamental right.
  3. The Dutch educational system needs to equip people to follow internet-related professions.
  4. The government must encourage innovation.

World Conference on International Telecommunications

From 3 to 14 December, the World Conference on International Telecommunications (WCIT) took place in Dubai. The gathering was organised by the International Telecommunication Union, part of the United Nations. The aim of the WCIT was to update the international treaty on cross-border telecommunication, agreed in 1988. One important debating point was the extent to which the treaty should cover the internet. SIDN was involved in briefing the Dutch delegation to the conference and contributed remotely to the proceedings. The Netherlands and many other (predominantly Western) countries ultimately decided against signing the draft treaty, partly because it sought to regulate certain aspects of the internet.

SIDN Agenda

Internet governance

The global Internet Governance Forum (IGF) convened in Baku, Azerbaijan, between 6 and 9 November. The IGF seeks to help build a safe, democratic and stable internet by promoting and facilitating cooperation and the exchange of knowledge. The main theme of the
meeting was 'internet governance for sustainable development'. Dutch input was prepared at the NL IGF Event 2012, which took place in The Hague on 28 September. At the event, businesses, government, NGOs and other stakeholders exchanged views on matters scheduled for discussion at the global IGF. The NL IGF is an initiative of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, SIDN and ECP.

Campus Challenge sponsorship

The Campus Challenge is an initiative of SIDN and SURFnet, the organisation for ICT in higher education. The Campus Challenge is intended to promote education and research in the Netherlands. Its format involved challenging institutes to submit plans for upgrading their campus networks. The best entrants won a grant for realisation of their plans. By helping to fund the scheme, SIDN sought to encourage the adoption of DNSSEC in the higher education and research sectors. Five plans were ultimately selected for support, four of which involved the use of DNSSEC. The supported plans will be implemented in 2013.

SIDN representative
on DNS-OARC board

At the Toronto ICANN meeting in October, Antoin Verschuren was elected to the board of DNS-OARC (Domain Name System Operations Analysis and Research Center). DNS-OARC is a non-profit organisation that strives to improve the security and stability of, and knowledge about, the DNS. SIDN believes that OARC is an important organisation and therefore funds the position to which Verschuren was elected.

Innovation programme

In the second half of 2012, SIDN began an intensive innovation programme, aimed at broadening its activity portfolio. The programme is expected to result in two realistic business cases in 2013. The programme was conceived with a view to assuring the continuity of the organisation and increasing SIDN's added value to the Dutch internet community. Because of its unique position, SIDN has the ability to play a significant role in Dutch and international internet communities, which extends beyond administration of the .nl domain. SIDN accordingly takes and supports initiatives that contribute to further development of the internet, promote good use of the internet and deter misuse.