ICANN and UNESCO propose new indicator for multilingual domain names
ICANN and UNESCO have submitted a joint response to a questionnaire on ICT indicators, highlighting the importance of multilingual domain names and Universal Acceptance for expanding access to the Internet. The organisations propose measuring the share of domain name registrations using local languages and scripts.
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and UNESCO have called for stronger measurement of multilingualism in the Internet’s domain name system.
In a joint submission to the Partnership for ICT Development’s questionnaire on the systematic review of ICT indicators, the organisations highlight the role of Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs) in allowing domain names to use local languages and writing systems.
The submission argues that existing ICT indicators should be complemented by measurements covering the Domain Name System and Universal Acceptance. Universal Acceptance refers to ensuring that all valid domain names and email addresses, including those using local languages and scripts, can be accepted and used by online applications and services.
Measuring multilingual access
ICANN already uses ICT Indicators alongside additional measurements related to the DNS and Universal Acceptance. UNESCO, meanwhile, monitors multilingualism and linguistic diversity online through its policy and monitoring work, including the Internet Universality Indicators.
The submission also points to UNESCO’s monitoring of the 2003 Recommendation on Multilingualism and Universal Access to Cyberspace. Universal Acceptance is now included as a dedicated indicator within this framework.
As an additional measure, ICANN and UNESCO propose an ICT indicator tracking the proportion of domain name registrations made through Internationalized Domain Names in local languages and scripts.
The proposed indicator would provide data on the use of multilingual domain names and could support monitoring of the WSIS Action Line on cultural and linguistic diversity.
The joint submission therefore links measurement of domain name use with wider efforts to assess whether people can participate in the Internet in their own languages and scripts.
