ICANN85 - Hybrid ISPCP Outreach Session (2 of 2) - Universal Acceptance, Digital Inclusion, and the AI Factor: Building an Inclusive Internet

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)'s Technical Engagement Team is excited to announce a series of training sessions in collaboration with the Internet Service Providers and Connectivity Providers (ISPCP) Constituency and the Security and Stability Advisory Committee (SSAC). These sessions are aimed at both technical and non-technical individuals and will focus on topics related to the Domain Name System (DNS). The sessions are intended for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) worldwide. They will be conducted online and in person at ICANN meetings in convenient time zones.

This session,Universal Acceptance, Digital Inclusion, and the AI Factor: Building an Inclusive Internet, is scheduled for Monday, March 9, 2026, starting at 16:30 PM IST (local time). This session will examine the intersection of Universal Acceptance (UA), broader digital inclusion, and the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI). We will explore how UA ensures that all domain names, email addresses, and digital identities function across systems. We will also situate this within the wider context of digital inclusion, addressing barriers to access, participation, and equity online. Additionally, we will analyze how AI can accelerate UA adoption, enhance multilingual and accessible digital experiences, and support inclusive technologies. We will also highlight potential risks, such as bias or exclusion. Participants will gain a concise, practical understanding of how UA, digital inclusion, and AI converge to create a more open and equitable digital ecosystem.

Speakers:

Welcome & Introduction:
ISPCP ExCom

Presentations:
Ram Mohan, CODI Chairman & Founder
Nitin Walia, ICANN Universal Acceptance Expert Group GNSO Representative

Summary:
ISPCP ExCom

Important note

Registration for the ICANN85 Community Forum is mandatory in order to attend the workshop remotely and onsite at the ICANN meeting in Mumbai. Please follow the link to register free of charge: https://meetings.icann.org/en/meetings/icann85/

Onsite registration will not be available so you must register in advance. In-person, advance registration will be open until 6 March 2026.

Please follow the link to the workshop on the ICANN85 public schedule for the Zoom access link for both remote and in-person participants: https://icann85.sched.com/