FAQ

What is SIFT?

SIFT stands for Special Interest Forum on Technology (SIFT) and is an initiative launched by the Office of the CTO to further engage the community on technical topics (emerging or not) that may have an impact on ICANN's technical mission.

Is SIFT a component of an ICANN PDP?

SIFTs will have no policy component and are not meant to make direct recommendations or input in to ICANN processes. Participants of SIFTs can individually participate in any PDP process without representing a SIFT or its view. 

Why do we need SIFT?

ICANN Strategic Goal (3.2b) calls for, “Mechanisms [to be] established with which ICANN assesses new technologies and, when appropriate, embraces them”. SIFT is considered one of the tools and mechanisms for ICANN to achieve that goal, allowing the community to raise and openly discuss technology evolutions that may impact ICANN mission.

What resources will be dedicated to SIFT?

SIFTs will require a very light resourcing as most of the work is expected to be done online via public mailing lists and meetings if/when needed will be co-hosted with ICANN regular events (Community meetings, IDS, GDS Summits … ).  OCTO will provide logistic support to the discussion groups when and where needed.

Structure of SIFT

The main discussion of SIFT will happen on a general mailing list we expect all interested parties will be subscribed to.  Whenever a topic attracts significant interest so as to require in-depth discussion, research, or evaluation by experts, a more thematic SIFT will be created for interested parties. So we will have:

The Generic SIFT: The main SIFT mailing list where all discussion will take place. Depending on interest and the need for deep exploration of a specific topic, a thematic SIFT will be created for interested participants.

Thematic SIFTs: When a topic gathers enough interest and needs further monitoring or analysis, a thematic SIFT will be created to continue a focus discussion on the theme. Thematic SIFTs may organize webinars or meetings if deemed necessary.

Is there already a Thematic SIFT?

Please check the main SIFT wiki page to see the list of thematic SIFTs.

How will SIFT be organized?

Each SIFT will have volunteer co-chairs that will drive and coordinate discussion on the mailing lists.

How can I keep up with the SIFT?

Information about SIFT will be published on a Wiki page that will be maintained by SIFT members and ICANN staff.

Will SIFT have regular meetings?

ICANN staff will consult SIFT co-chairs to gather potential topics for the Emerging Identifiers session at ICANN meetings. Thematic SIFT participants can also decide to gather informally using online meeting tools or as side events of an ICANN meeting. ICANN’s team will provide support as and when needed.