[IDN-WG] The Problem of IDNs

[Rinalia Abdul Rahim]

Colleagues,

This is the link to a recent APTLD Report on a survey involving ccTLDs
regarding use of IDNs -
http://aptld.org/system/files/survey_report_-_launch_and_use_of_idns_2014.pdf.


It has statistics from the Asia Pacific and European regions.   End user
awareness is scored lowest and there is feedback on barriers that limit
broad adoption by end users.

At the basic level, the problem is that IDNs are not available for use in
email, browsers and other applications used by users.  Efforts to address
the problem are distributed among many parties and they are
un-coordinated.  There has been some discussions at ICANN on what needs to
be done and the role of ICANN.

The challenge for ICANN is that it doesn't deal with application level
problems.  Nevertheless, the successful adoption of IDN TLDs is arguably a
success measure for ICANN's TLD programme, so ICANN has a stake in seeing
IDNs succeed.

Various suggestions have been made on ICANN's role including convene
meetings on the topic, raise awareness about the problem through
communications channels, gather and centralize information on efforts
underway to inform the community, and coordinate the disparate efforts of
un-connected parties, etc.

*If there are thoughts on what the role of ICANN should be vis-a-vis the
role of the community to address the problem of IDN adoption (as part of
solving the Universal Acceptance problem), please share.*

*APRALO and APTLD: Perhaps a collaboration on way forward to enhance end
user awareness and encourage applications developers to meet the market
demand? *

Best regards,

Rinalia


<http://aptld.org/system/files/survey_report_-_launch_and_use_of_idns_2014.pdf>