Image: DNS Africa
Do you have an idea on how to better Internet protocols? Or a suggestion for something new? If so, do you know how to make those ideas and opinions heard?
The internet is built on a history of new and novel ideas from all sorts of people and places. That is what makes it one of the most collaborative pieces of technology the world has ever seen. A recent article outlines how the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), an Affirming Partner of the OpenStand Principles encourages participation through transparent and democratic means.
In particular, this article covers the story of the IETF inviting Ukrainian Mykyta Yevstifeyev to attend a meeting to discuss his recent IETF Request for Comment (RFC). What they didn’t know was that Mykyta was only 16-years-old and couldn’t travel unaccompanied.
Why didn’t they know that detail? The IETF has no barrier to participation and entry, which in on purpose. Suggestions can come from anywhere and anyone — including a 16 year old. The working groups of IETF are organized based on a specific technical need with individual choosing to participate based on interest via email. According to the article, there are currently 130 active working groups.
The one uniforming concept, is their alignment with OpenStand Principles. By working within the guidance of due process, consensus, transparency, balance and openness, the IETF works to create a truly global and open internet, the goal of OpenStand. In additional, they publish all final standards online for free, adhering the availability principle. Currently, the IETF is working on issues including pervasive surveillance and the Internet of Things (IoT).
By continuing to encourage collaboration across the global population, we will continue to capture the effective and efficient standardization processes that have made the Internet and Web the premiere platforms for innovation and borderless commerce
Don’t forget to submit a formal endorsement from your technology, design or standards organization for the OpenStand Principles!