LOS ANGELES - The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) announced the appointment of eight new Trusted Community Representatives (TCRs). These individuals will support the integrity and transparency of the Domain Name System (DNS) by participating in operations associated with the DNS Root Zone Key Signing Key (KSK). The KSK serves an essential role in enabling Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC), as the "trust anchor" that underpins security for the entire DNS. It is a component of the DNS root zone, managed as part of the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) functions overseen by ICANN, a press release stated by ICANN. 

Newly appointed TCRs

The new TCRs originate from four different continents and reflect a diversity of skills and experience, with each being a recognized contributor in their respective technical community:

• Tim April
• Nabil Benamar
• Lodrina Cherne
• Kenny Huang
• Ryan Hurst
• Matt Pounsett
• Nathalie Trenaman
• Alison Wood

Administering the DNS root zone with the participation of TCRs reflects ICANN's commitment to global participation and robust community oversight in managing critical Internet infrastructure. Each TCR brings professional expertise and regional perspective, reinforcing broad trust in how the DNS root zone is operated.

What TCRs Do

DNSSEC helps protect the Internet by ensuring the integrity of technical data, such as the locations of online services, published in the DNS. Administration of DNSSEC includes holding periodic ceremonies, events where the cryptographic trust anchor used to secure the DNS is managed in a carefully considered manner with strict oversight.

These ceremonies are conducted by a group comprised of IANA and ICANN staff, community volunteers, and partner organizations.

TCRs play an important community oversight role in these ceremonies. They:

• Witness the secure generation, storage, and use of the KSK.
• Serve as independent community observers to help ensure transparency and accountability.
• Participate in secure handling procedures when key material must be transferred or recovered.
• Contribute knowledge and expertise to improve how the ceremonies and associated facilities are administered.
• Promote trust in how the root zone is administered with the communities they represent.

Selection Process

TCRs are volunteers selected through a multiphase evaluation designed to maintain strong community representation and technical competency. Detailed criteria for TCRs is published on the IANA website.

Selections are made when the pool of available TCRs requires replenishment. The most recent selection round was completed in 2023. With this new cohort, ICANN continues to support a diverse and skilled TCR pool to meet evolving security needs.

Call for Participation

Community members with relevant technical skills and interest in DNSSEC security operations are invited to consider applying to serve. TCRs help uphold one of the Internet's most critical security functions and serve as liaisons to their respective communities.

ICANN thanks the newly appointed TCRs for their service and looks forward to their contributions in helping protect the security, stability, and resiliency of the DNS.