insight 

Today we’re announcing that we are the new UK and Ireland office of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).  I wanted to take a moment to explain a little more about why we’re getting involved and what it means we’ll be doing.

We’ve been a member of W3C for 4 years.  We believe the work they do promoting web accessibility standards, and developing other standards that help web users to trust in the reputation of the Internet is well aligned with Nominet’s public purpose remit and vision, which is to be a leading force in making the Internet a trusted space, which everyone can be part of and has a positive impact on people’s lives.

How does this fit?

Protection of UK Internet users sits at the heart of Nominet’s activities. Our constitution, processes and commitment to end users ensures we conduct our business for the public benefit. We are committed to ensuring that .uk remains a safe and trusted space and take an active role in protecting consumers and enabling them to get the most out of the Internet.

As part of this strategy we invest significant resources in a range of different areas - securing the DNS through Domain Name System security extensions (DNSSEC); the definition of Internet standards at the IETF;  development of open source software such as OpenDNSSEC; the sharing of best practice through the Nominet Internet Awards and at the IGF; and improving and encouraging the safe use of the Internet for educational, inclusion and other charitable purposes through the work of Nominet Trust.  The work of the W3C in setting web standards sits well with these activities.

What will we be doing?

As hosts of the W3C office we will be the contact point for W3C in the UK and Ireland. We will become the local face of W3C’s global mission.

The W3C Office at Nominet will promote the adoption of W3C Standards by disseminating information and organizing events. We will reach out to the relevant local communities and encourage them to engage with W3C and will ensure all relevant news from W3C is communicated to the members and other stakeholders of W3C in the UK and Ireland.

We will seek input, comment and engage in discussion and debate with all stakeholders on key W3C topics of the day.  Specifically, we will carry out various projects either directly for W3C or as part of other ongoing Nominet projects that seek to fulfil the W3C mission of leading the World Wide Web to its full potential.

Where next?

With our connections into the local Internet community we believe that we can add value to this role.   This is the start of a journey for us.    We have an ongoing programme of activity that aligns with W3C’s objectives and we will be able to more fully develop this programme as we become more established as the W3C office.   We are looking forward to working closely with W3C and its members.  If you wish to contact us about any W3C related issues or get involved, please email: phil.kingsland@w3cuk.co.uk.