ICANN81: Ensuring a Safe and Productive EnvironmentSimon Garside

The ICANN Security Operations Team is responsible for reviewing the safety and security of locations for ICANN Public Meetings. With ICANN81 scheduled to take place in Istanbul, Republic of Türkiye, we are mindful of the concerns some attendees may have due to the ongoing uncertainty in the Middle East. I would like to take this opportunity to share how our Security Operations Team evaluates potential meeting sites and the comprehensive risk analysis and mitigation strategies we implement to ensure a safe event where attendees feel welcome.

Our team is composed of regional security experts who continuously monitor the evolving risk landscape within their regions. They play a critical role in our risk assessment for any potential ICANN Public Meeting location. This process begins with their initial evaluation, followed by an on-site visit to the proposed meeting location.

During the site visit, a member of ICANN's Security Operations team meets with local law enforcement and government officials. They also gather information from online intelligence sources to fully understand the risk landscape. Known risks are evaluated and captured in the event safety plan. Mitigation measures vary depending on the location and event and may include on-the-ground security and medical support, geo-fenced real-time incident monitoring, advisories, and more.

For ICANN81, in the context of the current conflict in the Middle East, we have assessed the risks of physical and verbal aggression and violence to be low. It is very much business as usual in Istanbul, with a steady flow of both business and leisure travelers continuing to visit the city. We further assessed the risks of riots and terrorism as low, while the risks of flight delays, disruptions, or cancellations, and likelihood of a demonstration near the event venue are medium.

Based on these findings, we have developed a detailed risk mitigation strategy leveraging the expertise of Iwan de Fluiter, our Regional Security Director for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Iwan is based in Istanbul and possesses a deep understanding of the local operating environment.

The following risk mitigation measures will be in place for ICANN81:

• Full deployment of our Security Operations team, available 24/7 for support and advice during the meeting.
• Continuous intelligence updates on the security situation and risk landscape.
• The integration of a local security service provider within our Security Operations team.
• Close coordination with additional local security networks, including local law enforcement agencies.
• Direct liaison with local police for real-time updates on local developments.
• A tailored event safety plan that includes an emergency response plan.

As is our standard practice, we will closely monitor Istanbul and the surrounding region for any emerging security risks in the time leading up to the meeting. Should the situation change, making it unsafe to hold the meeting in person, we are prepared to transition to a fully virtual meeting.

Our commitment is to provide a safe environment for all participants. With the support of local law enforcement agencies, government officials, and our thorough risk assessments, we are confident that ICANN81 will proceed safely and successfully.