Policy and Law and Policy and Law: Federal

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is inviting comments regarding Domain Name and Addressing System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) implementation at the root zone. Comments are due on November 24, 2008. EDUCAUSE and Internet2 are planning to prepare joint comments so your input is welcome. Below are a few additional resources:

• EDUCAUSE Washington Update Blog
• NTIA Press Release
• Federal Register Notice
• DNSSEC Supporting Materials and Comments Received

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration, of the U.S. Department of Commerce, has issued a Notice of Inquiry (NOI) regarding “Enhancing the Security and Stability of the Internet’s Domain Name and Addressing System”. The NOI begins with the following background:

The Department of Commerce (Department) notes the increase in interest among government, technology experts and industry representatives regarding the deployment of Domain Name and Addressing System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) at the root zone level. The Department remains committed to preserving the security and stability of the DNS and is exploring the implementation of DNSSEC in the DNS hierarchy, including at the authoritative root zone level. Accordingly, the Department is issuing this notice to invite comments regarding DNSSEC implementation at the root zone.

The NOI seeks comments in response to the following general questions:

This hour and sixteen minute podcast features a panel discussion recorded at the EDUCAUSE 2008 Policy Conference. The discussion, "Do's and Don'ts of Advocacy: Helping Your Federal Relations Officer Advance the IT Agenda," includes the following participants:

In this 50 minute podcast we feature a keynote speech by Mark Luker, Vice President of EDUCAUSE. The speech was delivered at the EDUCAUSE 2008 Southwest Regional Conference in Houston, Texas, and is entitled, "Washington Update: We're from the Government, and We're Here to Help You!"

Privacy. Cybersecurity. Telecommunications Reform. These and other national policy issues that have an impact on higher education will be the focus of the 2008 EDUCAUSE Policy Conference, May 7–8 in Arlington, Virginia, an event that brings together CIOs, IT directors, legal counsel, librarians, federal relations officers, and other college and university leaders for discussion of important new federal laws, legislative and regulatory developments, and emerging trends. Early-bird registration is available through April 11 for this event. Register now to save money.

The Congressional Internet Caucus Advisory Committee's State of the Net Conference will be held on January 30, 2008, in Washington, D.C. The conference offers attendees unparalleled opportunities to network and dialogue on key technology and information policy issues. Attendees include a mix of academics, consumer groups, industry, and government. In 2007, over 50 percent of the attendees were policy staff from Congressional offices and governmental agencies. There is a significant registration discount for non-profit and academic organizations. For more information or to register, go to http://netcaucus.org/conference/2008/

Tune in October 17 for a refresher on FERPA, the federal statute that governs the privacy of student records and information. In light of recent incidents, and with another school year now under way, it’s a good time to remind ourselves of our obligations—and rights—under this law. Steven J. McDonald, Rhode Island School of Design general counsel, and Nancy E. Tribbensee, Arizona University System general counsel will be the presenters for this this hour-long, free EDUCAUSE Live! Web seminar.

If you are unable to attend, you may wish to visit the EDUCAUSE Live! archives, where a recording of this seminar will be posted shortly afterward. You can also browse FERPA resources in EDUCAUSE Connect.