Properties and Algorithms Group

We are a group of Unicode contributors who take an interest in properties and algorithms. We look at relevant feedback reports and documents that Unicode receives, do some research, and submit UTC documents with recommendations as input to UTC meetings. This group develops and maintains the Unicode Character Database, Unicode Collation Algorithm, Unicode IDNA Compatibility Processing, and Unicode Security specifications as well as the technical content of the Unicode Standard annexes. The Properties and Algorithms group is not responsible for the Unihan Character Database, which is maintained by the CJK & Unihan Group.

The Properties & Algorithms Group (PAG) is a Working Group of the Unicode Technical Committee. The group makes recommendations to the Unicode Technical Committee, and changes data files and technical specifications according to decisions of the UTC, whose members make the final decisions.

Changing Script Status for Identifier Use

The Unicode Technical Committee has designated the Properties & Algorithms Group as the primary point of contact for changes to the classification of scripts by appropriateness for use in security-sensitive identifier systems (Tables 4–7 in Unicode Standard Annex #‌31, Unicode Identifiers and Syntax), and has approved guidelines for the review of such requests. The latest approved guidelines are L2/24-019 “Requirements and Process for Changing Script Status for Identifier Use”. See UTC note 178-N9.

Meetings

The Properties & Algorithms Group normally meets once a week by video conference. Additional meetings may be scheduled as needed for relevant discussions with other groups or when preparing for UTC meetings or updates to the Unicode Standard.

Confidentiality of Meeting Discussions

The Properties & Algorithms Group engages in frank discussions regarding complex, technical content. As a group reporting to the UTC, it follows the same general rules regarding confidentiality of meeting discussions. Citing from the Technical Group Procedures of the Unicode Consortium: “Discussions during meetings are confidential and are not to be shared publicly, without explicit permission of the chair.”

Intermediate drafts of the Properties & Algorithms Group reports are also confidential, until they can be vetted and any errors corrected. The final reports, which then represent the Properties & Algorithms Group consensus recommendations, are public documents.

Properties & Algorithms Regular Participants

Regular participants in the Properties & Algorithms Group attend the meetings on an ongoing basis, either in person or via video conference, and regularly assist in the direct maintenance of various Unicode tools and data.

Properties & Algorithms Group Regular Participants

Charlotte Buff	Ned Holbrook
Elango Cheran	Amrit Kaur
Peter Constable	Robin Leroy, Vice Chair
Mark Davis	Roozbeh Pournader
Asmus Freytag	Markus Scherer, Chair
Josh Hadley, Vice Chair	Ken Whistler
	John Wilcock

Legal Requirements for PAG Proposals & Submissions

All proposals and submissions to the Unicode Technical Committee and its Working Groups, including the Property & Algorithms Group (PAG), must comply with the requirements of The Unicode Consortium Intellectual Property, Licensing & Technical Contribution Policies. Please refer to these Policies for details regarding the requirement of a Contributor License Agreement (CLA) from all authors of PAG submissions and proposals.