The digital reading experience—ranging from adjustable text to advanced accessibility features—relies on a framework of international technical standards. But who determines how these standards are developed, and how do they balance the needs of publishers, developers, and readers? This session will provide insight into the collaborative governance of digital publishing. Join us for a closer look at how specifications like EPUB are negotiated, discussed, and refined.

Discover the vital role of organisations such as W3C, EDRLab, Fondazione LIA, and others in keeping digital content interoperable, accessible, and future-proof in an ever-changing ecosystem. Learn how the Publishing Community Group (PCG) creates an open, welcoming, and dynamic space for technology experts and publishing innovators to connect, debate, and collaboratively address real-world technical challenges. Join us to see how specifications like EPUB are refined and learn how becoming a PCG member can improve the interoperability and longevity of your solutions in the global publishing landscape.

This panel explores why current platform responses remain inadequate and identifies strategies for more robust content protection. Discover how we can collectively address these criminal appropriations and ensure a secure, transparent landscape for the future of digital publishing.

Expert voices in dialogue:  Gregorio Pellegrino & Gautier Chomel

Digital publishing veteran Gautier Chomel leads accessibility and quality topics for EDRLab and co-chairs the publishing community group at W3C. His work bridges the gap between technical standards and practical, secure publishing practices.

Gregorio Pellegrino, Chief Accessibility Officer at Fondazione LIA, is an Italian software engineer with a strong focus on improving digital accessibility for visually impaired individuals. Pellegrino’s work with organizations like W3C, DAISY, and EDItEUR helps shape global accessibility standards. Through his consulting, training, and standards development efforts, he continues to support more inclusive reading experiences in digital publishing.