Horizontal Groups

The W3C Process mentions the W3C horizontal Groups, described in this document.

1. What is are horizontal groups?

Horizontal groups provide expertise in a specific area. They review relevant proposals, specifications, and charters under development by W3C Working Groups, Interest Groups, and Community Groups. They may also review proposals and specifications produced outside of W3C.

2. List of W3C Horizontal Groups

As of June 2026, there are 5 W3C horizontal groups:

• Accessible Platform Architectures Working Group
• Internationalization Working Group
• Privacy Working Group
• Security Interest Group
• Technical Architecture Group

3. Other Horizontal Groups

Some expert groups outside of W3C may also provide a horizontal review. Charters of W3C Working and Interest Groups should explicitly list the relevant expert groups if a horizontal review is expected from them.

4. Horizontal Reviews

Horizontal reviews are documented and part of the wide review.