SHACL 1.2 Core Review Request: Comments By January 2026
This article details the request for review of the SHACL 1.2 Core specification, highlighting key aspects and inviting comments by the proposed deadline of January 2026. Understanding the importance of standardization and validation in data management, this review aims to ensure the specification's robustness and adherence to privacy and security considerations. Let's dive into the specifics of this crucial review process.
Specification Details
At the heart of this review is the SHACL 1.2 Core specification, a vital document in the realm of data validation and shaping. The specification's URL, a critical piece of information for reviewers, is located at https://w3c.github.io/data-shapes/shacl12-core/. It’s important to note that this document follows a continuous publication model, meaning updates are incorporated upon merging pull requests into the main branch. This approach ensures that the specification remains current, but it also means that there are no traditional date-stamped releases in the /TR/ namespace.
The expected next transition for this document is to Candidate Recommendation (CR) status, anticipated in Q1 2026. This transition marks a significant step in the standardization process, making the review even more timely and crucial. To understand the current state and future direction of SHACL 1.2 Core, let's delve into the changes since the previous review and the specific considerations for privacy and security.
The journey of SHACL (Shapes Constraint Language) has been marked by continuous evolution and refinement. The last formal review of the specification occurred with the release of the previous version in 2017 (https://www.w3.org/TR/2017/REC-shacl-20170720/). Since then, numerous validation and modeling changes have been implemented. However, it is crucial to highlight that these changes have been carefully considered to ensure they do not negatively impact privacy and security considerations. The core operational form of the SHACL specification remains largely consistent, providing a stable foundation for its users.
A significant architectural shift in this version of SHACL involves the separation of SHACL-SPARQL elements into a distinct specification, SHACL 1.2 SPARQL (https://w3c.github.io/data-shapes/shacl12-sparql/). Consequently, the following statement, which previously resided in the Security & Privacy Considerations section of the SHACL Core specification, has been removed: “SHACL-SPARQL includes all the security issues of SPARQL.” The SHACL 1.2 SPARQL specification will undergo a separate review process, ensuring that each component receives thorough scrutiny. This modular approach enhances clarity and allows for focused attention on the specific considerations relevant to each part of the SHACL ecosystem.
Privacy and Security Considerations
Privacy and security are paramount in any specification, and SHACL 1.2 Core is no exception. While the specification document does not include a dedicated, in-line Privacy Considerations section separate from Security Considerations, this decision is deliberate. Given the nature of the specification, the response to both Privacy and Security considerations is concise and integrated. This approach reflects the fundamental design of SHACL Core, which inherently minimizes privacy risks by focusing on data validation rather than data transformation or access.
To ensure a comprehensive review, a self-review has been conducted, utilizing resources such as the W3C TAG Security Questionnaire (https://w3ctag.github.io/security-questionnaire/), Fingerprinting Guidance (https://w3c.github.io/fingerprinting-guidance/), and RFC 6973 (https://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc6973). The results of this self-review are documented in Issue #682 on the data-shapes GitHub repository. This proactive approach to self-assessment underscores the commitment to addressing potential issues early in the development process.
Understanding the intricacies of data validation and shaping requires careful consideration of potential vulnerabilities and privacy implications. By thoroughly examining the self-review findings and actively engaging in the review process, stakeholders can contribute to a more secure and privacy-respecting SHACL 1.2 Core specification. This collaborative effort ensures that the specification meets the highest standards for both functionality and responsible data handling.
Filing Issues and Explanatory Resources
For those wishing to contribute to the review process, any issues arising can be filed on the data-shapes GitHub repository at https://github.com/w3c/data-shapes/issues. This centralized platform ensures that all concerns and suggestions are captured and addressed systematically. Clear and concise issue reporting is essential for effective collaboration and resolution. By providing detailed descriptions and specific examples, reviewers can significantly enhance the quality of feedback and contribute to a more robust specification.
To aid in understanding the specification, an explainer document is available at https://w3c.github.io/data-shapes/shacl12-overview/#whatsnew. This explainer provides valuable insights into the changes and new features introduced in SHACL 1.2, making it an indispensable resource for reviewers. The explainer not only clarifies the technical aspects of the specification but also provides context and rationale for the design decisions. This comprehensive understanding is crucial for conducting a thorough and informed review.
By leveraging the available resources and actively participating in the issue-filing process, the community can collectively contribute to the refinement of SHACL 1.2 Core. This collaborative effort ensures that the specification meets the diverse needs of its users and remains a valuable tool for data validation and shaping. The explainer serves as a bridge between the technical specification and the practical application of SHACL, empowering reviewers to assess its impact and effectiveness.
Call for Comments
The request for review of SHACL 1.2 Core is a crucial step in ensuring its quality, security, and privacy compliance. With a proposed deadline for comments in January 2026, stakeholders have a defined window to contribute their expertise and insights. This timeframe allows for a thorough examination of the specification and the provision of constructive feedback. The review process is not merely a formality; it is an opportunity to shape the future of data validation and shaping standards.
Active participation in this review is highly encouraged. By engaging with the specification, exploring the provided resources, and submitting thoughtful comments, individuals and organizations can play a pivotal role in the development of SHACL 1.2 Core. This collaborative approach ensures that the final specification reflects the diverse needs and perspectives of the community. The value of this collective effort extends beyond the immediate benefits of improved specification quality; it fosters a culture of shared responsibility and continuous improvement within the data management ecosystem.
The SHACL 1.2 Core review process offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a critical standard in the world of data management. Your comments and insights are invaluable in shaping a robust and reliable specification. Embrace this chance to make a difference and ensure the future success of SHACL. Let's work together to make SHACL 1.2 Core the best it can be.
Conclusion
The review of SHACL 1.2 Core is a vital undertaking, ensuring that this key specification meets the highest standards of quality, security, and privacy. With the deadline for comments set for January 2026, now is the time to engage, explore the resources provided, and contribute your expertise. Your input will play a crucial role in shaping the future of data validation and shaping standards.
For further information on web standards and best practices, consider exploring the resources available on the W3C website. This is a trusted resource for staying informed about the latest developments in web technologies.
