News

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers has announced a series of question-and-answer sessions designed specifically for applicants preparing to participate in the upcoming New gTLD Program. These sessions are intended to provide direct guidance and clarify key aspects of the application process, helping participants better understand requirements and expectations.

The ICANN has initiated a public consultation process, inviting feedback on a newly released draft of the Evaluation Guide for Community Priority Evaluation (CPE). This document is part of the preparation for the upcoming round of new generic top-level domains (gTLDs), aiming to clarify how community-based applications will be assessed.

ICANN has officially opened the application window for the NextGen@ICANN87 program, inviting young professionals and students to participate in the upcoming ICANN87 Public Meeting. This initiative is designed to engage individuals who are interested in Internet governance and the multistakeholder model, offering them a chance to become part of the global ICANN community.

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers has issued a Request for Proposal dated 13 February 2026 to select a qualified service provider responsible for conducting two key evaluation processes within the New Generic Top-Level Domains Program 2026 Round.

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has published its January 2026 Contractual Compliance gTLD Registry Audit Report, outlining the results of its most recent review of generic top-level domain (gTLD) registry operators. This report represents the first full audit cycle reflecting the 2024 amendments to the Base Registry Agreement (RA), which introduced expanded and more explicit requirements related to Domain Name System (DNS) Abuse mitigation.

ICANN has announced an extension to the submission deadline for its Request for Proposal related to evaluator panels supporting the 2026 New gTLD Program. The revised deadline for submitting proposals is now 23:59 UTC on Wednesday, 18 February 2026, giving interested providers additional time to prepare their responses.
 

ICANN is inviting the global community to join an informational webinar focused on the draft FY27 operating plans for both ICANN and Public Technical Identifiers. The session is scheduled for 18 December 2025 and will walk participants through the key components of the proposed plans, offering context on how they support the organization’s strategic direction and operational needs. The event is intended for anyone who wants to understand how ICANN and PTI intend to prioritize resources in the upcoming fiscal year.

Starting November 25, 2025, NicNames is launching our biggest domain promotion of the year.

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The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has officially opened the application round for the Fellowship Program connected to the upcoming ICANN86 Policy Forum. The meeting is scheduled to take place from 8–11 June 2026 in Seville, Spain. If circumstances require a virtual format, the Fellowship Program will likewise be conducted virtually. Only individuals who have previously completed the Fellowship Program (Fellowship Program Alumni) are eligible to apply.

On 10 November 2025, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) opened the nomination period for its annual ICANN Community Excellence Award. The nomination window will remain open until 8 January 2026 at 23:59 UTC.