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.

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has officially published its Annual Report and audited consolidated financial statements for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY 25), covering the period ending 30 June 2025. This release aligns with ICANN’s commitment to transparency and financial accountability, and offers stakeholders a detailed insight into its operations, financial health and strategic progress.

The Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO) Council has put out a renewed appeal for community members to volunteer for the Standing Predictability Implementation Review Team (SPIRT). This updated announcement builds on the prior call from 22 September 2025 by extending the application deadline and clarifying expectations for participants.

In a new announcement dated 13 October 2025, ICANN is inviting feedback from its global community on the draft schedule for its triannual Public Meetings spanning 2029 through 2033. The organization is making the proposed dates public in order to gather stakeholder perspectives before finalizing the calendar.

ICANN has announced that it is extending the submission deadline for its Applicant Support Program (ASP) under the upcoming new gTLD round. Entities that input their organizational information by 19 November 2025 will now have until 19 December 2025 to submit a full application.

On 22 September 2025, the Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO) Council issued a call for volunteers from the community to join the Standing Predictability Implementation Review Team (SPIRT). SPIRT is established under the GNSO Council’s guidance per the SPIRT Charter, with the role of advising the GNSO Council, the ICANN Board, the ICANN organization, and the Internet community on matters related to the New Generic Top-Level Domains Program: Next Round, following adoption of the Applicant Guidebook.

On 15 September 2025, ICANN’s Contractual Compliance team rolled out a redesigned set of webpages aimed at making it simpler for people around the world to locate and use the resources linked to compliance. The updated layout is based on input from various stakeholders and internal staff, demonstrating ICANN’s commitment to delivering information that is both accessible and up‑to‑date.

From the onset, the 2025 Nominating Committee (NomCom) launches its Year‑in‑Review report with a direct and gracious note from its chair, reflecting on the committee’s journey since convening right after the ICANN81 Annual General Meeting. This introduction sets the stage by acknowledging the scale and import of the committee’s mission.

ICANN is pleased to announce that the co‑facilitators leading the WSIS+20 overall review of Information Society outcomes, appointed by the President of the United Nations General Assembly, will be present at the ICANN84 Annual General Meeting in Dublin, Ireland. This presence underscores the continued cooperation between global Internet governance bodies and the United Nations to evaluate digital policy progress. The event is scheduled for 29 August 2025, and it marks a meaningful opportunity for direct exchange within the ICANN ecosystem.

On 26 August 2025, ICANN introduced the members of its newly formed Universal Acceptance (UA) Expert Working Group (EWG). The goal? To build a more inclusive and fully functional Internet by advising ICANN on Universal Acceptance strategies. This group brings together global experts to help standardize how domain names and email addresses are recognized—regardless of the script, length, or language involved.

As of 21 August 2025, the ICANN Registration Data Policy is now formally in effect for all contracted parties, including ICANN‑accredited registrars and gTLD registry operators. This milestone follows a full year of transition that began on 21 August 2024, during which these organizations had time to prepare for the new requirements by updating their systems and internal processes.

On 18 August 2025, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) issued a Request for Information (RFI) inviting potential auction service providers to submit feedback related to the next application round of the New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) Program. The RFI aims to assess how closely ICANN’s proposed auction rules and procedures align with existing operational systems and to identify potential areas where implementation adjustments may be needed.

The Root Server System (RSS) Governance Working Group (GWG), convened by the ICANN Board, is seeking input on a new Functional Model that has been developed after extensive deliberations. The model is a direct response to the advice provided by the Root Server System Advisory Committee (RSSAC) and aims to shape the future governance structure of the Root Server System. This marks a significant step in refining how the Root Server System is managed and operated, aligning it with the evolving needs of the global Internet infrastructure.

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On July 29, 2025, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) unveiled a new self-test platform designed to help Registry Service Providers (RSPs) validate their technical capabilities for operating under the New gTLD Program. This initiative is aimed at improving the efficiency and transparency of the RSP Evaluation Program, ensuring providers are equipped to support top-level domains (TLDs) in line with ICANN’s technical standards.

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has officially begun accepting Fellowship Program applications for the upcoming ICANN85 Annual General Meeting. This event is scheduled to take place from 1–6 November 2025 in Istanbul, Türkiye. Individuals interested in contributing to global internet policy development and eager to expand their knowledge of ICANN's multistakeholder model are encouraged to apply by the deadline of 2 September 2025 at 23:59 UTC.

On July 17, 2025, ICANN-accredited registrars approved the proposed registrar-level fees for Fiscal Year 2026, marking the successful completion of the annual fee ratification process. According to Section 7.2(d) of the Registrar Accreditation Agreement (RAA), any changes to these fees must be approved by registrars through a vote where the majority of votes cast favor the proposed structure, and where those votes represent at least 50% of all registrar accreditation fees paid during the previous year.

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is calling on stakeholders to review and comment on its proposed North America Regional Plan for the fiscal years 2026 to 2030. This draft outlines the organization’s priorities and strategies for supporting the unique needs and goals of the North American community within ICANN's global mission. The plan is now open for public input, and the comment period will remain active until 23:59 UTC on 28 August 2025.

On 8 July 2025, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) announced the official release of its Continuous Improvement Program (CIP) Framework. This framework was developed by the Continuous Improvement Program Community Coordination Group (CIP‑CCG) and aims to support long-term, community-driven enhancements to ICANN's internal structures and operational practices.

On July 2, 2025, ICANN officially announced the roll-out of its strategic direction for Fiscal Years 2026–2030, which came into force on July 1, 2025. This comprehensive framework will serve as the guiding compass for ICANN’s initiatives and actions over the next half-decade. Board Chair Tripti Sinha emphasized that this plan is a collective effort—its effectiveness depends on engagement from the entire global community.

On 23 June 2025, ICANN officially revealed the names of the selected participants for its ICANN84 Fellowship Program. This group of 40 individuals, residing across 35 countries, will take part in the ICANN84 Annual General Meeting scheduled from 25 to 30 October 2025 in Muscat, Oman. The event is expected to bring together a diverse representation of voices and perspectives, reinforcing ICANN’s multistakeholder approach to Internet governance.

The Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC) of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has issued its official communiqué following the ICANN83 Policy Forum, held in a hybrid format from Prague, Czech Republic. The full text of the communiqué is now available for public review.

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) will participate in the 19th annual Internet Governance Forum (IGF), taking place in Lillestrøm, Norway, from 23 to 27 June 2025. This year’s event comes at a particularly significant time, just ahead of the WSIS+20 review scheduled for 2025. ICANN sees this forum as a crucial venue for reinforcing its long-standing commitment to an inclusive, multistakeholder approach to Internet governance.