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.

On June 6, 2025, ICANN made a public appeal advocating for greater transparency and fairness in AFRINIC’s upcoming board elections. The organization directed its concerns to the Mauritius court-appointed receiver overseeing AFRINIC, emphasizing the need for clear communication regarding recent organizational changes and member registrations.

On May 29, 2025, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) unveiled the inaugural group of recipients for its Grant Program, marking a significant milestone in its mission to enhance the global Internet ecosystem. This initial cycle will allocate approximately $10 million to support projects that align with ICANN's commitment to fostering a secure, stable, and unified Internet.

The Customer Standing Committee (CSC) is seeking public input on an updated procedure for modifying the IANA Naming Function Service Level Agreements (SLAs). This initiative is part of an ongoing effort to streamline and clarify the amendment process and to ensure the active involvement of the ICANN community. The public comment period is open until 23:59 UTC on Monday, 2 June 2025.

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), in partnership with the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA), has officially opened applications for the 2025 Asia Pacific Internet Governance Academy (APIGA).

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ICANN has officially kicked off the application period for its NextGen@ICANN84 initiative, which runs from March 31 to May 9, 2025.

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) recently unveiled its U.S. tax returns for the fiscal year concluding on June 30, 2024

The Second IANA Naming Function Review Team has just published its initial report and is actively seeking your feedback! As part of its periodic evaluation, this specialized team has thoroughly examined how effectively the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) performs its critical functions related to internet domain names.