ICANN Extends Application Deadline for Geographic and Reserved Names Panels Under the 2026 New gTLD Program

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers has officially extended the deadline for submitting proposals in response to the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Geographic Names Panel and the Reserved Names Panel, both part of the upcoming 2026 New gTLD Program. This adjustment provides additional time for qualified applicants to prepare and submit their proposals.

The original deadline has now been moved to 30 April 2026 at 23:59 UTC. ICANN clarified that this extension is intended to support broader participation and ensure that interested parties have sufficient time to develop comprehensive submissions aligned with program requirements.

Scope of the Panels Within the New gTLD Program

The Geographic Names Panel and Reserved Names Panel will play a critical role in evaluating applications within the 2026 round of the New gTLD Program. These panels are responsible for assessing specific categories of domain name applications that involve geographic identifiers and reserved terms.

Their work will contribute directly to maintaining consistency, fairness, and compliance with established policies. By carefully reviewing applications in these sensitive categories, the panels help ensure that domain allocations respect both geographic significance and reserved naming conventions within the DNS ecosystem.

Application Process and Submission Details

ICANN continues to invite qualified organizations and experts to respond to the RFP. Submissions must follow the requirements and guidelines outlined in the official documentation, with all proposals evaluated based on predefined criteria.

The extended deadline of 30 April 2026 remains firm, and applicants are expected to submit their materials before the specified cutoff time. ICANN emphasized that no further changes to the timeline have been announced, and all submissions must comply fully with the RFP instructions to be considered.

Supporting the 2026 New gTLD Round

This extension reflects ICANN’s broader effort to ensure a well-prepared and inclusive launch of the 2026 New gTLD Program. By allowing more time for participation, the organization aims to attract a diverse pool of qualified panelists capable of handling the complexities of geographic and reserved name evaluations.

As preparations for the 2026 round continue, the role of these panels remains essential in upholding the integrity and structured expansion of the domain name system.