ICANN85 GAC Communiqué Released Following Mumbai Meeting

The Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC) has officially published its communiqué following the ICANN85 meeting held in Mumbai. This document outlines the collective positions and recommendations developed by government representatives participating in the session. It reflects discussions conducted during the meeting and provides guidance addressed to the ICANN Board on a range of policy and operational matters.

The communiqué captures consensus advice as well as areas where further clarification or follow-up may be required. It serves as a formal channel through which governments communicate their perspectives on ICANN’s ongoing work, ensuring that public policy considerations remain integrated into decision-making processes.

Focus Areas and Policy Discussions

During ICANN85, the GAC addressed multiple topics that are currently shaping the domain name ecosystem. These include ongoing work related to subsequent rounds of new gTLDs, DNS abuse mitigation, and broader issues tied to security, stability, and resilience of the DNS. The communiqué reflects continued attention to safeguarding users and strengthening trust across the internet infrastructure.

In addition, the GAC discussed procedural and governance-related matters, including how ICANN can enhance transparency and accountability in its operations. The recommendations emphasize the importance of aligning technical coordination with public interest considerations, particularly as the domain name space continues to evolve.

Advice to the ICANN Board

As part of its role, the GAC provided formal advice to the ICANN Board within the communiqué. This advice highlights specific actions or considerations that the Board is expected to review. According to ICANN processes, such advice must be duly taken into account, and any decision not to follow it requires a clear explanation and dialogue with the GAC.

The communiqué also identifies follow-up items and ongoing areas of engagement between the GAC and ICANN. This ensures continuity between meetings and maintains momentum on key policy tracks that require sustained attention.

Continued Role of Governments in ICANN

The publication of the ICANN85 communiqué reinforces the role of governments in shaping the global internet governance framework. Through the GAC, public authorities contribute their expertise and perspectives, helping balance technical coordination with regulatory and societal considerations.

As ICANN continues to navigate complex challenges in the domain name system, the GAC remains a critical component of its multistakeholder model. The Mumbai communiqué highlights how governments are actively engaged in addressing both current issues and future developments within the DNS ecosystem.