The DNS Abuse mitigation requirements took effect on 5 April 2024, and since then ICANN Contractual Compliance has rigorously enforced them. Hundreds of investigations and targeted audits have prompted multiple contracted parties to implement and sustain compliant processes, resulting in the mitigation of hundreds of thousands of malicious domain names. These outcomes complement the ongoing measures that registries and registrars undertake to combat DNS Abuse independently of ICANN’s direct involvement.

Read the blog to learn more about the enforcement actions completed over the past two years and the additional measures now being developed as part of ICANN’s continued commitment to upholding the DNS Abuse mitigation requirements.

Stop by ICANN’s engagement booth to talk with our Global Stakeholder Engagement team and ICANN86 Fellows, ask questions, or share your thoughts on how to strengthen a single, globally interoperable Internet for all!

This session aims to raise awareness of the At-Large Advisory Committee (ALAC) objection procedures and strengthen community understanding of how to participate effectively in the review of applications submitted in the Next Round of new generic top-level domain (gTLD) strings. 

Particular focus will be placed on the development of ALAC procedures for submitting comments and objections, as well as on enabling informed and meaningful community engagement throughout the process. It will emphasize collaboration among the gTLD Applications Review Group (gARG), the Regional At-Large Organizations (RALOs), and the ALAC, while examining practical ways to encourage meaningful community involvement. 

The session will also offer an opportunity to discuss how RALOs can effectively participate in evaluating applications and contributing to the overall process. The upcoming round of new gTLDs brings both significant opportunities and important challenges for Internet end users and communities.

At-Large Plenary 2: At-Large Preparations for the Next Round: Comments, Objections, and Community Engagement |

10 June, 11:45–13:15 CEST (9:45 UTC)

The ICANN Board of Directors invites the community to join a special gathering to honor the life and legacy of ICANN Board Member Alan Barrett, who passed away on 28 May 2026. The session will take place today, 10 June, 13:30–14:30 CEST (11:30 UTC).

The gathering will provide an opportunity for attendees to share stories and memories of Alan and reflect on his lasting impact on the Internet ecosystem. Learn more about the session and participation options, including remote attendance, on the ICANN86 session page (In Memoriam: Alan Barrett). 

Alan was widely respected for his contributions to the development of the Internet in Africa and around the world. His work included helping to establish the first Internet connection for South African universities and the .co.za zone, as well as playing a critical role in the formation of the African Network Information Centre. 

ICANN's Technical Engagement Team is excited to announce a series of training sessions in collaboration with the Internet Service Providers and Connectivity Providers (ISPCP) Constituency and the Security and Stability Advisory Committee (SSAC).

Experts from the SSAC and the ISPCP will share their experience and perspectives regarding data‑sharing models, relevant legal frameworks – including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the NIS2 Directive – and operational tools that support effective and timely abuse mitigation.

GNSO: ISPCP Outreach Session |

10 June, 16:30–16:00 CEST (14:30 UTC)

The community session co-organized by the Security and Stability Advisory Committee (SSAC) and the Business Constituency (BC) brought together technical experts and policy stakeholders across the ICANN community to discuss the impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) in transforming DNS Abuse. Focus areas for the panelists included emerging attack and defense tools, the increasing speed and quality of DNS Abuse, and what role ICANN could play in mitigating abuse.

During the session, the invited panelists shared their views on the changing ecosystem of DNS Abuse across their various fields of expertise: academia, security research, industry, and law enforcement. One theme that emerged related to how AI has the potential to alter the “economics of abuse,” lowering the barriers of entry for both attackers and defenders and changing how Internet infrastructure is generated and used. While the topic of this session is one of growing importance, the session was intended to be informational and to stimulate discussion about the possible roles the ICANN community, the technical community, and the broader Internet community might play in responding to this shift in abuse trends.

If you missed this session, you can find the poll results, slides, and recording on the session webpage. The SSAC and the BC will continue to bring forward emerging risks for further study and cross-community work. 

The Latin Script Diacritics (LD) Policy Development Process (PDP) Working Group (WG) met at ICANN86 to continue its review of the Public Comment on the LD PDP Initial Report. 

Opening the session, the LD PDP WG paid tribute to the life and legacy of Alan Barrett, the Board liaison to the LD PDP. During this working session, the LD PDP WG progressed a number of substantive issues raised during the Public Comment. Specifically, the WG worked on issues related to the character inclusion in the diacritic set, rules for second-level domains, and an analysis of the human rights impact assessment and the global public interest checklist. The WG continues to make progress toward the LD PDP Final Report ahead of the anticipated timeline.

Once the WG concludes its review, it plans to stabilize its policy recommendations and submit a Final Report to the GNSO Council for its consideration.

Curious how people find their place – and make an impact – within ICANN? Join us on 10 June at 11:45 CEST (9:45 UTC) for a dynamic panel featuring Jenifer Lopez (Councillor, Country Code Names Supporting Organization), Tara Whalen (Vice Chair, Security and Stability Advisory Committee), Kathleen Scoggin (Member, ALAC), Alyssa Quinn (Member, Address Supporting Organization Address Council), and Alperen Eken (Staff, ICANN). The session will kick off with remarks by Sally Costerton (Senior Vice President, Stakeholder Engagement) and Russ Weinstein (Senior Vice President, Policy), who will set the stage for our panelists to share the stories behind their journeys through the multistakeholder ecosystem.

Speakers will reflect on how they first got involved, the challenges of navigating a global, consensus-driven environment, and the moments that shaped their paths from newcomers to leaders. From chairing working groups to serving on advisory committees – and even transitioning from community member to staff – each perspective offers a practical look at the different forms meaningful participation can take.

This conversation will offer insights into the learning curves, persistence, and connections that sustain long-term engagement.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to deepen your involvement, you’ll leave with clearer pathways, practical advice, and a better sense of how to take your next step in ICANN’s policy work.