2026 Round New gTLD Application Submission Window Now Open | | |
The application window for the New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) Program: 2026 Round is now open. For the first time in more than a decade, businesses, communities, nonprofits, geographic regions, and others have the opportunity to apply to operate a gTLD.
The definitive source of information about the gTLD application and evaluation processes is the Applicant Guidebook (AGB), which lays out the rules and requirements of the program based on policy developed by the ICANN community. To supplement the AGB, ICANN has created numerous resources for applicants, tailored to the specific needs of the applicants and application types.
The 2026 Round Resources page includes a tool called the Readiness Pathway, which highlights the major milestones and phases of evaluation for each type of application and points to relevant resources. Other useful materials include the User Guide for the TLD Application Management System and demo videos that offer a visual introduction to the online system.
The application window that opened on 30 April will remain open through 12 August 2026. For more information and to apply, visit the New gTLD Program website.
| | ICANN Launches New Platform for Internet Governance Engagement | |
ICANN is launching the Internet Governance Network, building on the success of its WSIS+20 Outreach Network, which brought together more than 600 participants to exchange insights and perspectives across the Internet ecosystem.
The new network creates a dedicated space for community members and stakeholders to engage on Internet governance issues within ICANN’s remit. It is designed to be practical and focused, with discussions organized around specific global processes and milestones.
Initial areas of concentration include developments related to the Internet Governance Forum and preparations for the International Telecommunication Union Plenipotentiary Conference 2026. Both events are key to shaping the future of Internet governance.
Community members interested in staying informed and contributing to these discussions are encouraged to participate and share perspectives across the Internet ecosystem.
By enabling informed, timely engagement, the network supports ICANN’s efforts to strengthen the multistakeholder model and sustain collaboration across the global Internet community. Learn more by reading the blog.
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Registration is open for the ICANN86 Policy Forum, which takes place 8–11 June 2026 in Seville, Spain, and online.
To attend in person, you must register by 7 June 2026. Onsite registration will not be available. Registration is free and open to all.
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Second Application Period for 2026 Round RSP Evaluation Program Now Open | | | |
ICANN has opened the second application period for the Registry Service Provider (RSP) Evaluation Program as part of the New gTLD Program: 2026 Round. The application window is open now through 12 August 2026.
The RSP Evaluation Program streamlines the application process by evaluating the technical back-end capabilities required to operate a gTLD. RSPs play a key role in supporting registry operators by providing critical back-end services.
All 2026 Round applicants must identify at least one successfully evaluated RSP to support their application if it proceeds to delegation.
RSPs that clear RSP evaluation during this period will join the List of Evaluated RSPs.
Read the announcement to learn more.
| | | LAC ACTIVITIES AND HIGHLIGHTS | | | Interamerican Telecommunications Commission (OAS-CITEL) IX General Assembly | | | |
By Rodrigo de la Parra, Vice President, Latin American and the Caribbean, ICANN
San José (Costa Rica) hosted high-level digital ecosystem engagements on 15–19 March, involving regional governments, international organizations, and the technical community.
A central highlight was the Internet Society’s Policymakers Program, held alongside the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). This initiative was aimed at improving policymakers' understanding of Internet architecture and governance. I led a session on Domain Name System (DNS) foundations and ICANN’s role, emphasizing government engagement.
Additionally, Costa Rica hosted the "Digital Americas 2030" dialogue, featuring leaders like Vinton Cerf. Discussions covered artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and connectivity. I contributed to a panel on digital resilience, highlighting efforts to mitigate DNS Abuse and the deployment of L-Root server instances.
The week concluded with the IX CITEL Assembly, focused on ITU Plenipotentiary 2026 preparations. A key proposal emerged to align the CWG-Internet more closely with the multistakeholder model. Together, these events reinforced the necessity of collaborative, inclusive approaches to evolving digital policy and infrastructure challenges.
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ICANN Near You Lima: Strengthening Capacity
and Community
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In April, ICANN hosted a new edition of ICANN Near You in Lima, Peru, bringing together diverse stakeholders over three dynamic days.
The event began with a networking cocktail to foster connections between the technical sector, government, and the community. This was followed by a technical workshop on Domain Name System (DNS) operations and security, specifically for Internet service providers. Local operators engaged in practical sessions and dialogues focused on adopting industry best practices.
The final day, organized alongside the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, centered on DNS Abuse and cybersecurity. This session aimed to build capacity for identifying and addressing abuse while highlighting ICANN’s specific mitigation roles.
Overall, this initiative continues to bring ICANN closer to the region, strengthening collaboration and technical expertise in the community and the public sector.
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Internet Governance Forum Parliamentary Track | | | |
We were pleased to participate in the Internet Governance Forum Parliamentary Summit on Anticipating the Digital Future, held on 24 March 2026 at the Chamber of Deputies in Montevideo. The event brought together parliamentarians from across the Americas to explore how legislative bodies can better anticipate and respond to emerging technologies through more strategic and forward-looking governance.
We thank the Latin American and Caribbean Internet Addresses Registry (LACNIC) for taking the lead in co-organizing this important initiative alongside several Internet governance organizations. Discussions highlighted the growing importance of anticipatory policymaking, as well as the need for stronger collaboration across sectors. A key milestone was the launch of a regional parliamentary network to sustain dialogue and cooperation in the lead-up to global Internet governance processes.
Our engagement enabled direct exchanges with regional policymakers on the multistakeholder model and the role of technical coordination in informing effective regulation. At the close of the day, together with the organizations that make up the Casa de Internet Technical Community, we hosted parliamentarians and speakers at a reception, creating a space to continue building networks and promoting dialogue. We highlighted our ongoing presence in the region and commitment to supporting capacity-building and inclusive digital policymaking.
| GETTING TO KNOW THE LAC COMMUNITY | | |
Claire Craig
Trinidad and Tobago
| | | An Update on the DNS Abuse Mitigation PDP1 Working Group | |
Since ICANN85 in Mumbai, the Policy Development Process (PDP) Working Group (WG) on Domain Name System (DNS) Abuse Mitigation has been working on its initial report. The PDP WG held four sessions at ICANN85 and has met regularly to begin addressing its charter questions systematically. The WG will continue its work at ICANN86 in Seville. Mitigating DNS Abuse remains a priority issue within the ICANN community, due to its ongoing impact on the security, stability, and resilience of the DNS.
Please consider following the DNS Abuse Mitigation PDP proceedings as an observer as the community makes progress on this important topic.
| | | GLOBAL DOMAINS AND STRATEGY UPDATE | | | Progress Toward a Long-Term Solution for Access to Nonpublic Registration Data | |
The ICANN Board aligned with community advice at ICANN85 and agreed to begin developing Supplemental Recommendations, thus enabling updates to existing System for Standardized Access/Disclosure (SSAD) policy recommendations. This work aims to deliver a clear, more current, and effective, centralized request mechanism that reflects today’s legal and operational environment.
Work continues across the ICANN community to develop a long-term solution for requesting access to nonpublic generic top-level domain registration data – an issue critical to cybersecurity, intellectual property, government, and law enforcement professionals. Building on years of discussion and insights gained from the Registration Data Request Service that launched in 2023 and is continuing through 2027, the community is moving forward.
Learn more about this ongoing work, the key areas identified for enhancement, and what’s ahead by viewing an SSAD Fact Sheet.
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RDRS Metrics Now Published Quarterly | |
ICANN’s Registration Data Request Service (RDRS), launched in November 2023, provides a centralized system for submitting and managing requests for nonpublic generic top-level domain (gTLD) registration data while gathering insights on demand and usage. As part of the pilot, ICANN publishes system usage metrics – including request volumes, types, participating registrars, and overall activity – to inform ongoing discussions between the ICANN Board and community on potential long-term solutions for access to nonpublic gTLD registration data.
During the two-year RDRS pilot, metrics were published monthly. Following an October 2025 Board resolution to continue RDRS operations for up to two additional years, reporting will transition to a quarterly schedule for the extension period.
All RDRS usage metrics reports are available on the RDRS webpage on ICANN.org.
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ICANN Around the World
Regional Offices:
Los Angeles, U.S.A. (Headquarters)
Brussels, Belgium
Istanbul, Türkiye
Montevideo, Uruguay
Singapore
Engagement Centers:
Beijing, China
Geneva, Switzerland
Nairobi, Kenya
Washington, D.C., U.S.A.
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