- ALAC - lists.icann.org

GNSO Council 16 April 2026 meeting agenda is out
by Justine Chew April 18, 2026

April 18, 2026

Dear all, Please be informed that the agenda for the GNSO Council Meeting of April 2026, is as follows. The month's matters to be discussed are quite dense and I encourage you to review more more details on the marked agenda items (save for Item 9: AOB) by visiting *this link <https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/atlarge/pages/722010207/G…>* (please click on 'Matters of Interest'). *GNSO Council Meeting held on 16 April 2026 <https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/atlarge/pages/722010207/G…>* *Full Agenda* <https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/agAyJ>* | * *Documents* <https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/AYBRJ>* | * *Motions* <https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/DwBHJ> - *Item 1: Administrative Matters* - 1.1 - Roll Call - 1.2 - Updates to Statements of Interest - 1.3 - Review / Amend Agenda - 1.4 - Minutes - Minutes <https://gnso.icann.org/sites/default/files/policy/2026/minutes/minutes-gnso…> of the GNSO Council Meeting on 12 February 2026 were posted on 03 March 2026. - *Minutes * <https://gnso.icann.org/sites/default/files/policy/2026/minutes/minutes-gnso…>of the GNSO Council Meeting on 11 March 2026 were posted on 29 March 2026. - Item 2: Opening Remarks / Review of Projects Action List - 2.1 - Review focus areas and provide updates on specific key themes / topics, to include review of Projects List <https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/ZAyfBg> and Action Item List <https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/ZAyfBg>. - Item 3: Consent Agenda - GNSO Review of the GAC Communiqué - Board Seat 14 (Non-Contracted Party House) - Chris Buckridge - *Item 4: Council Discussion - Proposed Process to Un-Adopt Approved GNSO Policy Recommendations* - *Item 5: Council Update - SSAD Recommendations: Team Composition and Assignment* - *Item 6: Next Steps on Urgent Requests* - *Item 7: Review of Reviews Update* - *Item 8: Review of DNS Abuse PDP1 Work Plan* - *Item 9: Any other business* - 9.1 - Update on ICANN86 planning and GNSO Draft schedule - 9.2 - ccNSO Liaison update - *9.3 - Council Process for Response to SPIRT Request* - *9.4 - PPSAI IRT Liaison Update* - 9.5 - GNSO-GAC Bilateral ICANN86 preview This Council meeting will take place on *Thursday, 16 April 2026 at 21:00 UTC for 2 hours*, and is open to observers remotely. Remote Participation is via this Zoom link <https://icann.zoom.us/j/92983839529?pwd=R0BcWsye1mbmk1uFXUbeN42WAt2jyP.1>. Thanks for reading / considering. *Justine Chew* ALAC Liaison to the GNSO GNSO Liaison Workspace <https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/15-wBQ>

1 1

Re: ATTENTION - feedback by April 17 - Extension of time for community feedback (Board request concerning ASP discount)
by Silvia Vivanco April 13, 2026

April 13, 2026

Dear all, Kind reminder, Dear ALAC and RALO Leaders, We would like to draw your attention to a recent blog post regarding the Applicant Support Program (ASP), which invites community feedback on the possibility of increasing support for qualified applicants to 85%. While both the ALAC and the GAC have previously provided input on this topic, (reference, see the letter sent on March 20th 2026<https://itp.cdn.icann.org/en/files/correspondence/zuck-to-sinha-20-03-2026-…>), you may wish to consider whether any additional feedback should be submitted in response to this latest request. Please note that the correct deadline for submitting feedback is 17 April (not 12 April, as indicated in the Community Digest). The Board is requesting that any feedback on the proposed new support amount be provided via written correspondence to the ICANN Board to avoid delaying eligible applicants. Should you decide to contribute further input, kindly ensure that any responses are submitted within the relevant timeframes. Thank you, and please see the Blog for further information. https://www.icann.org/en/blogs/details/icann-board-seeks-input-on-additiona… Kind regards! Silvia Silvia Vivanco Senior Manager, At-Large Regional Affairs Website: atlarge.icann.org<http://atlarge.icann.org/> [signature_3739878956] From: Silvia Vivanco <silvia.vivanco(a)icann.org> Date: Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 12:21 PM To: "alac(a)icann.org" <alac(a)icann.org>, "naralo-leadership(a)icann.org" <naralo-leadership(a)icann.org>, "apralo-leadership-team(a)icann.org" <apralo-leadership-team(a)icann.org>, LAC-Extended-Leaders <lac-extended-leaders(a)icann.org>, "euro-board(a)icann.org" <euro-board(a)icann.org>, hadia Elminiawi <helminiawi(a)gmail.com>, Hervé Hounzandji <herve.hounzandji(a)gmail.com>, Abdeldjalil Bachar Bong <abdeldjalil.bachar(a)gmail.com>, Justine Chew <justine.chew.icann(a)gmail.com>, Jonathan Zuck <JZuck(a)innovatorsnetwork.org>, Adebunmi Akinbo <adebunmi.akinbo(a)gmail.com>, "Claire C. Craig" <claireccraig(a)gmail.com>, Natálie Terčová <natalie.tercova(a)gmail.com> Cc: At-Large Staff <staff(a)atlarge.icann.org> Subject: ATTENTION - Extension of time for community feedback (Board request concerning ASP discount) feedback by April 17 Dear ALAC and RALO Leaders, We would like to draw your attention to a recent blog post regarding the Applicant Support Program (ASP), which invites community feedback on the possibility of increasing support for qualified applicants to 85%. While both the ALAC and the GAC have previously provided input on this topic, (reference, see the letter sent on March 20th 2026<https://itp.cdn.icann.org/en/files/correspondence/zuck-to-sinha-20-03-2026-…>), you may wish to consider whether any additional feedback should be submitted in response to this latest request. Please note that the correct deadline for submitting feedback is 17 April (not 12 April, as indicated in the Community Digest). The Board is requesting that any feedback on the proposed new support amount be provided via written correspondence to the ICANN Board to avoid delaying eligible applicants. Should you decide to contribute further input, kindly ensure that any responses are submitted within the relevant timeframes. Thank you, and please see the Blog for further information. https://www.icann.org/en/blogs/details/icann-board-seeks-input-on-additiona… Kind regards! Silvia Silvia Vivanco Senior Manager, At-Large Regional Affairs Website: atlarge.icann.org<http://atlarge.icann.org/> [signature_3739878956]

1 0

ATTENTION - Extension of time for community feedback (Board request concerning ASP discount) feedback by April 17
by Silvia Vivanco April 7, 2026

April 7, 2026

Dear ALAC and RALO Leaders, We would like to draw your attention to a recent blog post regarding the Applicant Support Program (ASP), which invites community feedback on the possibility of increasing support for qualified applicants to 85%. While both the ALAC and the GAC have previously provided input on this topic, (reference, see the letter sent on March 20th 2026<https://itp.cdn.icann.org/en/files/correspondence/zuck-to-sinha-20-03-2026-…>), you may wish to consider whether any additional feedback should be submitted in response to this latest request. Please note that the correct deadline for submitting feedback is 17 April (not 12 April, as indicated in the Community Digest). The Board is requesting that any feedback on the proposed new support amount be provided via written correspondence to the ICANN Board to avoid delaying eligible applicants. Should you decide to contribute further input, kindly ensure that any responses are submitted within the relevant timeframes. Thank you, and please see the Blog for further information. https://www.icann.org/en/blogs/details/icann-board-seeks-input-on-additiona… Kind regards! Silvia Silvia Vivanco Senior Manager, At-Large Regional Affairs Website: atlarge.icann.org<http://atlarge.icann.org/> [signature_3739878956]

1 0

For OFBWG comment until 8 April 2026 | Draft ALAC statement on “Standard Bylaws Amendment - Transition Article on Specific Reviews”
by Justine Chew April 7, 2026

April 7, 2026

Dear all, The draft ALAC statement on “Standard Bylaws Amendment - Transition Article on Specific Reviews” <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OgDmhy6cTnyyPCVENaNqvTAkDf-28hxce_rLLcC…> is available for final community comments until Wednesday, 8 April 2026. The finalized version will be presented a last time at the OFBWG call on Thursday, 9 April 2026. Please comment directly in the DRAFT ALAC statement google doc, using the “comment” function. Our timetable: 1. Reviewer(s): Initial Bullet Point(s) presentation and rationale for discussion – OFB call of Thursday 26 March *DONE* 2. Presentation and discussion of First Draft - OFB call of Thursday 2 April *DONE* 3. Community: Comment on Draft Statement - Monday 6 Apr - Wednesday 8 April 4. Final Draft Presentation - Thursday 9 April 5. ALAC: Vote on Final Statement – Friday 10 April - Monday 13 April 6. Staff: Submission of ALAC Statement – Monday 13 April Thank you, Justine

9 20

Summary Report for GNSO Council 11 March 2026 meeting at ICANN85
by Justine Chew March 20, 2026

March 20, 2026

Dear all, Here is my report for the GNSO Council meeting held on 11 March 2026 during ICANN85. *Summary Report to the ALAC on GNSO Council Meeting #03 held on 11 March 2026 during ICANN85 <https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/atlarge/pages/722010207/G…> *(click on 'Report to the ALAC' tab) For brevity, I will just highlight outcomes on key issues here. You may get more information under the Matters of Interest and/or Meeting Records tabs. *1. Consent Agenda* - Paul McGrady was confirmed as the Chair of the GNSO DNS Abuse PDP 1 Working Group on Associated Domain Checks. *2. System for Standardized Access/Disclosure (SSAD) Recommendations - Next Steps* - The SSAD is a system proposed to centrally handle requests for non-public registration data, envisioned in Recommendations 1-18 of the Final Report <https://gnso.icann.org/sites/default/files/file/field-file-attach/epdp-phas…> of the GNSO Expedited Policy Development Process (EPDP) on the Temporary Specification for gTLD Registration Data Phase 2 (of October 2020). - Simply put, these Recommendations 1-18 remain pending with the ICANN Board, due mainly to feasibility concerns, and the Registration Data Request Service (RDRS) was instead implemented as a temporary solution. - Council had tasked its Registration Data Request Service (RDRS) Standing Committee to analyze the data collected on the RDRS, and in particular, the RDRS Standing Committee’s Assignment #4 was to make suggestions to Council for a proposed recommendation(s) to the ICANN Board in relation to the consideration of those SSAD recommendations. - The Standing Committee produced Recommendation 5, which provides, in part, “*the SC recommends that the Board should consider the 18 recommendations together as one package. The SC further recommends that when the GNSO Council and ICANN Board engage in a dialogue, the Council should recommend that the ICANN board reject the SSAD recommendations (as a package) and send them back to the GNSO Council for further action and Supplemental Recommendation.*” - After having accepted <https://gnso.icann.org/en/council/resolutions/2020-current#202512> the RDRS Standing Committee updated Findings Report <https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/PjLlBg>, Council took next steps to address the Standing Committee’s Recommendation 5 – which in brief, was to recommend that ICANN Board reject EPDP Phase 2 Recommendations 1-18 as a package, to trigger the GNSO Supplemental Recommendation process. Council had discussed this with ICANN Board Liaison Wes Hardaker and Board Member Greg DiBiase to move it forward. - The Board undertook <https://www.icann.org/en/board-activities-and-meetings/materials/approved-r…> this action to not adopt these Recommendations 1-18 at its meeting on 12 March 2026, and the Board Chair wrote <https://itp.cdn.icann.org/en/files/correspondence/sinha-to-payne-18-03-2026…> to the GNSO Chair on this action. - Council will now deal with the mechanism for handling the Supplemental Recommendation process. Some councilors were of the opinion that this process should be kept at Council level, while others prefer the use of a small team plus to address inclusivity for the work. - The ALAC should consider identifying a representative (and possibly, an alternate) to participate in or contribute this Supplemental Recommendation process work. - On a related issue - of Urgent Requests - there was agreement for including the period of “24 hours” into the EPDP Phase 1 Recommendation 18 text as a matter of implementation, and to avoid asking the Board to reverse adopt this recommendation, in order to not halt or further delay its implementation. Implementation will be tied to the ongoing work on authentication of LEA requestors as well as the Supplemental Recommendation process for EPDP Phase 2 Recommendations 1-18. *3. Proposed GNSO Process for Board to Reverse Adoption of GNSO Policy Recommendations* - Council considered the input <https://itp.cdn.icann.org/en/files/generic-names-supporting-organization-co…> from the recent Public Comment Proceeding and will work towards finalization of updates to the Policy Development Process (PDP) Manual and the GNSO Guidance Process (GGP) Manual. - Based on the discussion during the meeting, I provided an additional suggestion (not inconsistent with AL-ALAC-ST-1125-01-00-EN <https://www.icann.org/en/public-comment/proceeding/proposed-gnso-process-fo…>) for Council to consider adding text to encourage deeper Board rationale in exercising this exceptional mechanism. *4. GNSO Prioritization of Work* - Discussion on Council’s prioritization of work <https://gnso.icann.org/sites/default/files/policy/2025/draft/gnso-council-p…> centered around what mechanism should be used to establish the “urgency” or ”ranking” of priorities. Discussion will continue. Thanks for reading / considering. *Justine Chew* ALAC Liaison to the GNSO GNSO Liaison Workspace <https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/15-wBQ> On Mon, 2 Mar 2026 at 11:32, Justine Chew <justine.chew.icann(a)gmail.com> wrote: > Dear all, > > Please be informed that the agenda for the GNSO Council Meeting of March > 2026 during ICANN85, is as follows. > > It is a jam-packed agenda with lots of matters being proposed to move > forward with. > > *GNSO Council Meeting held on 11 March 2026 > <https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/atlarge/pages/722010207/G…>* > > *Full Agenda* <https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/OAA7J>* | * > *Documents* <https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/AYBQJ>* | * > *Motions* <https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/pYAtJ> > > - > > *Item 1: Administrative Matters* > - > > 1.1 - Roll Call > - > > 1.2 - Updates to Statements of Interest > - > > 1.3 - Review / Amend Agenda > - > > 1.4 - Minutes > - > > Minutes > <https://gnso.icann.org/sites/default/files/policy/2026/minutes/minutes-gnso…> > of the GNSO Council Meeting on 15 January 2026, posted 31 January 2026. > - > > Minutes > <https://gnso.icann.org/sites/default/files/policy/2026/minutes/minutes-gnso…> of > the GNSO Council Meeting on 12 February 2026 were posted on 03 March 2026.* > [updated the link]* > - > > Item 2: Opening Remarks / Review of Projects Action List > - > > 2.1 - Review focus areas and provide updates on specific key themes > / topics, to include review of Projects List > <https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/ZAyfBg> and Action > Item List <https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/ZAyfBg>. > - > > *Item 3: Consent Agenda* > - > > *Confirm DNS Abuse Mitigation PDP 1 Working Group Chair: Paul > McGrady* > - > > *Item 4: COUNCIL UPDATE - Celebrating GNSO Accomplishments since > ICANN84* > - > > *Item 5: Council Discussion - Update on Proposed Propose to Un-Adopt > Approved GNSO Policy Recommendations* > - > > *Item 6: Council Update - Next Steps for SSAD Recommendations* > - > > *Item 7: Recap of Outcomes from the GNSO Strategic Planning Session* > - > > *Item 8: Proposed GNSO Prioritization Methodology* > - > > *Item 9: Follow-up on Accuracy Small Team Recommendation* > - > > *Item 10: Open Mic* > - > > Item 11: Any other business > - > > 11.1 - GNSO Chair Election > <https://gnso.icann.org/sites/default/files/file/field-file-attach/proposed-…> > Timeline Announcement > > For more details on the marked agenda items, please visit *this link > <https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/atlarge/pages/722010207/G…>* and > click on 'Matters of Interest' > > This Council meeting will take place on *Wednesday, 11 March 2026 at > 13:15 IST local time (07:45 UTC) for 2 hours *in Jasmine Hall 1B (GNSO > Room), and is open to observers both on-site and remotely. Remote > Participation is via Zoom, which link will be posted to the ICANN85 > Schedule <https://icann85.sched.com/event/2GwmF/gnso-council-meeting> 24 > hours in advance of the meeting. > > Thanks for reading / considering. > > *Justine Chew* > ALAC Liaison to the GNSO > GNSO Liaison Workspace > <https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/15-wBQ> > ------ > >

1 0

ALAC Wrap up
by Laura Margolis March 12, 2026

March 12, 2026

Dear All: I am attending the ccNSO Council Meeting at the same time as the ALAC Wrap up, so I cannot be there with you. Will be sending my report shortly. Thank you! Best, Laura -- *Laura Margolis* ALAC Liaison to ccNSO margolisl(a)gmail.com +59899690992 Teams: lauri.margolis ccNSO Liaison Workspace <https://community.icann.org/display/atlarge/ALAC+Liaison+to+the+ccNSO+Repor…>

1 0

ccNSO sessions during ICANN85 in Mumbai
by Laura Margolis March 3, 2026

March 3, 2026

Dear All: This is a very brief description on what will be going on in the ccNSO during ICANN85 in Mumbai *Saturday & Sunday* will focus on governance, strategy, and committee work. Sessions will include meetings of the ccNSO Council, study groups, and committees addressing Internet governance, DNS abuse, Universal Acceptance, IANA public records, IANA’s role in disaster recovery, and ccTLD input into ICANN and PTI planning. Strategic discussions will also identify trends affecting ICANN’s mission and operations, alongside CSC reviews of IANA Naming Function performance. *Monday* will be dedicated to *ccNSO Tech Day*, featuring four community-wide sessions on technical, operational, and security topics, including a roundtable on Universal Acceptance readiness. *Tuesday & Wednesday* will host the *ccNSO Members Meeting*. Tuesday will cover Internet governance and regulatory developments, updates from ccNSO working groups and committees, and ccTLD market discussions, including global trends and regional strategy case studies. On Wednesday ccNSO will focus in community engagement, with a newcomer meet-up, the ccTLD News Session, and joint sessions on DNS abuse, discussions with ccNSO-appointed ICANN Board members, and ccTLD input into ICANN review processes. *Thursday* will conclude with the open *ccNSO Council Meeting*, featuring Council business and the annual election of ccNSO leadership. *Some recommended sessions – Please add to your agenda!* *MONDAY 9th.:* For those who want to listen to more tech sessions, you have *TECH DAY* all day, divided into 4 blocks: *TechDay (1 of 4)* *Local time:* 10:45-12:00 https://icann85.sched.com/event/2Gwn0/ccnso-tech-day-1-of-4 *TechDay & UAC (2 of 4)* *Local time:* 13:15-14:30 https://icann85.sched.com/event/2Gwmv/ccnso-tech-day-uac-2-of-4 *TechDay (3 of 4)* *Local time:* 15:00-16:00 https://icann85.sched.com/event/2Gwn3/ccnso-tech-day-3-of-4 *TechDay (4 of 4)* *Local time:* 16:30-17:30 https://icann85.sched.com/event/2Gwmy/ccnso-tech-day-4-of-4 *TUESDAY 10th.:* *Session: ccTLD Market: Trends (1 of 2) * *Local time:* 15:00-16:00 https://icann85.sched.com/event/2GwnJ/ccnso-cctld-market-trends This session will explore the latest global trends shaping the ccTLD market, including growth patterns and emerging challenges. It provides the information for the follow-up session on ccTLD market strategies. *Session: ccTLD Market: Strategies (2 of 2)* *Local time:* 16:30-17:30 https://icann85.sched.com/event/2GwnL/ccnso-cctld-market-strategies This session will focus on the market insights presented in the earlier Trends session *WEDNESDAY 11th.:* *Session: Casual Meet up for ccNSO Newcomers* *Local time:* 9:00-10:00 https://icann85.sched.com/event/2GwoM/ccnso-casual-meet-up-for-ccnso-newcom… If you would like to learn a little bit more about ccNSO, this is a welcome session for newcomers *Session: ccTLD News Session* *Local time:* 10:30-12:00 https://icann85.sched.com/event/2GwnO/ccnso-cctld-news-session ccTLD News Sessions include case studies, statistics, new developments, trends, and more. The ccTLD News Sessions have been part of the ccNSO Members Meetings for several years, offering a global platform for both experienced people and newcomers to meet, share experiences, and discuss ccTLD-related topics. *Session: ccNSO Join session with GNSO RySG on Abuse* *Local time:* 13:15-14:30 https://icann85.sched.com/event/2GwnP/ccnso-joint-session-with-gnso-rysg-on… ccTLD and gTLD registry operators face similar challenges in addressing DNS abuse. This session will briefly explain the GNSO Policy Development Process on “Associated Domain Checks” and why the ccNSO decided to participate, even though gTLD policies do not apply to ccTLDs. Associated Domain Checks involve proactive review of domains linked to malicious actors, particularly in bulk registrations. The session will conclude with examples from ccTLD managers and discussion of operational practices, including registrar API access and safeguards. *THURSDAY 12th.:* On Thursday the ccNSO will have the *Council meeting #226* Local time: 13:15-14.30 https://icann85.sched.com/event/2GwoY/ccnso-council-meeting If you would like to join me, see you there! There are many other sessions going on, any question or additional information you would like to know, please stop me at the venue anytime and I will be happy to answer. Thank you for reading! See you soon in Mumbai, or online! -- *Laura Margolis* ALAC Liaison to ccNSO margolisl(a)gmail.com +59899690992 Teams: lauri.margolis ccNSO Liaison Workspace <https://community.icann.org/display/atlarge/ALAC+Liaison+to+the+ccNSO+Repor…>

2 1

GNSO Council 11 March 2026 meeting agenda is out
by Justine Chew March 2, 2026

March 2, 2026

Dear all, Please be informed that the agenda for the GNSO Council Meeting of March 2026 during ICANN85, is as follows. It is a jam-packed agenda with lots of matters being proposed to move forward with. *GNSO Council Meeting held on 11 March 2026 <https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/atlarge/pages/722010207/G…>* *Full Agenda* <https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/OAA7J>* | * *Documents* <https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/AYBQJ>* | * *Motions* <https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/pYAtJ> - *Item 1: Administrative Matters* - 1.1 - Roll Call - 1.2 - Updates to Statements of Interest - 1.3 - Review / Amend Agenda - 1.4 - Minutes - Minutes <https://gnso.icann.org/sites/default/files/policy/2026/minutes/minutes-gnso…> of the GNSO Council Meeting on 15 January 2026, posted 31 January 2026. - Minutes of the GNSO Council Meeting on 12 February 2026 were posted on 03 March 2026. - Item 2: Opening Remarks / Review of Projects Action List - 2.1 - Review focus areas and provide updates on specific key themes / topics, to include review of Projects List <https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/ZAyfBg> and Action Item List <https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/ZAyfBg>. - *Item 3: Consent Agenda* - *Confirm DNS Abuse Mitigation PDP 1 Working Group Chair: Paul McGrady* - *Item 4: COUNCIL UPDATE - Celebrating GNSO Accomplishments since ICANN84* - *Item 5: Council Discussion - Update on Proposed Propose to Un-Adopt Approved GNSO Policy Recommendations* - *Item 6: Council Update - Next Steps for SSAD Recommendations* - *Item 7: Recap of Outcomes from the GNSO Strategic Planning Session* - *Item 8: Proposed GNSO Prioritization Methodology* - *Item 9: Follow-up on Accuracy Small Team Recommendation* - *Item 10: Open Mic* - Item 11: Any other business - 11.1 - GNSO Chair Election <https://gnso.icann.org/sites/default/files/file/field-file-attach/proposed-…> Timeline Announcement For more details on the marked agenda items, please visit *this link <https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/atlarge/pages/722010207/G…>* and click on 'Matters of Interest' This Council meeting will take place on *Wednesday, 11 March 2026 at 13:15 IST local time (07:45 UTC) for 2 hours *in Jasmine Hall 1B (GNSO Room), and is open to observers both on-site and remotely. Remote Participation is via Zoom, which link will be posted to the ICANN85 Schedule <https://icann85.sched.com/event/2GwmF/gnso-council-meeting> 24 hours in advance of the meeting. Thanks for reading / considering. *Justine Chew* ALAC Liaison to the GNSO GNSO Liaison Workspace <https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/15-wBQ> ------

1 0

Fwd: APRALO Bytes - DNS Abuse, 23 Feb 2026
by Justine Chew Feb. 26, 2026

Feb. 26, 2026

Dear all, We are pleased to release the second *APRALO Byte *for 2026, which is on *DNS Abuse*, published at https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/APRALO/pages/412844037/AP… (click on 'Read more'). As we head closer to the next ICANN public meeting in Mumbai, we thought it would be useful to focus on this topic, given the upcoming commencement of the *new GNSO PDP1 on DNS Abuse Mitigation*, and the *ICANN85 At-Large Plenary* on 10 March. Kind regards, APRALO Leadership Team ---------------------- *APRALO Bytes* (see: https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/BYCbG) is aimed at *keeping the community apprised *of issues or topics of importance to the At-Large and/or APRALO community in a manner that is *issue/topic-focused, informative yet lightweight, while encouraging community interest and discourse* in such issues/topics. Feedback and contributions are welcomed; please reach out if you wish to contribute a Byte.

1 0

Report – ccNSO Council Meeting 226 - 19 February 2026
by Laura Margolis Feb. 23, 2026

Feb. 23, 2026

Dear ALAC colleagues, Please find below a summary of the ccNSO Council meeting #226, held on Thursday, 19th. February 2026 at 21:00 UTC. Agenda and Background Materials <https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/ccNSOCWS/pages/685113345/…> Working Groups written updates February 2026 <https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/atlarge/pages/99711461/AL…> *Main topics informed and discussed:* 1. DNS Abuse & Participation in GNSO PDP 2. Progress on ccPDP4-IDN and ccPDP3 Review Mechanism – Implementation Considerations 3. Fundamental Bylaws Amendments (IANA Reviews & CSC Charter) 4. RSS Governance Working Group (RSS GWG) 5. SOI Guideline Update (Alignment with ICANN Code of Conduct) 6. Mentoring Program Relaunch (OMC) 7. ccNSO Membership – .ly (Libya) 8. CCG Review of Reviews 9. Appointments and Resignments 10. Planning for ICANN85 *1 - DNS Abuse & Participation in GNSO PDP* Following Resolution 225-01, the ccNSO requested the Domain Abuse Standing Committee (DASC <https://www.icann.org/en/ccnso/committees-and-working-groups/dns-abuse-stan…>) to nominate representatives to the GNSO PDP on DNS Abuse – Associated Domain Name Checks. The Chair informed the GNSO Secretariat of the nominations prior to 9 February 2026. In a related development, Alejandra Reynoso reported on a one-on-one meeting with the ICANN CEO where the following were discussed: - ccNSO participation in the DNS Abuse PDP. - The importance of balanced messaging in ICANN’s outreach regarding DNS abuse. Later in the meeting, Alejandra informed Council that Paul McGrady, preliminary Chair of the PDP Working Group, requested early written input from the ccNSO. Alejandra proposed responding by referencing Resolution 225-01, clarifying that: The ccNSO does not hold a unified position on the matter and its appointed members do not represent a collective ccTLD view. *2 – Progress on ccPDP4-IDN and ccPDP3 Review Mechanism – Implementation Considerations* *ccPDP4-IDN* It was reported that due to the ICANN Board workshop, the working group had not met since the previous Council meeting but would resume the following week. Work is progressing toward preparation for full Board consideration. *ccPDP3 Implementation* Bart Boswinkel provided an update on implementation discussions related to ccPDP3. The ccPAIG (ccPDP3 Implementation Advisory Group) addressed a question from the Implementation Planning Team concerning the composition of 3-member review panels. Key issue is whether non-precertified reviewers may be used if the pre-certified pool is too small to allow sufficient diversity and choice. The ccPAIG indicated: - Preference for relying on a sufficiently large and diverse pre-certified pool. - Flexibility may be required if the reviewer pool proves too limited. *Relevance to End Users:* - The Review Mechanism enhances accountability between ccTLD managers and IANA. - Diversity and independence of reviewers strengthen procedural fairness. - Robust review structures enhance confidence in root zone management decisions. *3 - Fundamental Bylaws Amendments (Articles 17 & 18) and CSC Charter* The Council discussed the public comment on amendments to: - ICANN Fundamental Bylaws Articles 17 and 18 (IANA Function Review and CSC Effectiveness Review frequency). - Customer Standing Committee (CSC) Charter (including allowing alternates). The Council unanimously agreed to: - Draft a lightweight statement supporting the proposed changes. - Submit it for adoption at Meeting #227. These amendments require Empowered Community approval. *4 – RSS Governance Working Group (RSS GWG)* The group is nearing its conclusion, with a final consensus call currently underway and the preparation of the public comment report in progress. The outcomes of the work are expected to be presented during a dedicated session at ICANN85 in Mumbai. Subject to Board consideration and approval, the process could lead to the establishment of a new governance structure for the Root Server System. In that scenario, the ccNSO is anticipated to be allocated six seats within the future governance body. *5 - SOI Guideline Update (Alignment with ICANN Code of Conduct)* Proposed updates were introduced to the ccNSO SOI Guideline, triggered by alignment with the ICANN Code of Conduct. *Key elements:* - Expanded disclosure requirements (including country of residence). - Structured escalation path for non-compliance (up to suspension). - Five-year automatic review cycle. - Structural updates and improved referencing in agendas. *Next steps:* - Councillors to review and provide feedback by February 26th. - GRC (Guidelines Review Committee) to finalize draft. - Community notification in ICANN85-Mumbai. - Anticipated approval at the April Council meeting. *6 - Mentoring Program Relaunch* The Council reviewed the proposal from the Onboarding and Mentoring Committee (OMC) to relaunch the mentoring program, building on the 2018 initiative. Reference was made to the success of the previous mentoring program, highlighting its positive impact and outcomes. Emphasis was also placed on the importance of appropriate oversight mechanisms and the consideration of regional pairing between mentors and mentees to ensure effective participation and balanced representation. The Council adopted the resolution supporting the mentoring program and instructed the Secretariat to publish the decision. * 7 - ccNSO Membership – .ly (Libya)* The membership application of the General Authority of Communication and Informatics (GACI), the new ccTLD manager for .ly. The IANA Services team identified no concerns. The Council unanimously approved the application and welcomed GACI as the 180th ccNSO member. *8- CCG Review of Reviews* Chris Disspain provided an update on the CCG Review of Reviews. The work is structured into five thematic buckets, including: - Accountability and transparency - Continuous improvement - Structural reviews - Ad hoc reviews Preparatory sessions are underway, with consultations planned in Mumbai followed by a plenary session. Input has been received from ISPC and RySG, with additional input encouraged during ICANN85. *9 – Appointments and Resignments* The Council approved the following appointments: - Idrissa Sarr (.sn) – Member, Domain Abuse Standing Committee (DASC) - Jenifer Lopez, Alejandra Reynoso, Sean Copeland (Councillors), and Nick Wenban-Smith (.uk) – Members, IGLC Review Team The council received resignations from Molehe Wesi and Stephen Deerhake. *10 - Planning for ICANN85 Elections* The Council reviewed the draft ccNSO schedule and preparation materials for Chair and Vice Chair elections. Staff clarified: - Nominations and secondments will occur during the meeting. - Voting will occur only if more than one candidate is nominated. - Chair and Vice Chair must be from different regions. This is all for now. *I will be sending you a list of recommended sessions to attend during ICANN85, shortly.* Any question or additional information you may need, please let me know. Thank you! Kindest Regards, Best, -- *Laura Margolis* ALAC Liaison to ccNSO margolisl(a)gmail.com +59899690992 Teams: lauri.margolis ccNSO Liaison Workspace <https://community.icann.org/display/atlarge/ALAC+Liaison+to+the+ccNSO+Repor…>

1 0