Dear ALAC colleagues,

Please find below a summary of the ccNSO Council meeting #226, held on Thursday, 19^th. February 2026 at 21:00 UTC.

Agenda and Background Materials

Working Groups written updates February 2026

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) 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 26^th.
• 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,