Dear all,

I hope this message finds you well.

Please find attached my report on the recent ICANN84 meeting held in Dublin.

For clarity, the report is divided into two sections: the first highlights key sessions from the week, and the second provides a summary of Council Meeting #222.

 

PART 1 – ICANN84 Session Highlights

 

1) Joint ccNSO–GAC Session:  Approaches to DNS Abuse Mitigation

Wednesday, 29 October 2025 | 10:30-12:00 DUB

Schedule: https://sched.co/29QMX 

This interactive session helped strengthen networking across the community and continued the collaborative format introduced at ICANN83. The ccNSO–GAC Joint Session highlighted five complementary approaches to combating DNS abuse, including AI-driven detection (.nl), portfolio-based investigation (.us), Australia’s national anti-scam framework, bulk registration insights, and trusted notifier systems (.uk). Across all stations, the focus shifted from isolated domain checks to behavioral analysis, cross-sector collaboration, and rapid, proportionate action. These discussions underscored how stronger data quality, human oversight, and shared intelligence directly enhance end-user safety and resilience across ccTLD ecosystems.

From an ALAC perspective, the session reinforced how these evolving practices directly strengthen protection for end users by reducing exposure to fraudulent domains, online scams, and large-scale abuse campaigns. Approaches such as AI-powered detection, coordinated anti-scam models, and trusted notifier systems help ensure that harmful websites are identified and removed more quickly, while minimizing disruption to legitimate registrants. Overall, the session highlighted practical, operational advances that contribute to a safer, more trustworthy user experience across the DNS.

2) Tech Day & DASC: use of AI tools in Domain Abuse Mitigation

Monday, 27 October 2025 | 15:00-16:00 local (UTC +0)

Schedule: https://sched.co/29QJy (all presentations available for download)

During ICANN84 Tech Day, the session on AI for DNS Abuse Prevention showcased three distinct yet complementary approaches from .EU, .UK, and .US.

EURid (.eu) presented APEWS, an AI/ML-driven predictive system that analyzes registration data to identify potentially malicious domains before activation, now evolving into a multi-TLD SaaS model.

Nominet (.uk) demonstrated Domain Watch, which combines machine learning and rule-based detection to flag deceptive registrations shortly after creation, supported by “Genie,” an AI tool that enhances anomaly detection and intelligence analysis.

GoDaddy Registry (.us) outlined a proactive, cross-TLD threat-intelligence framework that temporarily blocks high-risk domains before registration using AI scoring, fuzzy matching, and real-time data feeds.

End-user impact: Together, these approaches highlight a shift toward prevention, significantly strengthening protection for end users by reducing exposure to phishing, malware, fraudulent domains, and large-scale abuse campaigns.

3) ccTLD News

Tuesday, 28 October 2025 | 10:30-12:00

Schedule: https://sched.co/29QNp  (all presentations available for download)

The ccTLD News Session at ICANN84 offered a dynamic overview of innovation, governance, and strategic evolution across the ccTLD space. Presentations ranged from .ng’s initiatives to foster partnerships and technological development, to .no’s strong model for maintaining a safe and accountable namespace through clear rules and coordinated oversight. The .co team shared insights into its process for selecting a new registry operator, while .dk highlighted its transition toward full registrar-managed operations. Finally, .am showcased how Armenia is leveraging digital identity, security, and global engagement to strengthen its presence on the international stage.

For end-users, these developments translate into more secure, predictable, and trustworthy online environments—whether through improved registry accountability, enhanced service quality, or stronger safeguards against abuse. The session continues to be an essential platform for knowledge-sharing within the ccTLD community, offering ALAC valuable perspectives on trends that directly influence user experience, protection, and choice.

 

4) IGLC: WSIS+20 and Beyond: A Future Built by ccTLDs 

Discussion on the role of ccTLDs in shaping the future beyond WSIS+20

Tuesday, 28 October 2025 | 13:15-14:30

Schedule:  https://sched.co/29QNq (all presentations available for download)

The IGLC Session at ICANN84, themed “WSIS+20 and Beyond: A Future Built by ccTLDs,” explored the evolving role of ccTLDs in shaping a resilient, trusted, and inclusive digital ecosystem. A key highlight was the intervention of H.E. Ambassador Ekitela Lokaale, Permanent Representative of Kenya to the UN, who provided an important review of the WSIS+20 process and underscored the continued significance of WSIS outcomes for global digital development. The session also included perspectives on how the technical community—particularly ccTLD operators—can reinforce multistakeholderism, a deep dive between digital and Internet governance, and reflections on the enduring relevance of the IGF as a platform for open dialogue. For end users, these discussions are crucial: robust multistakeholder governance ensures that Internet-related decisions remain transparent, inclusive, and grounded in the public interest. By contributing actively to these processes, ccTLDs help maintain an Internet that is open, secure, and responsive to the needs of users worldwide.

 

PART 2 – Council meeting #222 – October 30^th., 2025

Agenda and Background Materials

Summary – ccNSO Council Meeting (ICANN84, Dublin)

The Council began by reviewing administrative items, noting that all action items from the previous meeting had been completed and that minutes from Meeting 221 had been approved without comments. Written updates were received from the ECA, CSC, multiple working groups, liaisons, and on the progress of the redesigned ccNSO website, expected to launch in December 2025. Informational updates were also provided on the near-finalization of ccPDP4-IDN, the ongoing fact-finding phase of the Review of Reviews, and discussions within the “How We Meet” initiative focused on improving ICANN’s meeting model and overall efficiency.

Key Decisions

The Council adopted several substantive decisions that shape the ccNSO’s policy, governance, and operational landscape:

• CSC Bylaw and Charter Changes:
  The Council supported the proposed amendments to the CSC Charter and related Fundamental Bylaw changes needed to implement recommendations from the 2nd CSC Effectiveness Review. These include modifying the review cycle, formalizing alternates, and aligning procedures with updated SLA processes. The changes will progress through Public Comment and require adoption by both the ccNSO and GNSO Councils.
• Adoption of the FY26–27 Quarterly Portfolio Update:
  The Council adopted the first quarterly monitor of the FY26–27 portfolio. All work items were assessed as “green,” indicating continued progress across activities such as the implementation of the Review Mechanism and preparation for the IANA Whois Accuracy Study Group.
• Update to the ccTLD Policy/Guidance Overview:
  The Council approved an updated overview of policies and practices relevant to ccTLDs, incorporating the new 2025 Guideline on Voluntary Financial Contributions. This replaces the previous 2013 guideline and updates the central governance reference for financial interactions with ICANN.
• Election Processes and Nominations:
  With the African region lacking an accepted nomination, the Council approved a new timeline for a fresh call for nominations and appointed Joke Baeken as Election Process Manager. Updates were also shared on regional Council elections and the Board Seat 11 nomination process, with Patricio Poblete advancing as the sole candidate.
• Appointments to Committees and External Groups:
  Several appointments were confirmed, strengthening participation across strategic and operational areas:
  – Jack Zack (.ca) to TLD-OPS
  – Crystal Isaac (.vi) to SOPC
  – Jordan Carter (.au) and Marta Moreira Dias (.pt) for the 2026 ICANN Leadership Program
  – Demi Getschko (.br) and Olga Cavalli to the Excellence Award Nominating Committee
• Calls for Volunteers:
  The Council approved the launch of calls for volunteers for the Root Zone Evolution Review Committee (RZERC), the Strategic and Operational Planning Committee (SOPC), and the IANA Whois Accuracy Study Group, each with defined application windows.

The meeting concluded with updates on upcoming Council session dates.

  

If you have any questions or need to deep dive in any topic, please let me know and I will be happy to provide you with more information.

Thank you for reading. Have a nice weekend.

Kindest Regards,

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