December 2025 - council - lists.icann.org

Council AOB - Internet Governance Tracking Team - WSIS+20
by Anne ICANN Dec. 19, 2025

Dec. 19, 2025

Dear Councilors, Regarding the AOB Update for today's Council meeting on the WSIS+20 process, attached please find the current draft (Revision 2) of the Outcome Document. The Informal Multistakeholder Sounding Board (IMSB) - of which Jen is a member- conducted consultations on this version this past Monday December 8. ICANN has participated actively in the consultations and provided comment on this version via Alexey Trepykhalin, Senior Manager of IGO and Government Engagement, including support for continuation and funding of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) and asking that the reference to fragmentation of the Internet in the document be revised to refer to "Internet architecture" in order to more precisely reflect the nature of the concern. The attached Rev 2 document is not final. Discussions among the governments who will be voting next week in New York are continuing and will result in a third Revision. ICANN will have a presence in New York, including Alexey and Theresa Swinehart, who has also been participating actively as an ICANN Rep and a member of the IMSB. Chris Buckridge is also an IMSB member. In general, everyone has been very pleased with the UN's receptivity to soliciting the views of multiple stakeholders and the IMSB has been a great tool for this purpose. My understanding is that UN General Assembly deliberations will be live-streamed in case you are interested. Scroll down on this page for the livestream links: https://publicadministration.desa.un.org/wsis20/GA%20High-Level-Meeting In the event we do not have time for this AOB item in the meeting today, please feel free to raise any questions you may have by responding to this email. Anne Anne Aikman-Scalese GNSO Councilor NomCom Non-Voting 2022-2026 anneicanngnso(a)gmail.com

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Draft Minutes of the 11 December 2025 GNSO Council Meeting
by John Emery Dec. 19, 2025

Dec. 19, 2025

Dear Councilors, Attached, please find the draft minutes of the GNSO Council Meeting held on 11 December 2025. If there are no comments, these minutes will be published on the website as approved, according to the GNSO Rules of Procedure section 3.5: "If no objections are received within 10 days, the minutes will be deemed to have been approved for posting" on 28 December. However, due to the ICANN holiday closure, the minutes will incorporate feedback and be posted on 5 January 2026. Thank you. Sincerely, John R. Emery, Ph.D. Policy Development Support Senior Specialist Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO) Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) www.icann.org<http://www.icann.org>

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FYI | FW: [Ext] NEW: 2026 Round Applicant Guidebook Published
by Terri Agnew Dec. 18, 2025

Dec. 18, 2025

FYI [https://danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/on.jsp?ca=e29d1e8e-b1a9-42d6-9fd2-a30213cc6724…] Thursday, 18 December 2025 ICANN Community Digest [https://files.constantcontact.com/304b3fd3501/31f30ab5-1445-45c3-aef7-c0ea4…] Click here to learn more about the New gTLD Program [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OngSICa…> Applicant Support Program [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OngSICa…> Registry Service Provider Evaluation Program [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OngSICa…> The ICANN organization Policy Development Support function publishes this twice-weekly digest to help ICANN community groups track requests and follow updates. Do you have any ideas for improving the ICANN Community Digest? Write to us at policyinfo(a)icann.org!<mailto:policyinfo@icann.org> Table of Contents ICANN85 · Register now · Sign up for the session slot for "Get To Know ICANN Community" Onboarding Program for Newcomers, including ICANN85 Fellowship and NextGen@ICANN Programs Participants · ICANN85 Community Childcare Grants Program: Apply Now Information Sharing · NEW: U.N. General Assembly Adopts WSIS+20; ICANN Highlights the Role of Collaboration · NEW: 2026 Round Applicant Guidebook Published · NEW: Apply Now for ICANN and PTI Leadership Positions · NEW: ICANN Seeks Feedback on 2027 Operating Plans, Financial Plans, and Budgets · NEW: ICANN and PTI Seek Input on Draft PTI FY27 Operating Plan and Budget · NEW: ICANN Launches New ccNSO Website Webinars · Register to Attend: Informational Webinar on ICANN's and PTI’s Draft FY27 Plans Next Round · ICANN Materials Provide Prospective New gTLD Applicants Clarity on Key Topics · Next Round Champions Toolkit Available in the Six ICANN Languages · Call for ASP Mentors 🚨 Action Items 🚨 · TOMORROW: Policy Development Accelerator Open to Additional Participants · CLOSING SOON: ICANN Initiates RFP for Asset Management and Custodial Services · ICANN Community Excellence Award: Now Accepting Nominations · Call for Applications: NextGen@ICANN86 · ICANN Request for Proposal: Evaluator Panels for String Similarity and Variant Strings for the new gTLD Program: 2026 Round · Invitation to Provide Input for the 2026 ICANN Nominating Committee Cycle · ICANN Request for Proposal: 2026 Round Safeguard Assessment · Call for Nominations for ICANN Fellowship Program Mentors · ICANN Request for Proposal: New gTLD Program: 2026 Round Background Screening Services · ICANNWiki Seeking Volunteers Public Comment · NEW: ICANN FY27–31 Operating & Financial Plan, ICANN/IANA FY27 Op Plans & Budgets · NEW: Draft PTI FY27 Operating Plan and Budget · CLOSES MONDAY: Name Collision IPv6 Research Study · Proposed GNSO Process for ICANN Board to Reverse Adoption of GNSO Policy Recs · String Similarity Evaluation Guidelines for New gTLD Program: 2026 Round · Proposed Next Round Base gTLD Registry Agreement - Spec 14 (Variant TLDs) Events · These events occur in December 2025 and January 2026. ICANN85 Register now [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OngSICa…> CLOSES MONDAY: Sign up for the session slot for "Get To Know ICANN Community" Onboarding Program for Newcomers, including ICANN85 Fellowship and NextGen@ICANN Programs Participants Want to introduce your group’s work to ICANN85 Community Forum newcomers, including Fellowship and NextGen@ICANN Programs Participants? Sign up for a 30 minute session on 7-8 March, 2026. These outreach sessions are part of the ""Get To Know ICANN Community"" Onboarding Program for Newcomers and are an opportunity for every SO/AC to share information with the ICANN Meeting newcomers and highlight the important work that your group does within ICANN. The link to sign up for available slots is as follows: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1TAxTUrE0ZkODdrend9OClQ5I_1r5Rs_BHSQ… [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OngSICa…>. For any additional questions, please contact ICANN Fellowship Program Manager, Siranush Vardanyan at siranush.vardanyan(a)icann.org<mailto:siranush.vardanyan@icann.org>. The deadline to sign up for a slot is December 22, 2025 ICANN85 Community Childcare Grants Program: Apply Now The program facilitates the in-person participation of community members with children who are 12 years old or younger at ICANN Public Meetings and eligible ICANN events. DEADLINE: Friday, 16 January 2026, at 23:59 UTC Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OngSICa…> Information Sharing NEW: U.N. General Assembly Adopts WSIS+20; ICANN Highlights the Role of Collaboration ICANN’s contribution underscored a central point that has carried through the WSIS process since 2003: the Internet works because collaboration works. Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OngSICa…> NEW: 2026 Round Applicant Guidebook Published ICANN has published the official 2026 Round Applicant Guidebook. The guidebook is the authoritative manual for any entity – brands, communities, cities – that wants to apply for a gTLD. It gives interested parties the application questions, requirements, and processes to lead readers through application submission and evaluation processes. Read the AGB. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OngSICa…> Press Release. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OngSICa…> NEW: Apply Now for ICANN and PTI Leadership Positions The selected individuals will have a unique opportunity to work with accomplished colleagues from around the globe to help shape the policy development and technical coordination of the Internet's unique identifiers. DEADLINE: 18 February 2026 Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OngSICa…> NEW: ICANN Seeks Feedback on 2027 Operating Plans, Financial Plans, and Budgets Community participation is fundamental to ICANN's public accountability, and ICANN recognizes the significant time and attention it demands and looks forward to advancing many important initiatives in FY27. Announcement. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OngSICa…> Public Comment. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OngSICa…> NEW: ICANN and PTI Seek Input on Draft PTI FY27 Operating Plan and Budget This OP and B sustains the current performance of the IANA services and continues efforts to incrementally improve systems and processes. Announcement. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OngSICa…> Public Comment. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OngSICa…> NEW: ICANN Launches New ccNSO Website The new ccNSO website introduces a redesigned layout and improved user experience, with enhancements, consistent with ITP, that make it easier to find and follow the work of the ccNSO. Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OngSICa…> Webinars TODAY: Register to Attend: Informational Webinar on ICANN's and PTI’s Draft FY27 Plans The webinar will provide an overview of the draft plans for ICANN and Public Technical Identifiers (PTI) which will be posted for separate, concurrent Public Comments. The webinar will be presented at two different times, and community members can register for one or both of the sessions: 18 December 2025 at 15:30 UTC 14 January 2026 at 00:00 UTC Read more and register. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OngSICa…> Next Round ICANN Materials Provide Prospective New gTLD Applicants Clarity on Key Topics ICANN org is developing supplemental, complementary materials to aid prospective generic top-level domain (gTLD) applicants in understanding the Next Round application requirements, and how to navigate the application and evaluation processes. Blog [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OngSICa…>. Key Topic Overview Documents. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OngSICa…> Next Round Champions Toolkit Available in the Six ICANN Languages ICANN is working with the community to identify potential Applicant Support Program (ASP) applicants – especially in regions that are currently under-represented in ICANN. If you are interested in helping to raise awareness among your own contacts or communities, please use the materials in the Next Round Champions Toolkit [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OngSICa…>. To stay up to date on the New gTLD Program: Next Round and ASP, join the mailing list: nextroundinfo(a)icann.org. ASP leads, targets, and ideas can be sent to engagement.newgTLDprogram(a)icann.org<mailto:engagement.newgTLDprogram@icann.org>. Call for ASP Mentors ICANN is seeking volunteer mentors who would like to offer their expertise to supported applicants as part of the ASP in the new gTLD Program: Next Round [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OngSICa…>. ICANN is looking for mentors who can share insights and experience across ICANN Languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish) to support diverse gTLD applicants. Mentors may play a role in: advising applicants on navigating the gTLD application process and DNS industry; identifying resources; providing guidance; sharing experiences as appropriate; and helping supported applicants navigate the ICANN community and Public Meetings. If you or someone in your network might be interested, please refer to the mentor registration announcement [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OngSICa…> for more information. Questions about the ASP or becoming a supported applicant Mentor can be sent to globalsupport(a)icann.org<mailto:globalsupport@icann.org>. Action Items TOMORROW: Policy Development Accelerator Open to Additional Participants Staff have decided to open up Term 2 of the Policy Development Accelerator to outside participants. This is an exception from our normal practice in response to several requests. Term 2 involves participating in four workshops focusing on developing soft skills and leadership skills that are useful for policy development and day-to-day life. Participants with a 75% percent attendance rate will receive a pdf certificate at the end of the course. Enrollments will be fielded through ICANN Join that requires you to first login to ICANN Account. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OngSICa…> If you have not used ICANN Join before, please follow the ICANN Join: New User Instructions [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OngSICa…> to enroll yourself to the Policy Development Accelerator. The enrollment window closes 19 December 2025. Please reach out to devan.reed(a)icann.org [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OngSICa…> if you have any questions. Read more about the Accelerator. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OngSICa…> CLOSING SOON: ICANN Initiates RFP for Asset Management and Custodial Services Firms may respond to this RFP to provide asset management services only, custody services only, or both asset management and custody services. DEADLINE: 23:59 UTC on 31 December 2025 Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OngSICa…> ICANN Community Excellence Award: Now Accepting Nominations The Community Excellence Award recognizes ICANN community members who have deeply invested in consensus-based solutions and contributed substantively to the ICANN multistakeholder model. DEADLINE: 8 January 2026 at 23:59 UTC Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OngSICa…> Call for Applications: NextGen@ICANN86 ICANN wants to hear from university students living and studying in the European region who are interested in the future of the Internet and participating in the Public Meeting. DEADLINE: 9 January 2026 Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OngSICa…> ICANN Request for Proposal: New gTLD Program: 2026 Round Background Screening Services Its purpose is to safeguard registrants and the public interest by ensuring that corporations, organizations, and institutions are in good standing and eligible to operate a gTLD. DEADLINE: 23:59 UTC on 16 January 2026 Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OngSICa…> ICANN Request for Proposal: 2026 Round Safeguard Assessment The safeguard assessment provider will determine whether an applied-for string fits into one of the risk-based groups that will require specific safeguard public interest commitments (PICs) as contractual obligations in the 2026 Round registry agreement. DEADLINE: 22 January 2026 Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OngSICa…> ICANN Request for Proposal: Evaluator Panels for String Similarity and Variant Strings for the new gTLD Program: 2026 Round The selected provider(s) will also be required to collaborate with ICANN on the development of evaluation guides for the work conducted by the panels, ensuring that the evaluation processes are transparent, consistent, and repeatable across all gTLD applications. DEADLINE: Wednesday 18 February, 23:59 UTC Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OngSICa…> Call for Nominations for ICANN Fellowship Program Mentors Interested SOs/ACs should select their respective Fellowship Program mentor representative to serve for the ICANN87–ICANN89 meetings, and notify ICANN Fellowship Program Manager Siranush Vardanyan via email at siranush.vardanyan(a)icann.org<mailto:siranush.vardanyan@icann.org> no later than 10 February, 2026. Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OngSICa…> Invitation to Provide Input for the 2026 ICANN Nominating Committee Cycle Specifically, it seeks feedback on the guidance and candidate job descriptions provided by the receiving bodies, as well as additional qualities, skills, or considerations that should be prioritized in candidate selection. DEADLINE: 21 January 2026 Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OngSICa…> ICANNWiki Seeking Volunteers ICANNWiki is seeking volunteers to assist with creating and editing articles and content for the site. Do you want to help? Getting started is as simple as requesting an account [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OngSICa…>. Then, make sure to read the short content guide [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OngSICa…> to get a feel for what belongs in the wiki. Also, feel free to take a look at some data [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OngSICa…>source suggestions [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OngSICa…> on where to find reliable data. Happy editing! Public Comment NEW: ICANN FY27–31 Operating & Financial Plan, ICANN/IANA FY27 Op Plans & Budgets [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OngSICa…> Open for Submissions Date: Tuesday, 16 December 2025 Closed for Submissions Date: Thursday, 12 February 2025 NEW: Draft PTI FY27 Operating Plan and Budget [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OngSICa…> Open for Submissions Date: Tuesday, 16 December 2025 Closed for Submissions Date: Thursday, 12 February 2025 CLOSES MONDAY: Name Collision IPv6 Research Study [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OngSICa…> Submissions Opening Date: Monday, 20 October 2025 Submissions Closing Date: Monday, 22 December 2025 Proposed GNSO Process for ICANN Board to Reverse Adoption of GNSO Policy Recs [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OngSICa…> Submissions Opening Date: Thursday, 20 November 2025 Submissions Closing Date: Thursday, 22 January 2026 String Similarity Evaluation Guidelines for New gTLD Program: 2026 Round [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OngSICa…> Submissions Opening Date: Wednesday, 26 November 2025 Submissions Closing Date: Thursday, 22 January 2026 Proposed Next Round Base gTLD Registry Agreement - Spec 14 (Variant TLDs) [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OngSICa…> Submissions Opening Date: Wednesday, 10 December 2025 Submissions Closing Date: Tuesday, 27 January 2026 See upcoming proceedings [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OngSICa…>. See other public consultations [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OngSICa…>. Events These events occur in December 2025 and January 2026. To learn more, please visit our community engagement calendar [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OngSICa…>. · Saudi Arabia Technical Engagement Week 2025 · DNSSEC Workshop Jordan 2026 · PTC'26 Volume 7, Issue 90 | Archive [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OngSICa…> | Next Issue: Thursday, 18 December 2025 STAY INFORMED: Subscribe here [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OngSICa…>

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GNSO Standing Committee on Continuous Improvement (SCCI) - Policy and Implementation Policy Status Report (PSR)
by Steve Chan Dec. 18, 2025

Dec. 18, 2025

Dear Councilors, On behalf of the GNSO’s Standing Committee on Continuous Improvement (SCCI), I’m pleased to report that the SCCI has completed its review and analysis of the Policy and Implementation Policy Status Report (PSR), which examined GNSO mechanisms like the Expedited Policy Development Process (EPDP) and GNSO Guidance Process (GGP). Presuming availability of speakers, the expectation is that the attached Final Report will be on the agenda for discussion during the 15 January meeting, with a vote to adopt the report the following month. I am equally pleased to inform you all that the report is refreshingly brief at just 10 pages, with a total of only 3 recommendations! If you have any questions, please let us know. Best, Steve Steven Chan  VP, Policy Development Support & GNSO Relations Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) 12025 Waterfront Drive, Suite 300 Los Angeles, CA 90094-2536  Email: steve.chan(a)icann.org<mailto:steve.chan@icann.org> Mobile: +1.310.339.4410

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Fwd: [SubPro-IRT] AGB in now LIVE!
by Anne ICANN Dec. 17, 2025

Dec. 17, 2025

By way of update, congrats are due to Lars and team and to all involved on the publication of the 2026 round AGB. Anne Anne Aikman-Scalese GNSO Councilor NomCom Non-Voting 2022-2026 anneicanngnso(a)gmail.com ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Lars Hoffmann via SubPro-IRT <subpro-irt(a)icann.org> Date: Tue, Dec 16, 2025 at 10:42 AM Subject: [SubPro-IRT] AGB in now LIVE! To: trachtenbergm--- via SubPro-IRT <subpro-irt(a)icann.org> Dear all, Congratulations are in order – the AGB has formally published!! Please see the press release here: https://www.icann.org/resources/press-material/release-2025-12-16-en This is a huge moment and the culmination of thousands of hours of combined staff and volunteer time. It has been an absolute pleasure working with everyone over the past 2.5 years to get us to this point. A big thank you to everyone for being part of this amazing IRT and getting us to this point. Very best. Lars PS: the HTLM version will be published no later than Friday this week. We will share a link here once it goes online. _______________________________________________ SubPro-IRT mailing list -- subpro-irt(a)icann.org To unsubscribe send an email to subpro-irt-leave(a)icann.org _______________________________________________ By submitting your personal data, you consent to the processing of your personal data for purposes of subscribing to this mailing list accordance with the ICANN Privacy Policy (https://www.icann.org/privacy/policy) and the website Terms of Service (https://www.icann.org/privacy/tos) You can visit the Mailman link above to change your membership status or configuration, including unsubscribing, setting digest-style delivery or disabling delivery altogether (e.g., for a vacation), and so on.

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Action Items | GNSO Council meeting 11 December 2025
by Terri Agnew Dec. 16, 2025

Dec. 16, 2025

Dear Councilors, Please find the action items, as stated during the meeting, below arising from the GNSO Council meeting held on Thursday, 11 December 2025.. Please refer to the Action Item page<https://community.icann.org/display/gnsocouncilmeetings/Action+Items> for updates on item completion progress. Please take note of the action items coming out of the Council meeting and the proposed timing for delivering on these actions. Please refer to this page for the recent status updates on the Action items. Please note that actions for all councilors are highlighted below. GNSO Council meeting on 11 December 2025. Item 3: Consent Agenda * Confirm GNSO Empowered Community Representative * Jennifer Chung * Confirm Standing Selection Committee (“SSC”) Members and Leadership * Chair: Julf Helsingius * Vice-Chair: Vivek Goyal * Confirm Standing Predictability Implementation Review (“SPIRT”) Leadership * Chair: Jeff Neuman * Vice-Chairs: Cheryl Langdon-Orr and Segunfunmi Olajide * GNSO Review of the GAC Communiqué Action Items: * GNSO Secretariat to communicate the Council’s identification of the GNSO’s designee, who shall represent the Decisional Participant to the Empowered Community Administration, to the ICANN Secretary, which will serve as the required written certification from the GNSO Chair. * GNSO Secretariat to inform the SSC that the membership and leadership team has been confirmed; * GNSO Secretariat to inform the SPIRT that the Leadership Team has been confirmed * GNSO Secretariat to provide the GNSO Council’s review of the GAC Communique to the ICANN Board. * GNSO Liaison to the GAC also informs the GAC of the communication between the GNSO Council and the ICANN Board Item 4: COUNCIL VOTE - Final Issue Report on a Policy Development Process for DNS Abuse 4.1 - Presentation of motion<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/gnsocouncilmeetings/pages…> (Jennifer Chung, GNSO Vice-Chair) 4.2 - Council discussion 4.3 - Council vote Action Items: * GNSO Secretariat to send doodle poll to Charter Drafting volunteers to be completed EOB 12 December * Volunteers: Jen (Chair), Samantha, Anne, Farzaneh, Justine, Ashley, Lawrence, Vivek, Susan Mohr, and Peter * GNSO Secretariat to send enrollment for ICANN Join for Charter Drafting team * Farzi to convey NCSG statement and Bruna to convey abstention to GNSO Secretariat Item 5: COUNCIL VOTE - Registration Data Request Service (RDRS) Standing Committee Findings Report 5.1 - Presentation of motion<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/gnsocouncilmeetings/pages…> (Susan Payne, GNSO Chair) 5.2 - Council discussion 5.3 - Council vote (voting threshold: simple majority) Action Items: * Susan P to circulate email on list concerning RDRS Recommendation 5 regarding how to proceed with the SSAD recommendations, to inform the Council’s eventual dialogue with the Board re: next steps for SSAD recommendations. * If there is no Council alignment, interested councilors may form an informal team to review the RDRS report for Recommendation 5 and the upcoming Board/Council discussion on this specific topic. Item 6: COUNCIL DISCUSSION - Preparation for 2026 Strategic Planning Session (SPS) 6.1 - Introduction of Topic (Steve Chan, GNSO Support Staff) 6.2 - Council Discussion 6.3 - Next Steps Action Items: Councilors to study ADR and Projects list to prepare for quiz at SPS in January Item 7: Any Other Business 7.1 - SPS Logistics 7.2 - WSIS+20 developments and the upcoming meetings in New York (Anne Aikman-Scalese and Jennifer Chung) Action Items: Steve Chan to email Council about Budget & Operations Townhall Thank you. Kind regards, Terri Policy Team Supporting the GNSO

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FW: [Ext] ONE WEEK FROM TODAY: Sign up for the session slot for "Get To Know ICANN Community" Onboarding Program for Newcomers, including ICANN85 Fellowship and NextGen@ICANN Programs Participants
by Julie Bisland Dec. 15, 2025

Dec. 15, 2025

FYI From: ICANN Community Digest <digest(a)icann.ccsend.com> Reply-To: "policyinfo(a)icann.org" <policyinfo(a)icann.org> Date: Monday, December 15, 2025 at 10:03 AM To: Julie Bisland <julie.bisland(a)icann.org> Subject: [Ext] ONE WEEK FROM TODAY: Sign up for the session slot for "Get To Know ICANN Community" Onboarding Program for Newcomers, including ICANN85 Fellowship and NextGen@ICANN Programs Participants [https://danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/on.jsp?ca=ceeef36c-2c0d-4605-9ef7-5ed2d5a37060…] Monday, 15 December 2025 ICANN Community Digest [https://files.constantcontact.com/304b3fd3501/31f30ab5-1445-45c3-aef7-c0ea4…] Click here to learn more about the New gTLD Program [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001UcAbfk7…> Applicant Support Program [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001UcAbfk7…> Registry Service Provider Evaluation Program [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001UcAbfk7…> The ICANN organization Policy Development Support function publishes this twice-weekly digest to help ICANN community groups track requests and follow updates. Do you have any ideas for improving the ICANN Community Digest? Write to us at policyinfo(a)icann.org!<mailto:policyinfo@icann.org> Table of Contents ICANN85 · Register now · NEW: ICANN Announces NextGen@ICANN85 Participants · Sign up for the session slot for "Get To Know ICANN Community" Onboarding Program for Newcomers, including ICANN85 Fellowship and NextGen@ICANN Programs Participants · ICANN85 Community Childcare Grants Program: Apply Now Webinars · Register to Attend: Informational Webinar on ICANN's and PTI’s Draft FY27 Plans Next Round · ICANN Materials Provide Prospective New gTLD Applicants Clarity on Key Topics · Next Round Champions Toolkit Available in the Six ICANN Languages · Call for ASP Mentors 🚨 Action Items 🚨 · THIS WEEK: Policy Development Accelerator Open to Additional Participants · ICANN Initiates RFP for Asset Management and Custodial Services · ICANN Community Excellence Award: Now Accepting Nominations · Call for Applications: NextGen@ICANN86 · ICANN Request for Proposal: Evaluator Panels for String Similarity and Variant Strings for the new gTLD Program: 2026 Round · Invitation to Provide Input for the 2026 ICANN Nominating Committee Cycle · ICANN Request for Proposal: 2026 Round Safeguard Assessment · Call for Nominations for ICANN Fellowship Program Mentors · ICANN Request for Proposal: New gTLD Program: 2026 Round Background Screening Services · ICANNWiki Seeking Volunteers Public Comment · NEW: Public Comment Summary Report: Second Draft of the RIR Governance Document · CLOSES TODAY: Registration Data Request Service (RDRS) Policy Alignment Analysis · CLOSES TODAY: Timeline for Urgent Requests for Lawful Disclosure of Nonpublic Registration Data · ONE WEEK FROM TODAY: Name Collision IPv6 Research Study · Proposed GNSO Process for ICANN Board to Reverse Adoption of GNSO Policy Recs · String Similarity Evaluation Guidelines for New gTLD Program: 2026 Round · Proposed Next Round Base gTLD Registry Agreement - Spec 14 (Variant TLDs) Events · These events occur in December 2025 and January 2026. ICANN85 Register now [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001UcAbfk7…> NEW: ICANN Announces NextGen@ICANN85 Participants The 12 NextGen@ICANN participants attend universities in the Asia Pacific region, where they study engineering, political science, technology, and other relevant subjects. Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001UcAbfk7…> ONE WEEK FROM TODAY: Sign up for the session slot for "Get To Know ICANN Community" Onboarding Program for Newcomers, including ICANN85 Fellowship and NextGen@ICANN Programs Participants Want to introduce your group’s work to ICANN85 Community Forum newcomers, including Fellowship and NextGen@ICANN Programs Participants? Sign up for a 30 minute session on 7-8 March, 2026. These outreach sessions are part of the ""Get To Know ICANN Community"" Onboarding Program for Newcomers and are an opportunity for every SO/AC to share information with the ICANN Meeting newcomers and highlight the important work that your group does within ICANN. The link to sign up for available slots is as follows: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1TAxTUrE0ZkODdrend9OClQ5I_1r5Rs_BHSQ… [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001UcAbfk7…>. For any additional questions, please contact ICANN Fellowship Program Manager, Siranush Vardanyan at siranush.vardanyan(a)icann.org<mailto:siranush.vardanyan@icann.org>. The deadline to sign up for a slot is December 22, 2025 ICANN85 Community Childcare Grants Program: Apply Now The program facilitates the in-person participation of community members with children who are 12 years old or younger at ICANN Public Meetings and eligible ICANN events. DEADLINE: Friday, 16 January 2026, at 23:59 UTC Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001UcAbfk7…> Webinars Register to Attend: Informational Webinar on ICANN's and PTI’s Draft FY27 Plans The webinar will provide an overview of the draft plans for ICANN and Public Technical Identifiers (PTI) which will be posted for separate, concurrent Public Comments. The webinar will be presented at two different times, and community members can register for one or both of the sessions: 18 December 2025 at 15:30 UTC 14 January 2026 at 00:00 UTC Read more and register. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001UcAbfk7…> Next Round ICANN Materials Provide Prospective New gTLD Applicants Clarity on Key Topics ICANN org is developing supplemental, complementary materials to aid prospective generic top-level domain (gTLD) applicants in understanding the Next Round application requirements, and how to navigate the application and evaluation processes. Blog [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001UcAbfk7…>. Key Topic Overview Documents. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001UcAbfk7…> Next Round Champions Toolkit Available in the Six ICANN Languages ICANN is working with the community to identify potential Applicant Support Program (ASP) applicants – especially in regions that are currently under-represented in ICANN. If you are interested in helping to raise awareness among your own contacts or communities, please use the materials in the Next Round Champions Toolkit [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001UcAbfk7…>. To stay up to date on the New gTLD Program: Next Round and ASP, join the mailing list: nextroundinfo(a)icann.org. ASP leads, targets, and ideas can be sent to engagement.newgTLDprogram(a)icann.org<mailto:engagement.newgTLDprogram@icann.org>. Call for ASP Mentors ICANN is seeking volunteer mentors who would like to offer their expertise to supported applicants as part of the ASP in the new gTLD Program: Next Round [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001UcAbfk7…>. ICANN is looking for mentors who can share insights and experience across ICANN Languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish) to support diverse gTLD applicants. Mentors may play a role in: advising applicants on navigating the gTLD application process and DNS industry; identifying resources; providing guidance; sharing experiences as appropriate; and helping supported applicants navigate the ICANN community and Public Meetings. If you or someone in your network might be interested, please refer to the mentor registration announcement [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001UcAbfk7…> for more information. Questions about the ASP or becoming a supported applicant Mentor can be sent to globalsupport(a)icann.org<mailto:globalsupport@icann.org>. Action Items THIS WEEK: Policy Development Accelerator Open to Additional Participants Staff have decided to open up Term 2 of the Policy Development Accelerator to outside participants. This is an exception from our normal practice in response to several requests. Term 2 involves participating in four workshops focusing on developing soft skills and leadership skills that are useful for policy development and day-to-day life. Participants with a 75% percent attendance rate will receive a pdf certificate at the end of the course. Enrollments will be fielded through ICANN Join that requires you to first login to ICANN Account. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001UcAbfk7…> If you have not used ICANN Join before, please follow the ICANN Join: New User Instructions [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001UcAbfk7…> to enroll yourself to the Policy Development Accelerator. The enrollment window closes 19 December 2025. Please reach out to devan.reed(a)icann.org [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001UcAbfk7…> if you have any questions. Read more about the Accelerator. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001UcAbfk7…> ICANN Initiates RFP for Asset Management and Custodial Services Firms may respond to this RFP to provide asset management services only, custody services only, or both asset management and custody services. DEADLINE: 23:59 UTC on 31 December 2025 Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001UcAbfk7…> ICANN Community Excellence Award: Now Accepting Nominations The Community Excellence Award recognizes ICANN community members who have deeply invested in consensus-based solutions and contributed substantively to the ICANN multistakeholder model. DEADLINE: 8 January 2026 at 23:59 UTC Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001UcAbfk7…> Call for Applications: NextGen@ICANN86 ICANN wants to hear from university students living and studying in the European region who are interested in the future of the Internet and participating in the Public Meeting. DEADLINE: 9 January 2026 Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001UcAbfk7…> ICANN Request for Proposal: New gTLD Program: 2026 Round Background Screening Services Its purpose is to safeguard registrants and the public interest by ensuring that corporations, organizations, and institutions are in good standing and eligible to operate a gTLD. DEADLINE: 23:59 UTC on 16 January 2026 Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001UcAbfk7…> ICANN Request for Proposal: 2026 Round Safeguard Assessment The safeguard assessment provider will determine whether an applied-for string fits into one of the risk-based groups that will require specific safeguard public interest commitments (PICs) as contractual obligations in the 2026 Round registry agreement. DEADLINE: 22 January 2026 Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001UcAbfk7…> ICANN Request for Proposal: Evaluator Panels for String Similarity and Variant Strings for the new gTLD Program: 2026 Round The selected provider(s) will also be required to collaborate with ICANN on the development of evaluation guides for the work conducted by the panels, ensuring that the evaluation processes are transparent, consistent, and repeatable across all gTLD applications. DEADLINE: Wednesday 18 February, 23:59 UTC Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001UcAbfk7…> Call for Nominations for ICANN Fellowship Program Mentors Interested SOs/ACs should select their respective Fellowship Program mentor representative to serve for the ICANN87–ICANN89 meetings, and notify ICANN Fellowship Program Manager Siranush Vardanyan via email at siranush.vardanyan(a)icann.org<mailto:siranush.vardanyan@icann.org> no later than 10 February, 2026. Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001UcAbfk7…> Invitation to Provide Input for the 2026 ICANN Nominating Committee Cycle Specifically, it seeks feedback on the guidance and candidate job descriptions provided by the receiving bodies, as well as additional qualities, skills, or considerations that should be prioritized in candidate selection. DEADLINE: 21 January 2026 Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001UcAbfk7…> ICANNWiki Seeking Volunteers ICANNWiki is seeking volunteers to assist with creating and editing articles and content for the site. Do you want to help? Getting started is as simple as requesting an account [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001UcAbfk7…>. Then, make sure to read the short content guide [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001UcAbfk7…> to get a feel for what belongs in the wiki. Also, feel free to take a look at some data [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001UcAbfk7…>source suggestions [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001UcAbfk7…> on where to find reliable data. Happy editing! Public Comment NEW: Public Comment Summary Report: Second Draft of the RIR Governance Document [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001UcAbfk7…> CLOSES TODAY: Registration Data Request Service (RDRS) Policy Alignment Analysis [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001UcAbfk7…> Submissions Opening Date: Thursday, 30 October 2025 Submissions Closing Date: Monday, 15 December 2025 CLOSES TODAY: Timeline for Urgent Requests for Lawful Disclosure of Nonpublic Registration Data [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001UcAbfk7…> Submissions Opening Date: Wednesday, 22 October 2025 Submissions Closing Date: Monday, 15 December 2025 ONE WEEK FROM TODAY: Name Collision IPv6 Research Study [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001UcAbfk7…> Submissions Opening Date: Monday, 20 October 2025 Submissions Closing Date: Monday, 22 December 2025 Proposed GNSO Process for ICANN Board to Reverse Adoption of GNSO Policy Recs [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001UcAbfk7…> Submissions Opening Date: Thursday, 20 November 2025 Submissions Closing Date: Thursday, 22 January 2026 String Similarity Evaluation Guidelines for New gTLD Program: 2026 Round [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001UcAbfk7…> Submissions Opening Date: Wednesday, 26 November 2025 Submissions Closing Date: Thursday, 22 January 2026 Proposed Next Round Base gTLD Registry Agreement - Spec 14 (Variant TLDs) [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001UcAbfk7…> Submissions Opening Date: Wednesday, 10 December 2025 Submissions Closing Date: Tuesday, 27 January 2026 See upcoming proceedings [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001UcAbfk7…>. See other public consultations [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001UcAbfk7…>. Events These events occur in December 2025 and January 2026. To learn more, please visit our community engagement calendar [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001UcAbfk7…>. · Saudi Arabia Technical Engagement Week 2025 · DNSSEC Workshop Jordan 2026 · PTC'26 Volume 7, Issue 90 | Archive [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001UcAbfk7…> | Next Issue: Thursday, 18 December 2025 STAY INFORMED: Subscribe here [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001UcAbfk7…>

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GNSO Council resolutions 11 December 2025
by Terri Agnew Dec. 15, 2025

Dec. 15, 2025

Dear all, Please find below the resolutions from the GNSO Council meeting on 11 December 2025 which will be posted shortly on the GNSO Council resolutions <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/gnso.icann.org/en/council/resolutions/20…> page. Thank you. Kind regards, Terri Policy Team Supporting the GNSO **Beginning of the CONSENT AGENDA items Motion - Confirmation of GNSO Representative to the Empowered Community Administration Submitted by: Taiwo Peter Akinremi Whereas, 1. The GNSO Council confirmed in November 2025 that the GNSO Chair (currently Susan Payne) will represent the GNSO as the Decisional Participant on the Empowered Community (EC) Administration on an interim basis; 2. The GNSO Council leadership team subsequently met to agree who from the GNSO Council leadership team would perform the role of GNSO representative to the Empowered Community Administration and mutually agreed that Jennifer Chung, Council Vice Chair, would serve in the role. Resolved, 1. The GNSO Council hereby confirms that Jennifer Chung, Council Vice Chair, will represent the GNSO as the Decisional Participant on the Empowered Community Administration until the end of her term at ICANN87; 2. The GNSO representative shall act solely as directed by the GNSO Council in accordance with the ICANN Bylaws and other related GNSO Operating Procedures; 3. The GNSO Council requests the GNSO Secretariat to communicate this decision to the ICANN Secretary which will serve as the required written certification from the GNSO Chair designating the individual who shall represent the Decisional Participant on the EC Administration. Vote Results<https://gnso.icann.org/sites/default/files/policy/2025/vote-result/gnso-cou…> **Updated on 05 December 2025 (added names) Motion to Confirm the GNSO Standing Selection Committee (SSC) Members and Leadership for 2026 Submitted by: Taiwo Peter Akinremi Whereas, 1. The GNSO Standing Selection Committee (SSC) is tasked, as requested by the GNSO Council, to 1) where applicable, prepare and issue calls for applications related to the selection or nomination of candidates for ICANN structures such as ICANN review teams, 2) review and evaluate all relevant applicants/candidates, 3) rank candidates and make selection/appointment recommendations for review and approval by Council, and 4) communicate selections to all interested parties; 2. The membership<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/NADRBQ> of the SSC (9 members, not including the ex-officio members) is reconfirmed annually, which needs to be appointed and/or reconfirmed by the leadership of the appointing Stakeholder Groups and/or Constituencies; 3. Following reconfirmation each year, the SSC selects a Chair and one or two Vice-Chair(s) from its membership; 4. The SSC selected a leadership team for 2026, which is submitted for confirmation to the GNSO Council by way of this motion: * Julf Helsingius to serve for a first term as Chair. * Vivek Goyal to serve for a first term as Vice-Chair. Resolved, 1. The GNSO Council confirms the SSC membership and leadership team for 2026: * Chair: Julf Helsingius * Vice-Chair: Vivek Goyal 1. The GNSO Council requests the GNSO Secretariat to inform SSC that the membership and leadership team has been confirmed; 2. The GNSO Council thanks the members, Chair, and Vice-Chair for volunteering to serve on the SSC. Vote Results<https://gnso.icann.org/sites/default/files/policy/2025/vote-result/gnso-cou…> **Updated on 10 December 2025 (added names) Motion to Confirm the Standing Predictability Implementation Review Team (SPIRT) Leadership for 2025-2027 Submitted by: Taiwo Peter Akinremi Whereas, 1. On 8 August 2024, the GNSO Council adopted the SPIRT Charter; 2. On 22 September 2025, the GNSO Council called for volunteers to the SPIRT, extending the deadline from 17 October 2025 to 7 November 2025; 3. On 7 November 2025, administrative updates were made to the SPIRT Charter <https://gnso.icann.org/sites/default/files/policy/2025/draft/version2point0…> following the ICANN Board adoption of the Applicant Guidebook (AGB) on 30 October 2025. Here, the Charter included reference to the ICANN Community Participant Code of Conduct Concerning Statements of Interest<https://www.icann.org/en/system/files/files/adopted-icann-community-partici…>; 4. On 10 November 2025, the Call for Volunteers for SPIRT Leadership was announced, inviting members to serve on the inaugural SPIRT Leadership Team, which will consist of one (1) Chair and up to two (2) Vice-Chairs. There were a total of four (4) Chair candidates and nine (9) Vice-Chair candidates; 5. On 4 December, the SPIRT selected a Leadership Team to serve for the 2025-2027 term, which is submitted for confirmation to the GNSO Council by way of this motion: * Jeff Neuman to serve for a first term as Chair. * Cheryl Langdon-Orr and Segunfunmi Olajide to serve for a first term as Vice-Chairs. Resolved, 1. The GNSO Council confirms the SPIRT Leadership Team for 2025-2027: * Chair: Jeff Neuman * Vice-Chairs: Cheryl Langdon-Orr and Segunfunmi Olajide 1. The GNSO Council requests the GNSO Secretariat to inform SPIRT that the Leadership Team has been confirmed; 2. The GNSO Council thanks the Chair and Vice-Chair(s) for volunteering to serve on the SPIRT. Vote Results<https://gnso.icann.org/sites/default/files/policy/2025/vote-result/gnso-cou…> Motion for GNSO Council Review of ICANN84 GAC Communiqué Submitted by: Taiwo Peter Akinremi Whereas, 1. The Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC) advises the ICANN Board on issues of public policy, and especially where there may be an interaction between ICANN's activities or policies and national laws or international agreements. It usually does so as part of a Communiqué, which is published towards the end of every ICANN Public Meeting; 2. The Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO) is responsible for developing and recommending to the ICANN Board substantive policies relating to generic top-level domains (gTLDs); 3. The GNSO Council has expressed a desire to provide feedback to the ICANN Board on issues in the GAC Communiqué as these relate to gTLDs to inform the ICANN Board as well as the broader community of past, present, or future gTLD policy activities that may directly or indirectly relate to Advice provided by the GAC; 4. The GNSO Council's review of GAC Communiqué Advice and Issues of Importance is intended to further enhance the co-ordination and promote the sharing of information on gTLD related policy activities between the GAC, Board, and the GNSO. Resolved, 1. The GNSO Council adopts the GNSO Review of the ICANN84 Dublin Communiqué Issues of Importance <https://gac.icann.org/contentMigrated/icann84-dublin-communique> and requests that the GNSO Council Chair communicate the GNSO Council Review of ICANN84 GAC Communiqué Issues of Importance to the ICANN Board; 2. The GNSO Council requests that the GNSO Liaison to the GAC also informs the GAC of the communication between the GNSO Council and the ICANN Board. Vote Results<https://gnso.icann.org/sites/default/files/policy/2025/vote-result/gnso-cou…> **End of the CONSENT AGENDA items **Friendly amendment submitted by Jennifer Chung and accepted by Jennifer Chung and Damon Ashcraft Motion - DNS Abuse Mitigation - PDP 1 and PDP 2 Submitted by: Jennifer Chung Seconded by: Damon Ashcraft WHEREAS, 1. The GNSO Council recognizes that DNS Abuse is a longstanding topic[1<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/iQCiCg>] that the GNSO has devoted two Small Teams to in 2022 and 2025; 1. In April 2025, the GNSO Council tasked a Small Team consisting of Council members to consider what policy efforts, if any, the GNSO Council should consider undertaking after considering new data that has been received, since the last DNS Abuse Small Team Recommendations<https://gnso.icann.org/sites/default/files/policy/2022/correspondence/dns-a…> in 2022; 1. The Small Team delivered its Report<https://gnso.icann.org/sites/default/files/policy/2022/correspondence/dns-a…>, containing 4 recommendations, to the GNSO Council on 4 August; 1. The GNSO Council requested<https://gnso.icann.org/en/council/resolutions/2020-current#202508> an Issue Report on DNS Abuse in August 2025 and in doing so, suggested three (3) priority topics that should be included in the Policy Development Process (PDP) on DNS Abuse that is expected to follow the completion of the Final Issue Report; 1. The Preliminary Issue Report was published for Public Comment<https://www.icann.org/en/public-comment/proceeding/preliminary-issue-report…> on 8 September and received 27 submissions; 1. During ICANN84<https://icann84.sched.com/event/29QJN/gnso-dns-abuse-work-session>, the GNSO organised a working session on DNS Abuse to further inform the Final Issue Report and Draft Charter; 1. On 13 November, the Council discussed the proposed updates to the Final Issue Report based on community input and provided further feedback on PDP structure, the WG Model, and Charter Questions/Scope; 1. On 1 December 2025, the Final Issue Report on a PDP on DNS Abuse Mitigation<https://gnso.icann.org/sites/default/files/policy/2025/draft/issue-report-d…> was delivered to the GNSO Council, which accounted for the Public Comment review process summarized through a Public Comment Summary Report<https://itp.cdn.icann.org/en/files/generic-names-supporting-organization-co…>; 1. Informed by the DNS Abuse Small Team`s recommendations, the Public Comment on the Preliminary Issue Report, the ICANN84 DNS Abuse working sessions, and the clear preference for narrowly scoped Policy Development Processes (PDP), the Final Issue Report recommends two separate PDPs on: a. Associated Domain Checks: A framework requiring registrars to proactively investigate domains linked to malicious actors, particularly in cases of high-volume domain registrations used for DNS Abuse campaigns; and, b. Safeguards for Application Programming Interface (API) access to new customers: A proactive approach that seeks to introduce friction for new customer accounts, prior to gaining access to high volume registration tools until trust is established; and, 10. The Final Issue Report further recommends that the PDP on Associated Domain Check be started first, hereafter DNS Abuse Mitigation PDP 1. The PDP on Safeguards for unrestricted Application Programming Interface (API) access, hereafter DNS Abuse Mitigation PDP 2, second, will follow when the Council decides it is an appropriate time taking into consideration the progress and resources needed for DNS Abuse Mitigation PDP 1. RESOLVED, 1. The GNSO Council adopts the recommendation for two (2) PDPs on DNS Abuse Mitigation and initiates DNS Abuse Mitigation PDP 1 and DNS Abuse Mitigation PDP 2; 2. The GNSO Council requests the formation of a Charter drafting team on PDP 1 to further update the Charter where relevant and present it for a vote by the Council at its next meeting; 1. The GNSO Council requests that the DNS Abuse Mitigation PDP 1 Working Group be convened as soon as possible after the adoption of the Charter in order to fulfill the requirements of this PDP; 1. The GNSO Council will revisit the draft Charter and timing for the commencement of DNS Abuse Mitigation PDP 2 when deemed appropriate based upon the progress and resources needed for PDP 1. The Council asks staff to find efficiencies where sensible and appropriate in managing the two separate PDPs. 1. The GNSO Council requests that DNS Abuse Mitigation PDP 2 be convened after the Charter is adopted. 1. The GNSO Council thanks the DNS Abuse Small Team, the ICANN Community and everybody who contributed to it for their efforts in moving this important topic forward, with the aim to improve the security and stability of the Internet. [1<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/iQCiCg>] Some past work includes: ● Registration Abuse Policies WG Final Report from 2010: https://gnso.icann.org/issues/rap/rap-wg-final-report-29may10-en.pdf (some, but not all recommendations adopted) ● Staff best practices discussion paper from 2011: https://gnso.icann.org/sites/default/files/filefield_26745/discussion-paper… ● Uniformity of Contracts to Address Registration Abuse Final Issue Report 2012: https://gnso.icann.org/en/issues/registration-abuse/uofc-final-issue-report… Issue Report, but not sufficient support to initiate a PDP at the time) ● DNS Abuse Small Team Report 2022: https://gnso.icann.org/sites/default/files/policy/2022/correspondence/dns-a… ● ICANN Contract Amendments 2024: https://www.icann.org/en/contracted-parties/registry-operators/global-amend… ● DNS Abuse Small Team Report 2025: ○ https://gnso.icann.org/sites/default/files/policy/2025/draft/dns-abuse-smal… Vote Results<https://gnso.icann.org/sites/default/files/policy/2025/vote-result/gnso-cou…> NCSG Statement<https://gnso.icann.org/sites/default/files/policy/2025/presentation/ncsg-st…> Motion to Accept the Registration Data Request Service (RDRS) Standing Committee Findings Report Submitted by: Susan Payne Seconded by: Prudence Malinki Whereas, 1. Following the review of the System for Standardized Access/Disclosure (SSAD) Operational Design Assessment (ODA) and subsequent conversations between the ICANN Board and the GNSO Council, the ICANN Board decided to proceed with a “proof of concept” approach to help inform a decision on how to proceed with the EPDP Phase 2 Final Report recommendations for an SSAD. 2. During a Special Meeting on 27 February 2023, the ICANN Board passed a resolution<https://www.icann.org/en/board-activities-and-meetings/materials/approved-r…> directing ICANN org to develop and launch a new ticketing system to handle requests for access to generic top-level domain (gTLD) nonpublic registration data. 3. On 28 November 2023, ICANN org launched<https://www.icann.org/resources/press-material/release-2023-11-28-en> the RDRS<https://www.icann.org/rdrs-en> as a two-year pilot program to gather usage and demand data intended to inform the ICANN Board’s decision on next steps. 4. Specifically, the Board acknowledged the main purpose of the RDRS is to collect data about system usage, which would be used inform future discussions between the GNSO Council and the ICANN Board on the pending 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 on the Temporary Specification for gTLD Registration Data Phase 2<https://community.icann.org/display/EOTSFGRD>. 5. On 21 September 2023 the GNSO Council passed a motion to adopt the Charter for a Registration Data Request Service (RDRS) Standing Committee. 6. The Standing Committee was tasked to review the data that will be produced by ICANN org on a monthly basis following the launch of the RDRS. The Scoping Team is expected to analyze the data and consider: * Assignment #1: Trends that can be identified over a month-by-month period; * Assignment #2: Possible technical updates that should be considered to RDRS and/or related messaging and promotion (recognizing that the RDRS will only be running for a two-year period and limited resources may be available to implement such updates); * Assignment #3: Specific lessons learned that should be factored into the consideration of how to proceed with the SSAD recommendations; * Assignment #4: Suggestions to the Council for a proposed recommendation(s) to the ICANN Board in relation to the consideration of the SSAD recommendations. 7. During ICANN81, the RDRS SC agreed to start drafting its findings report. The RDRS SC deemed that after one year the pilot had yielded enough data for the RDRS SC to start formulating recommendations to help inform policy discussion related to EPDP Phase2/SSAD. 8. On 19 August 2025, RDRS Standing Committee Findings Report<https://itp.cdn.icann.org/en/files/generic-names-supporting-organization-co…> was published for Public Comment<https://www.icann.org/en/public-comment> and included six recommendations and lessons learned from the RDRS pilot that may inform future discussions between the Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO) Council and the ICANN Board on the pending System for Standardized Access Disclosure (SSAD) consensus policy recommendations<https://gnso.icann.org/sites/default/files/file/field-file-attach/epdp-phas…>. 9. Following its review of the public comments received, the Standing Committee updated its Findings Report and shared the updated version with the GNSO Council on 20 November 2025. Resolved, 1. The GNSO Council accepts the RDRS SC Findings Report as helpful empirical input to inform future deliberations within the GNSO regarding the next steps on the EPDP Phase 2 SSAD Recommendations. For the avoidance of doubt, the Standing Committee’s Findings Report and the recommendations therein do not constitute GNSO policy recommendations. 2. The GNSO Council would like to thank the RDRS Standing Committee for its work on this report, and, in particular, thank you to Sebastien Ducos and John McElwaine who diligently served as the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee. Vote Results<https://gnso.icann.org/sites/default/files/policy/2025/vote-result/gnso-cou…>

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Document and Motion deadline | Monday, 05 January 2026 at 23:59 UTC for GNSO Council Meeting 15 January 2026 at 05:00 UTC
by Terri Agnew Dec. 12, 2025

Dec. 12, 2025

Dear all, Reports, motions, and documents for consideration are due no later than (NLT) 10 days in advance (i.e. Monday, 05 January 2026 at 23:59 UTC) for the GNSO Council Meeting on Thursday, 15 January 2026 at 05:00 UTC. Motions should be sent to the Council mailing list by a councilor and will then be posted on the Motions Wiki at: https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/QYA0J Thank you. Kind regards, Terri Policy Team Supporting the GNSO

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Recordings | GNSO Council Meeting | Thursday, 11 December 2025
by Terri Agnew Dec. 12, 2025

Dec. 12, 2025

Dear all, Please find below the audio and zoom recordings of the GNSO Council Meeting that took place on Thursday, 11 December 2025. Audio only: https://icann.zoom.us/rec/play/damSL6sbS_dsoCee4J65BOyK6eW-Uk0SHxdfDPJrqV1I… Zoom Recording (includes chat, visual and rough transcript). See both tabs on recording page: https://icann.zoom.us/rec/share/7SiOpSbnKAYk4ne9atZS-Z-3csevI2Kf8nYox_TfcMm… The recordings and transcriptions of the calls are posted on the GNSO Calendar page. <https://gnso.icann.org/en/group-activities/calendar/2025> Thank you. Kind regards, Terri Policy Team Supporting the GNSO

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