April 2026 - council - lists.icann.org

Reminder: Input welcome on GNSO Council agenda for 2026 meetings
by Terri Agnew May 22, 2026

May 22, 2026

Dear councilors, A reminder to all that a Google doc<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/docs.google.com/document/d/1FSNlAHTjbWAz…> is open for all to add their suggestions and comments to the upcoming GNSO Council meeting agendas. This does not have to be in the form of a full agenda item proposal, simple comments and questions are equally welcome! You are welcome to add to the document<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/docs.google.com/document/d/1FSNlAHTjbWAz…> via the comments feature. Thank you! Kind regards, Terri Policy Team Supporting the GNSO

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Council Process for Response to SPIRT Request.
by Lawrence O. Olawale-Roberts May 6, 2026

May 6, 2026

Dear Council Colleagues, On the council agenda for our upcoming meeting is an agenda item under AOB to resolve the Council Process for Response to SPIRT Requests. Seeing that the time for this segment is packed I elected to provide a brief summary on our request to Council via the attached document. I am open to reviewing ideas or answering any questions you may have before our meeting. Lawrence. ----- [Image] [Image] Lawrence Olawale-Roberts Global President & Managing Director Mobile: +234 8070892705, (0)8056 3333 97 Lawrence(a)microboss.org<mailto:Lawrence@microboss.org> [Image] [Image] …collaboration to enhance communication. [Image] https://www.microboss.org<https://www.microboss.org/> | [Image]<https://www.facebook.com/microbosstech/> [Image]<https://www.linkedin.com/company/microbosstech/> [Image]<https://mobile.twitter.com/microbosstech> [Image]<https://www.instagram.com/microbosstech/?hl=en> [Image]<https://www.youtube.com/@microboss> This e-mail and any attachments are confidential and may be protected by legal, professional or other privilege. If you are not the intended recipient, you should not store it, copy it, re-transmit it, use it or disclose its contents, but should return it to the sender immediately and delete your copy from your system. The views expressed are those of the sender and his company MicroBoss. Kindly note that whilst we scan all e-mails for viruses, we cannot guarantee that any e-mail is virus-free. | Do consider the environment before printing this email.

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FW: [Ext] NEW: New gTLD Program: 2026 Round Opens Today
by Julie Bisland April 30, 2026

April 30, 2026

Fyi: From: ICANN Community Digest <digest(a)icann.ccsend.com> Reply-To: "policyinfo(a)icann.org" <policyinfo(a)icann.org> Date: Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 11:30 AM To: Julie Bisland <julie.bisland(a)icann.org> Subject: [Ext] NEW: New gTLD Program: 2026 Round Opens Today [https://danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/on.jsp?ca=5135f8e6-1ac7-4624-80bd-6cad929e55c4…] Thursday, 30 April 2026 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=00111jJdf7…> 2026 Round Applicant Guidebook [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00111jJdf7…> 2026 Round Vendor Sourcing Timeline [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00111jJdf7…> 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 ICANN86 · Prep Week Information Sharing · NEW: Chair’s Blog: Preview of the May Board Workshop 2026 Round · NEW: New gTLD Program: 2026 Round Opens Today · NEW: ICANN Opens Second Application Period for the 2026 Round RSP Evaluation Program · NEW: ICANN 2026 Round Application System User Guide, Support Model Available · NEW: ICANN Launches Webinar Series on 2026 Round Objections and Appeals Processes · ICANN Offers Webinars, Resources to Support Prospective New gTLD Applicants · ICANN Extends Deadline for Expressions of Interest: 2026 Round Independent Objectors · 2026 Round TAMS Webinars and Newly Available FAQs · Next Round Champions Toolkit Available in the Six ICANN Languages Webinars · NEW: Webinar Series on 2026 Round Objections and Appeals Processes · TUESDAY: Review of Reviews CCG 5 May Webinars and Refined Proposal Outline · ICANN to Host Question-and-Answer Sessions for New gTLD Applicants 🚨 Action Items 🚨 · ICANN Request for Proposal: Global Payroll Services · ICANN Issues Request for Proposal: 2026 Round Auction · ICANN Board Seeks Input on Additional Funds for 2026 Round Applicant Support Program · ICANNWiki Seeking Volunteers Public Comment · CLOSES MONDAY: Draft Evaluation Guides for Community Priority Evaluation (CPE) Events · These events occur in April 2026. ICANN86 Prep Week [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00111jJdf7…> Information Sharing NEW: Chair’s Blog: Preview of the May Board Workshop The first day of the workshop will include a 90-minute informational session on the domain name industry. This session will be open to the public as a Zoom webinar, and anyone interested in the domain name industry is invited to attend. Date: Friday, 1 May 2026 | 9:15–10:45 British Summer Time (8:15–9:45 UTC) Read more and register. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00111jJdf7…> 2026 Round NEW: New gTLD Program: 2026 Round Opens Today New gTLDs have demonstrated their benefits in building brand trust, creating vibrant local digital ecosystems, and providing more intuitive navigation for users. 2026 Round Launch Page [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00111jJdf7…> Press Release [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00111jJdf7…> Announcement [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00111jJdf7…> NEW: ICANN Opens Second Application Period for the 2026 Round RSP Evaluation Program The second application period for the RSP Evaluation Program runs from 30 April to 12 August 2026. Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00111jJdf7…> NEW: ICANN 2026 Round Application System User Guide, Support Model Available ICANN has made several resources available to help prospective applicants familiarize themselves with ICANN's TLD Application Management System (TAMS). This online system will be used by all applicants, evaluation panelists, and ICANN staff to submit, manage, and process new gTLD applications. These resources are available to help prospective applicants prepare for the application completion and submission process through TAMS: System user guide Frequently Asked Questions Demo videos Q&A webinar recordings Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00111jJdf7…> NEW: ICANN Launches Webinar Series on 2026 Round Objections and Appeals Processes ICANN will host a series of webinars in May 2026 that will provide an overview of specific grounds for objections and appeals, their processes, and timelines for the New gTLD Program: 2026 Round. Announcement [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00111jJdf7…> ICANN Offers Webinars, Resources to Support Prospective New gTLD Applicants I would like to remind all interested parties of key resources we’ve made available, as well as to let you know how to get help, if needed, while completing your application. Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00111jJdf7…> ICANN Extends Deadline for Expressions of Interest: 2026 Round Independent Objectors The Independent Objectors will file Community and Limited Public Interest objections and appeals and participate in mediation, where appropriate. Deadline: Monday 11 May Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00111jJdf7…> 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=00111jJdf7…>. 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>. Webinars NEW: Webinar Series on 2026 Round Objections and Appeals Processes Introduction: 19 May, 14:00 UTC | 26 May, 06:00 UTC WIPO, Dispute Resolution Service Provider: 20 May, 14:00 UTC | 27 May, 06:00 UTC International Chamber of Commerce, Dispute Resolution Service Provider: 21 May, 14:00 UTC | 28 May, 06:00 UTC Read more and register. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00111jJdf7…> TUESDAY: Review of Reviews CCG 5 May Webinars and Refined Proposal Outline The Reviews CCG will present a refined outline of what a refreshed ICANN reviews system could look like and respond to questions from the Nominating Groups and interested stakeholders as it develops the draft report ahead of the Public Comment period. Dates: Tuesday, 5 May 2026 – 06:00–07:00 UTC Tuesday, 5 May 2026 – 18:00–19:00 UTC Read the Refined Proposal [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00111jJdf7…> to prepare. Announcement. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00111jJdf7…> Facebook [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00111jJdf7…> | LinkedIn [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00111jJdf7…> | X [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00111jJdf7…> ICANN to Host Question-and-Answer Sessions for New gTLD Applicants Dates: 12 May, 16:00 UTC | 26 May, 16:00 UTC Read more and register. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00111jJdf7…> Action Items ICANN Request for Proposal: Global Payroll Services ICANN's preference would be to contract with one provider that can support all in-scope countries; however, under certain considerations ICANN may be open to selecting multiple providers as part of this initiative. Deadline: 8 May 2026 Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00111jJdf7…> ICANN Issues Request for Proposal: 2026 Round Auction The selected provider will implement the ascending-clock, second-price auction method and must have the capability to accommodate a high volume of auctions, including both direct and indirect contention sets. Deadline: 2 June 2026 Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00111jJdf7…> 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=00111jJdf7…>. 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=00111jJdf7…> 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=00111jJdf7…>source suggestions [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00111jJdf7…> on where to find reliable data. Happy editing! Public Comment CLOSES MONDAY: Draft Evaluation Guides for Community Priority Evaluation (CPE) [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00111jJdf7…> Open for Submissions Date: Tuesday, 24 March 2026 Closed for Submissions Date: Monday, 04 May 2026 See upcoming proceedings [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00111jJdf7…>. See other public consultations [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00111jJdf7…>. Events These events occur in April 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=00111jJdf7…>. · Remote DNS and DNSSEC Training with AGETIC Mali (.ml ccTLD Manager) · Connected Africa Summit-2026 · Central Asian IGF · At-Large Webinar: “ICANN Global Public Interest Framework (GPIF) and Relevance to At-Large” · DNSSEC Training for Azeri Community · ICANN Technical Webinar EMEA: Phishing and DNS Abuse - Operational Blindspots · INTA 2026 Annual Meeting (International Trademark Association) Volume 8, Issue 30 | Archive [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00111jJdf7…> | Next Issue: Monday, 04 May 2026 STAY INFORMED: Subscribe here [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00111jJdf7…>

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Urgent Requests draft Letter to Board
by Susan Payne April 29, 2026

April 29, 2026

All As discussed on our Council call last week, please see a link to the draft letter proposed to be sent to the ICANN Board, confirming the decision on the path forward that we communicated to Wes Hardaker and Grreg DiBiase during the meeting. Please share any suggested edits by COB on Tuesday. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1a8h6yS2p55gU4Hi4pA1ABxyok_eJql9nnfIARZy… Many thanks Susan Payne Head of Legal Policy [cid:image001.png@01DCD35C.5B6BDDC0]<https://comlaude.com/> 28 Little Russell Street, London WC1A 2HN, UK T +44 (0) 20 7421 8250 D +44 (0) 20 74218 255 comlaude.com<http://comlaude.com> Follow us on LinkedIn<https://t-uk.xink.io/Tracking/Index/pRkAAA98AADw_RQA0> and Youtube<https://t-uk.xink.io/Tracking/Index/ZxkAAA98AADw_RQA0> [cid:image002.png@01DCD35C.5B6BDDC0]<https://www.linkedin.com/company/com-laude> [cid:image003.png@01DCD35C.5B6BDDC0] <https://twitter.com/comlaude?lang=en> [cid:image004.png@01DCD35C.5B6BDDC0] <https://www.facebook.com/ComLaude/> [cid:image005.png@01DCD35C.5B6BDDC0] <https://www.youtube.com/@comlaude> [cid:image006.jpg@01DCD35C.5B6BDDC0] ________________________________ The contents of this email and any attachments are confidential to the intended recipient. They may not be disclosed, used by or copied in any way by anyone other than the intended recipient. If you have received this message in error, please return it to the sender (deleting the body of the email and attachments in your reply) and immediately and permanently delete it. Please note that Com Laude Group Limited (the "Com Laude Group") does not accept any responsibility for viruses and it is your responsibility to scan or otherwise check this email and any attachments. The Com Laude Group does not accept liability for statements which are clearly the sender's own and not made on behalf of the group or one of its member entities. The Com Laude Group is a limited company registered in England and Wales with company number 10689074 and registered office at 28 Little Russell Street, London, WC1A 2HN England. The Com Laude Group includes Nom-IQ Limited t/a Com Laude, a company registered in England and Wales with company number 5047655 and registered office at 28 Little Russell Street, London, WC1A 2HN England; Valideus Limited, a company registered in England and Wales with company number 6181291 and registered office at 28 Little Russell Street, London, WC1A 2HN England; Demys Limited, a company registered in Scotland with company number SC197176 and registered office at 15 William Street, South West Lane, Edinburgh, EH3 7LL Scotland; Consonum, Inc. dba Com Laude USA and Valideus USA, a corporation incorporated in the State of Washington and principal office address at Suite 332, Securities Building, 1904 Third Ave, Seattle, WA 98101; Com Laude (Japan) Corporation, a company registered in Japan with company number 0100-01-190853 and registered office at 1-3-21 Shinkawa, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0033, Japan; Com Laude Domain ESP S.L.U., a company registered in Spain and registered office address at Calle Barcas 2, 2, Valencia, 46002, Spain. For further information see www.comlaude.com<https://comlaude.com>

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SSAD Next Steps and draft Assignment Form
by Susan Payne April 28, 2026

April 28, 2026

Dear Councilors, As noted in the recent message<https://lists.icann.org/hyperkitty/list/council@icann.org/thread/EVFJHTBDT4…> from GNSO Support Staff in reference to the SSAD Supplemental Recommendations Team, we are circulating a proposed draft Assignment Form <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ulSvcKgCVt-C6qTsD24BpMK959n8n8LQNol5031…> for the SSAD Supplemental Recommendations Team for the Council's review and feedback. Once finalised, this proposed Assignment Form<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ulSvcKgCVt-C6qTsD24BpMK959n8n8LQNol5031…>, similar to previous Small Team Assignment Forms, would govern the work of the SSAD Supplemental Recommendations Team. It includes details and limitations on the scope of the work, the membership of the group, the timeline of the work, the transparency considerations of the group, et al. Based on some of the questions and concerns Leadership has received, we have tried to answer some of the questions and address some of the concerns below. Reminder of how we got here The Council began discussing possible next steps for the SSAD recommendations beginning in November<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/gnsocouncilmeetings/pages…>, following the delivery of the RDRS Standing Committee Final Finding Report. The Council continued to discuss the RDRS Standing Committee Report and next steps during the December meeting<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/gnsocouncilmeetings/pages…>, the January meeting<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/gnsocouncilmeetings/pages…>, the SPS (where we reached agreement on the path of Supplemental Recommendations), and the February meeting<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/gnsocouncilmeetings/pages…>. In discussions with the Board, the Council agreed on this path, in part because this was also the recommendation of the RDRS Standing Committee. Specifically, the Council discussed the ramifications of following the RDRS Standing Committee's recommendations during the dialogue with the Board Data Privacy/Protection Caucus members and noted<https://gnso.icann.org/sites/default/files/policy/2026/correspondence/payne…> the following: * The RDRS Standing Committee was composed of members from across the ICANN Community and discussed the potential benefits and drawbacks of all available procedural paths before making the recommendation to not adopt the SSAD recommendations as a package; * Non-adoption and the subsequent steps in Annex A, Section 9 of the Bylaws would initiate a dialogue between the GNSO Council and the ICANN Board; * The GNSO Council would have an opportunity to provide Supplemental Recommendations, which would allow for important and necessary improvements to the existing SSAD recommendations; and, * This would provide a procedurally efficient path that recognizes the ICANN Community's desire for this work to be completed in a timely manner. Because we previously agreed on this Supplemental Recommendation path, and this has now been formally assigned to us by the recent Board resolution, my hope is that we can continue to refine the draft Assignment Form<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ulSvcKgCVt-C6qTsD24BpMK959n8n8LQNol5031…>, in order to incorporate additional guardrails, if these are felt to be needed, and settle on a mutually-agreeable team composition in order to progress the task efficiently. Remit of the Council under the Bylaws Annex A, Section 9 of the ICANN Bylaws<https://www.icann.org/ru/governance/bylaws> governs the process for Supplemental Recommendations. Specifically, if the Board determines GNSO policy recommendations are "not in the best interests of the ICANN community or ICANN (the Corporation), the Board shall (i) articulate the reasons for its determination in a report to the Council (the "Board Statement"); and (ii) submit the Board Statement to the Council." Subsequently, "at the conclusion of the Council and Board discussions, the Council shall meet to affirm or modify its recommendation, and communicate that conclusion (the "Supplemental Recommendation") to the Board." The Bylaws do not dictate the method in which the Council produces Supplemental Recommendations. In the past, specifically for the Subsequent Procedures Supplemental Recommendations, the Council chose to use a Small Team Plus, which allowed the Council to advance its work with the inclusion of additional subject matter expertise from outside the GNSO Council. Here, the Council has previously noted the advantage of allowing for external expertise to be included in the SSAD Supplemental Recommendations Team; specifically, some Councilors have noted the importance of including expertise from the RDRS Standing Committee, for example. In addition, some Councilors have noted the importance of including members from outside the GNSO that actively participated in the original EPDP Team and the RDRS Standing Committee, e.g., ALAC, GAC, and SSAC. Can the SSAD Supplemental Recommendations Team create new policy? The remit of the SSAD Supplemental Recommendations Team is to modify existing policy recommendations, not create new policy. The modification of existing recommendations (i.e., the eventual Supplemental Recommendations) will be expressly limited by the SSAD Supplemental Recommendations Team's draft Assignment Form<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ulSvcKgCVt-C6qTsD24BpMK959n8n8LQNol5031…> and its corresponding scope. In other words, the creation of Supplemental Recommendations is only an open opportunity for the Council to modify policy recommendations, grounded in previous work. The RDRS Standing Committee, which was chartered by the GNSO Council, was tasked with, et al., providing the Council with "specific lessons learned that should be factored into the consideration of how to proceed with the SSAD (System for Standardized Access/Disclosure) Recommendations and suggestions to the Council for a proposed recommendation(s) to the ICANN Board in relation to the consideration of the SSAD recommendations." In providing its rationale for Recommendation 5, which advised the Council to consider asking the Board to non-adopt the 18 SSAD recommendations, the RDRS Standing Committee noted it "encourage[s] a willingness to consider modifying parts of the EPDP Phase 2 policy recommendations, if needed, as indicated in the below table. The SC considers it important to achieve a functional policy that adapts to the changed circumstances and benefits from the lessons learned of the RDRS pilot. [Accordingly,] the SC has developed the table below evaluating each of the 18 SSAD policy recommendations considering the RDRS pilot outcomes. It indicates whether each recommendation should be kept or modified along with rationale rooted in the pilot's evidence and the Standing Committee's considerations in [conducting its assignment from the Council.]" In light of the above, the Standing Committee's, ICANN Board's, and the Council's expectation would be that the EPDP recommendations would be modified, using the provided guidance, to allow for important and necessary improvements to the existing SSAD recommendations. For the avoidance of doubt, the SC's guidance on the potential modifications is simply that. It serves as a valuable starting point for the SSAD Supplemental Recommendations Team, given the substantial consideration that the SC has already given to this issue, but does not determine the outcome. Can all GNSO Councilors participate? Yes, any interested and committed GNSO Councilor is invited to participate in the SSAD Supplemental Recommendations Team. What is the expected time commitment? Because the Council has committed<https://gnso.icann.org/sites/default/files/policy/2026/correspondence/payne…> to complete the work on Supplemental Recommendations "in months, not years," the group will be meeting regularly to progress on this work. At minimum, it is likely that the SSAD Supplemental Recommendations Team will meet once per week for up to 90 minutes, with a possibility of increasing the cadence if the need arises. Additionally, we understand that ICANN Support Staff has been working on providing the group with dedicated face-to-face time at ICANN86. In light of this, ICANN org is currently working on organizing a one-day in-person workshop on Sunday, 7 June before ICANN86 officially begins on Monday. If you think you are interested in participating in the SSAD Supplemental Recommendations Team, please make note of this date. Councilors who choose to participate in the SSAD Supplemental Recommendations Team will be granted an early arrival date to allow for participation in this workshop. More information to follow soon. While this task will require a time commitment from the participants, we hope that tight scoping and the limitations in place on the breadth of modification will assist in controlling this as much as possible. Other than the time commitment, is there anything else I should know if I would like to participate? Per the draft Assignment Form<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ulSvcKgCVt-C6qTsD24BpMK959n8n8LQNol5031…>, the SSAD Supplemental Recommendations Team is expected to consider several inputs as it develops Supplemental Recommendations, as these inputs serve as important boundaries on the level of modifications to the recommendations, including: * RDRS Standing Committee Final Findings Report<https://gnso.icann.org/sites/default/files/policy/2025/draft/rdrs-sc-findin…> and the recommendations therein; * SSAD Operational Design Assessment<https://www.icann.org/en/system/files/files/ssad-oda-25jan22-en.pdf> * RDRS Policy Alignment Analysis<https://itp.cdn.icann.org/en/files/registration-data-request-service-rdrs/r…> and Public Comment Summary<https://itp.cdn.icann.org/en/files/generic-names-supporting-organization-co…> Councilors interested in participating are expected to be familiar with the 18 original SSAD recommendations<https://gnso.icann.org/sites/default/files/file/field-file-attach/epdp-phas…> as well as the above documents. What is the Council's role at this stage? We understand the importance of scoping this work appropriately and mitigating concerns from across the Council and Community. Accordingly, we ask that Councilors closely review the draft Assignment Form<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ulSvcKgCVt-C6qTsD24BpMK959n8n8LQNol5031…> and provide suggestions and edits before our Council meeting on 16 April so that we can have a fulsome discussion on any remaining questions or concerns with the Assignment Form<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ulSvcKgCVt-C6qTsD24BpMK959n8n8LQNol5031…>, with the goal of kicking off this work shortly after the meeting. Thank you. Susan Susan Payne GNSO Council Chair Head of Legal Policy [cid:image001.png@01DCC6AF.7B2EBFB0]<https://comlaude.com/> 28 Little Russell Street, London WC1A 2HN, UK T +44 (0) 20 7421 8250 D +44 (0) 20 74218 255 comlaude.com<http://comlaude.com> Follow us on LinkedIn<https://t-uk.xink.io/Tracking/Index/pRkAAA98AADw_RQA0> and Youtube<https://t-uk.xink.io/Tracking/Index/ZxkAAA98AADw_RQA0> [cid:image002.png@01DCC6AF.7B2EBFB0]<https://www.linkedin.com/company/com-laude> [cid:image003.png@01DCC6AF.7B2EBFB0] <https://twitter.com/comlaude?lang=en> [cid:image004.png@01DCC6AF.7B2EBFB0] <https://www.facebook.com/ComLaude/> [cid:image005.png@01DCC6AF.7B2EBFB0] <https://www.youtube.com/@comlaude> [cid:image006.jpg@01DCC6AF.7B2EBFB0] ________________________________ The contents of this email and any attachments are confidential to the intended recipient. They may not be disclosed, used by or copied in any way by anyone other than the intended recipient. 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For further information see www.comlaude.com<https://comlaude.com>

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Authentication and supplemental review team
by farzaneh badii April 28, 2026

April 28, 2026

Hello, I was reading the notes and there is this action item: Action Item: Council to formally notify the Board of the decision to incorporate authentication as part of the work on Supplemental Recommendations on SSAD and to confirm the urgent request timeline and associated policy language can be published as an update to the Registration Data Policy. In the document on ICANN org Proposed Timeline for Urgent Requests which we (NCSG) provided public comment on, under section 3.9 it says that: “Authenticated Requestor” means a law enforcement requestor or trusted/competent authority that is authenticated through an authentication mechanism implemented pursuant to *ICANN Consensus Policy."* But we are asking the supplemental team to come up with a consensus policy? How are you reconciling the two while supplemental team is not supposed to make new policy? Also sorry I missed this but did we ever discuss the public comments that were received on urgent request timeline? In our NCSG public comment we are clear about two things: we need more clarification on the criteria of urgent request (imminent threat etc) and we do think that for authentication we need a PDP. I have attached our public comment. Now to have a path forward, I suggest the following (have not discussed with NCSG especially number 1): 1. Ask the supplemental review team to address the urgent request timeline and criteria and a few things that need more clarification such as what it means to "respond" to law enforcement. That is not new policymaking in my opinion. We are only interpreting and clarifying the criteria and we will discuss human rights impact as well. 2. Discuss how to go about authentication in a way that the supplemental team does not come up with new policy. I know doing an EPDP is a lot of work but I just can't see any other way. Maybe we can have more suggestions by the staff on how to do the authentication piece quickly. We have mentioned in our public comment why we think a PDP on authentication is necessary. But if there are other ways to address our concerns then would love to hear them. Best regards, Farzaneh

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FYI | FW: [Ext] NEW: ICANN86 Prep Week Schedule Now Available
by Terri Agnew April 27, 2026

April 27, 2026

[https://danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/on.jsp?ca=82c824b2-7774-45fe-b4cc-4c4fa0dcadec…] Monday, 27 April 2026 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=001_KSTOQV…> 2026 Round Applicant Guidebook [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001_KSTOQV…> 2026 Round Vendor Sourcing Timeline [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001_KSTOQV…> 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 ICANN86 · NEW: ICANN86 Prep Week Schedule Now Available Information Sharing · Revisions to the ICANN FY27 Operating and Financial Plans posted 2026 Round · ICANN Offers Webinars, Resources to Support Prospective New gTLD Applicants · ICANN Extends Deadline for Expressions of Interest: 2026 Round Independent Objectors · 2026 Round TAMS Webinars and Newly Available FAQs · Next Round Champions Toolkit Available in the Six ICANN Languages Webinars · TOMORROW: At-Large Webinar: “ICANN Global Public Interest Framework (GPIF) and Relevance to At-Large · WEDNESDAY ICANN Technical Webinar EMEA: Phishing and DNS Abuse - Operational Blindspots · ONE WEEK FROM TOMORROW: Review of Reviews CCG 5 May Webinars and Refined Proposal Outline · ICANN to Host Question-and-Answer Sessions for New gTLD Applicants 🚨 Action Items 🚨 · ICANN Request for Proposal: Global Payroll Services · ICANN Issues Request for Proposal: 2026 Round Auction · ICANN Board Seeks Input on Additional Funds for 2026 Round Applicant Support Program · ICANNWiki Seeking Volunteers Public Comment · ONE WEEK FROM TODAY: Draft Evaluation Guides for Community Priority Evaluation (CPE) Events · These events occur in April 2026. ICANN86 NEW: ICANN86 Prep Week Schedule Now Available The schedule consists of seven sessions to prepare the ICANN community for the ICANN86 Policy Forum taking place 8–11 June 2026 in Seville, Spain. Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001_KSTOQV…> Information Sharing Revisions to the ICANN FY27 Operating and Financial Plans posted ICANN has published revised versions of the following documents on the Public Comment page: the ICANN FY27–31 Operating and Financial Plan, the ICANN FY27 Operating Plan and Budget, the IANA FY27 Operating Plan and Budget, and a Highlights document. An Informational Webinar on revisions was held 23 April 15:00 UTC. Public Comment [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001_KSTOQV…> Table of Changes and Webinar Recordings [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001_KSTOQV…> 2026 Round ICANN Offers Webinars, Resources to Support Prospective New gTLD Applicants I would like to remind all interested parties of key resources we’ve made available, as well as to let you know how to get help, if needed, while completing your application. Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001_KSTOQV…> ICANN Extends Deadline for Expressions of Interest: 2026 Round Independent Objectors The Independent Objectors will file Community and Limited Public Interest objections and appeals and participate in mediation, where appropriate. Deadline: Monday 11 May Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001_KSTOQV…> 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=001_KSTOQV…>. 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>. Webinars TOMORROW: At-Large Webinar: “ICANN Global Public Interest Framework (GPIF) and Relevance to At-Large Date: Tuesday 28 April 2026 (19:00 - 20:15 UTC) Read more and register. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001_KSTOQV…> WEDNESDAY: ICANN Technical Webinar EMEA: Phishing and DNS Abuse - Operational Blindspots Date: Wednesday 29 April 2026 (12:00 - 13:00 UTC) Read more and register. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001_KSTOQV…> ONE WEEK FROM TOMORROW: Review of Reviews CCG 5 May Webinars and Refined Proposal Outline The Reviews CCG will present a refined outline of what a refreshed ICANN reviews system could look like and respond to questions from the Nominating Groups and interested stakeholders as it develops the draft report ahead of the Public Comment period. Dates: Tuesday, 5 May 2026 – 06:00–07:00 UTC Tuesday, 5 May 2026 – 18:00–19:00 UTC Read the Refined Proposal [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001_KSTOQV…> to prepare. Announcement. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001_KSTOQV…> Facebook [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001_KSTOQV…> | LinkedIn [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001_KSTOQV…> | X [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001_KSTOQV…> ICANN to Host Question-and-Answer Sessions for New gTLD Applicants Dates: 12 May, 16:00 UTC | 26 May, 16:00 UTC Read more and register. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001_KSTOQV…> Action Items ICANN Request for Proposal: Global Payroll Services ICANN's preference would be to contract with one provider that can support all in-scope countries; however, under certain considerations ICANN may be open to selecting multiple providers as part of this initiative. Deadline: 8 May 2026 Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001_KSTOQV…> ICANN Issues Request for Proposal: 2026 Round Auction The selected provider will implement the ascending-clock, second-price auction method and must have the capability to accommodate a high volume of auctions, including both direct and indirect contention sets. Deadline: 2 June 2026 Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001_KSTOQV…> 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=001_KSTOQV…>. 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=001_KSTOQV…> 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=001_KSTOQV…>source suggestions [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001_KSTOQV…> on where to find reliable data. Happy editing! Public Comment ONE WEEK FROM TODAY: Draft Evaluation Guides for Community Priority Evaluation (CPE) [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001_KSTOQV…> Open for Submissions Date: Tuesday, 24 March 2026 Closed for Submissions Date: Monday, 04 May 2026 See upcoming proceedings [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001_KSTOQV…>. See other public consultations [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001_KSTOQV…>. Events These events occur in April 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=001_KSTOQV…>. · Remote DNS and DNSSEC Training with AGETIC Mali (.ml ccTLD Manager) · Connected Africa Summit-2026 · Central Asian IGF · At-Large Webinar: “ICANN Global Public Interest Framework (GPIF) and Relevance to At-Large” · DNSSEC Training for Azeri Community · ICANN Technical Webinar EMEA: Phishing and DNS Abuse - Operational Blindspots · INTA 2026 Annual Meeting (International Trademark Association) Volume 8, Issue 29 | Archive [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001_KSTOQV…> | Next Issue: Thursday, 30 April 2026 STAY INFORMED: Subscribe here [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001_KSTOQV…>

1 0

REMINDER | Document and Motion deadline | Monday, 11 May 2026 at 23:59 UTC for GNSO Council Meeting 21 May 2026 at 05:00 UTC
by Terri Agnew April 27, 2026

April 27, 2026

Dear all, Reports, motions, and documents for consideration are due no later than (NLT) 10 days in advance (i.e. Monday, 11 May 2026 at 23:59 UTC) for the GNSO Council Meeting on Thursday, 21 May 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/kgA3J Thank you. Kind regards, Terri Policy Team Supporting the GNSO

1 0

Draft Minutes of the GNSO Council Meeting on 16 April 2026
by John Emery April 27, 2026

April 27, 2026

Dear Councilors, Attached, please find the draft minutes of the GNSO Council Meeting held on 16 April 2026. If there are no comments, these minutes will be published on the website as approved, according to the GNSO Rules of Procedure <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__gnso.icann.org_en_coun…> section 3.5: "If no objections are received within 10 days, the minutes will be deemed to have been approved for posting" on 30 April. Thank you, 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>

6 6

FYI | FW: [Ext] NEW: Review of Reviews CCG 5 May Webinars and Refined Proposal Outline
by Terri Agnew April 23, 2026

April 23, 2026

FYI [https://danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/on.jsp?ca=5bbe159a-b8b1-4ae4-a23a-44c5eb6cd7e6…] Thursday, 23 April 2026 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=001WZHbZIL…> 2026 Round Applicant Guidebook [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WZHbZIL…> 2026 Round Vendor Sourcing Timeline [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WZHbZIL…> 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 Information Sharing · NEW: Revisions to the ICANN FY27 Operating and Financial Plans posted · NEW: Review of Reviews CCG 5 May Webinars and Refined Proposal Outline 2026 Round · NEW: ICANN Offers Webinars, Resources to Support Prospective New gTLD Applicants · NEW: ICANN Extends Deadline for Expressions of Interest: 2026 Round Independent Objectors · 2026 Round TAMS Webinars and Newly Available FAQs · Next Round Champions Toolkit Available in the Six ICANN Languages Webinars · TODAY: The Rise and Fall of Undelegated TLDs: The Impact of a Global Misconfiguration Webinar · TODAY: Preview the ICANN FY27–31 Operating and Financial Plans · NEXT WEEK: At-Large Webinar: “ICANN Global Public Interest Framework (GPIF) and Relevance to At-Large · NEXT WEEK: ICANN Technical Webinar EMEA: Phishing and DNS Abuse - Operational Blindspots · ICANN to Host Question-and-Answer Sessions for New gTLD Applicants 🚨 Action Items 🚨 · ICANN Request for Proposal: Global Payroll Services · ICANN Issues Request for Proposal: 2026 Round Auction · ICANN Board Seeks Input on Additional Funds for 2026 Round Applicant Support Program · ICANNWiki Seeking Volunteers Public Comment · NEW: Public Comment Summary Report: Standard Bylaws Amendment-Transition Article on Specific Reviews · Draft Evaluation Guides for Community Priority Evaluation (CPE) Events · These events occur in April 2026. Information Sharing NEW: Revisions to the ICANN FY27 Operating and Financial Plans posted ICANN has published revised versions of the following documents on the Public Comment page: the ICANN FY27–31 Operating and Financial Plan, the ICANN FY27 Operating Plan and Budget, the IANA FY27 Operating Plan and Budget, and a Highlights document. An Informational Webinar on revisions will be held 23 April 15:00 UTC. Webinar registration and Announcement [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WZHbZIL…> Public Comment [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WZHbZIL…> Table of Changes and Webinar Recordings [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WZHbZIL…> NEW: Review of Reviews CCG 5 May Webinars and Refined Proposal Outline The Reviews CCG will present a refined outline of what a refreshed ICANN reviews system could look like and respond to questions from the Nominating Groups and interested stakeholders as it develops the draft report ahead of the Public Comment period. Dates: Tuesday, 5 May 2026 – 06:00–07:00 UTC Tuesday, 5 May 2026 – 18:00–19:00 UTC Read the Refined Proposal [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WZHbZIL…> to prepare. Announcement. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WZHbZIL…> Facebook [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WZHbZIL…> | LinkedIn [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WZHbZIL…> | X [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WZHbZIL…> 2026 Round NEW: ICANN Offers Webinars, Resources to Support Prospective New gTLD Applicants I would like to remind all interested parties of key resources we’ve made available, as well as to let you know how to get help, if needed, while completing your application. Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WZHbZIL…> NEW: ICANN Extends Deadline for Expressions of Interest: 2026 Round Independent Objectors The Independent Objectors will file Community and Limited Public Interest objections and appeals and participate in mediation, where appropriate. Deadline: Monday 11 May Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WZHbZIL…> 2026 Round TAMS Webinars and Newly Available FAQs TAMS is the online system that will be used by applicants, ICANN staff, and evaluation panelists to submit, manage, and process new gTLD applications. Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WZHbZIL…> 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=001WZHbZIL…>. 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>. Webinars TODAY: The Rise and Fall of Undelegated TLDs: The Impact of a Global Misconfiguration Webinar Date: Thursday 23 April 2026 (18:00 - 18:30 UTC) Read more and register. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WZHbZIL…> TODAY: Preview the ICANN FY27–31 Operating and Financial Plans Date: 23 April 2026 (15:00–16:00 UTC) Register. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WZHbZIL…> NEXT WEEK: At-Large Webinar: “ICANN Global Public Interest Framework (GPIF) and Relevance to At-Large Date: Tuesday 28 April 2026 (19:00 - 20:15 UTC) Read more and register. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WZHbZIL…> NEXT WEEK: ICANN Technical Webinar EMEA: Phishing and DNS Abuse - Operational Blindspots Date: Wednesday 29 April 2026 (12:00 - 13:00 UTC) Read more and register. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WZHbZIL…> ICANN to Host Question-and-Answer Sessions for New gTLD Applicants Dates: 12 May, 16:00 UTC | 26 May, 16:00 UTC Read more and register. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WZHbZIL…> Action Items ICANN Request for Proposal: Global Payroll Services ICANN's preference would be to contract with one provider that can support all in-scope countries; however, under certain considerations ICANN may be open to selecting multiple providers as part of this initiative. Deadline: 8 May 2026 Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WZHbZIL…> ICANN Issues Request for Proposal: 2026 Round Auction The selected provider will implement the ascending-clock, second-price auction method and must have the capability to accommodate a high volume of auctions, including both direct and indirect contention sets. Deadline: 2 June 2026 Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WZHbZIL…> 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=001WZHbZIL…>. 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=001WZHbZIL…> 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=001WZHbZIL…>source suggestions [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WZHbZIL…> on where to find reliable data. Happy editing! Public Comment NEW: Public Comment Summary Report: Standard Bylaws Amendment-Transition Article on Specific Reviews [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WZHbZIL…> Draft Evaluation Guides for Community Priority Evaluation (CPE) [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WZHbZIL…> Open for Submissions Date: Tuesday, 24 March 2026 Closed for Submissions Date: Monday, 04 May 2026 See upcoming proceedings [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WZHbZIL…>. See other public consultations [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WZHbZIL…>. Events These events occur in April 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=001WZHbZIL…>. · ARIN 57 · 48 Meeting of PCC.I · ZANOG@iWeek 2026 · SEE 14 · TLD Application Management System (TAMS) Q&A Webinar #1 · TLD Application Management System (TAMS) Q&A Webinar #2 · ICANN Webinar Series for EMEA: ICANN and Global Internet Governance Engagements in 2026 · APRALO Policy Forum Webinar Series on A Multilingual Internet: Webinar #3: Universal Acceptance of All Domain Names and Email Addresses · Moldova IGF and UA Day · The Rise and Fall of Undelegated TLDs: The Impact of a Global Misconfiguration Webinar · 2025 Canada Youth IGF Honorariums Symposium · At-Large Webinar: “ICANN Global Public Interest Framework (GPIF) and Relevance to At-Large” · ICANN Technical Webinar EMEA: Phishing and DNS Abuse - Operational Blindspots Volume 8, Issue 28 | Archive [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WZHbZIL…> | Next Issue: Monday, 27 April 2026 STAY INFORMED: Subscribe here [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WZHbZIL…>

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