April 2026 - Gnso-spirt - lists.icann.org

New gTLD Program: 2026 Round now accepting applications
by Jared Erwin May 1, 2026

May 1, 2026

Dear SPIRT Members, The New gTLD Program: 2026 Round application submission period is now open. Please see the announcement here: https://www.icann.org/en/announcements/details/icann-opens-application-wind…. Best Jared -- Jared Erwin Senior Director, New gTLD Program Global Domains & Strategy (GDS) Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) jared.erwin(a)icann.org<mailto:jared.erwin@icann.org>

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Webinar Series on 2026 Round Objections and Appeals Processes
by Elisa Busetto April 30, 2026

April 30, 2026

Dear all, We would like to inform you that we will be hosting a series of webinars on objections and appeals. Please see the announcement: https://www.icann.org/en/announcements/details/icann-launches-webinar-serie… Best regards, Elisa

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Updated AGB Published today
by Jared Erwin April 24, 2026

April 24, 2026

Dear SPIRT members, The updated version of the AGB with the minor revisions we discussed has now been published. * See announcement here: https://www.icann.org/en/announcements/details/icann-makes-minor-revisions-…. * Updated AGB here: https://newgtldprogram.icann.org/sites/default/files/documents/new-gtld-pro… (Note you made need to clear your cache to see the V2-2026.04.24) There are also two new Type 0 changes that were included in the new version. See updated change log<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/SPIRTS/pages/784171052/6.…> (Changes #37-38). Thank you, Jared

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Updated Change Log
by Jared Erwin April 23, 2026

April 23, 2026

Dear SPIRT Members, Following on our conversation today, I have made a few changes to the Change Log<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/SPIRTS/pages/784171052/6.…> to update the order of the changes (newest first) as well as added a “SPIRT Guidance Due by” column, which aligns with the statement in the SPIRT Charter that: “the SPIRT shall review the decision through the Change Log and take no more than three (3) calendar days to provide guidance if it disagrees with the decision.” (This has also been noted on the Change Log.) I also wanted to call the SPIRT’s attention to four changes in the Type 0 category, specifically changes #33-36. I failed to mention these as new earlier today. These are minor corrections in the Objections and Appeals procedures. As mentioned, we expect to publish the AGB with these minor revisions tomorrow, 24 April. I will notify the SPIRT when the AGB is posted. Thank you, Jared -- Jared Erwin Senior Director, New gTLD Program Global Domains & Strategy Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) jared.erwin(a)icann.org<mailto:jared.erwin@icann.org>

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Notes and Action Items | SPIRT Meeting | 23 April 2026 at 13:00 UTC
by Saewon Lee April 23, 2026

April 23, 2026

Dear SPIRT, Please see the following key outcomes, action items, and high-level notes from today’s SPIRT Meeting #5<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/AQAzLw>. Kind regards, Saewon Key Outcomes, Action Items, and Notes from SPIRT Meeting #5<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/AQAzLw> – Thursday, 23 April 2026 at 13:00 UTC.. [KEY OUTCOMES] 1. Re SPIRT Issue for Council Consideration Process Draft Doc.<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zITIUCB5yvjV_Rj5Z87ljyqajA5VliMSPvPb77A…>, Item #1 on “at least three days” to be updated to “at least three calendar days” [COMPLETE] 2. GNSO Staff to clean up draft doc. and circulate with SPIRT/document for future use. [ACTION ITEMS] 1. Ongoing: All SPIRT Members to update their SOIs in accordance with the SOP. 2. LT (Council Liaison) to provide clarity to the GNSO Council and receive confirmation form Council on the Response Process 3. GNSO Staff to prepare/update a Process Doc. for Council that is to be documented for this Process. 4. GDS Staff to possibly add a new column within the Change Log for “deadlines.” 5. SPIRT to pay attention to the update in Change Log (1 new Minor Change) and respond by 24 April if any objections. [NOTES] * Retrieve slides from here: https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/AQAzLw *Announcement: SPIRT Meeting links will be changed moving forward since observers are NOT allowed to join the meeting and the current meeting link has been compromised. 1. Welcome * New gTLD Program: 2026 Round will be opening in 1 week and today is the last meeting before the Round officially opens. 1. SOI/SOP Updates * See Members List and SOI/SOP updates in the wiki here: https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/AQCJHQ [icann-community.atlassian.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/AQC…> * Per the SOP, SPIRT Members are required to make a statement as to whether they are participating in any fashion in the 2026 Round – participating in the round, either directly or indirectly – without details. After Reveal Day, however, in accordance with both the Charter<https://gnso.icann.org/sites/default/files/policy/2025/draft/version2point0…> and the new ICANN Code of Conduct<https://www.icann.org/en/system/files/files/adopted-icann-community-partici…>, Members are required to reveal in which terms they are associated with. * Jeff Neuman provided updates to his SOP. 1. GNSO Council Liaison Update * See the Briefing from the Council Liaison that was made to the Council during April’s Council Meeting (2026)<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/agAyJ> re identifying Council response to SPIRT here: https://gnso.icann.org/sites/default/files/policy/2026/draft/council-proces… * There were a few questions requesting clarifications on the SPIRT Issue Consideration Process; GNSO Staff has provided a diagram to resolve the confusion (Slides 8-12<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/AQAzLw>). * The extra process may be creating more confusion, but this process is necessary since the SPIRT cannot raise an issue to itself and has to confer with Council. This prohibition for SPIRT raising an issue to itself is intended to prevent any risks associated with lobbying activities. Though complicated and cumbersome, this process is trying to strike a balance where a SPIRT Member, who are experts in this area, can raise an issue and bring it forward. * A question was raised on how the expedited request would be made. Council Liaison explained the current steps of the Expedited Process. Noted that this information is included within the Council Briefing doc. only (pending confirmation) and the request portion can be viewed here: “In the case where the SPIRT has submitted an issue that is time-sensitive to the New gTLD Program for the GNSO Council consideration, the GNSO Council Liaison informs the GNSO Council of the potential change raised by SPIRT members through the GNSO Council mailing list, noting whether the issue is urgent and merits the Council’s consideration through an expedited process. To clarify, this would only allow for the GNSO Council to approve the SPIRT’s discussion of a forwarded issue.” * For clarity related to Policy issues, this is not under the scope of this SPIRT Issue Consideration Process. If the SPIRT LT determines it is policy together with SPIRT, they will go down the route, in accordance with the Charter, NOT through this process, since policy must be addressed to Council (i.e., Per the Charter, “For Type 3, which is considered a policy change, the SPIRT shall confer with the GNSO Council.”) * A question was raised how weekends would be considered for time-sensitive matters. Council Liaison noted that the Expedited Process is to encourage the Council to respond more quickly. If more time is needed from the Council, then the Councilors have an opportunity to object to the issue/request and go through the Standard Process. * Action Items: 1) LT (Council Liaison) to provide clarity to the GNSO Council and receive confirmation form Council on the Response Process; 2) GNSO Staff to prepare/update a Process Doc. for Council that is to be documented for this Process. 1. SPIRT Issue for GNSO Council Consideration Process Update * See the Draft Process Doc. (including comments) here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zITIUCB5yvjV_Rj5Z87ljyqajA5VliMSPvPb77A… * Andrew (GNSO Staff) directed the SPIRT to the latest comments and redlines; Item #1 on “at least three days” to be updated to “at least three calendar days” * The draft doc. will be cleaned up and circulated/documented for future use. * Outcomes: 1) Item #1 on “at least three days” to be updated to “at least three calendar days”; 2) GNSO Staff to clean up draft doc. and circulate with SPIRT/document for future use. 1. Updates from the Next Round Team * See SPIRT Change Log which has also been circulated via the public mailing list: https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/LIC9Lg * Jared (GDS Staff) shared updates and any recent highlights: 1 new Type 1 (Minor) Change (shared on 22 April) regarding safeguard assessment in response to BRG. Effective Date of the Change is 24 April. The new updated AGB in pdf will be shared with SPIRT via the public mailing list as well as the link to the redline. * Emphasis that in accordance with the Charter, for Type 0 and 1 Changes, "no more than three (3) calendar days to provide guidance if it disagrees with the decision." Question was raised whether SPIRT gets any notification when something has been added to the change log or if SPIRT is expected to monitor it. Noted that the updates/new Changes are posted to the mailing list. * Question was raised whether there is a unified way of counting down the Change Log post; i.e., when does the 3-day actually begin its countdown? Noted that it should be 3 days from when the SPIRT is notified. The “timing” will be clearer when the Round opens but for now, the 3-day should be effective from when the Change Log is updated and notified to the SPIRT mailing list, which should be the same time. There were suggestions to maybe add a column for when SPRIT should send the deadline by and Jared responded positively that it can be looked into. * Action Items: 1) GDS Staff to possibly add a new column within the Change Log for “deadlines”; 2) SPIRT should pay attention to the update in Change Log (1 new Minor Change) and respond by 24 April if any objections. 1. Next Steps * Upcoming Meeting: 7 May 20:00 UTC * ICANN86 SPIRT Session scheduled and details to come at a later time. 1. AOB * N/A From: Andrew Chen via Gnso-spirt <gnso-spirt(a)icann.org> Reply-To: Andrew Chen <andrew.chen(a)icann.org> Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 1:00 PM To: Saewon Lee via Gnso-spirt <gnso-spirt(a)icann.org> Cc: GNSO-Secs <gnso-secs(a)icann.org> Subject: [Gnso-spirt] [SPIRT] AGENDA | SPIRT Meeting | 23 April 2026 at 13:00 UTC Dear SPIRT Members, Please find below the proposed agenda for the Standing Predictability Implementation Review Team (SPIRT) meeting on Thursday, 23 April 2026 at 13:00 UTC. Agenda: 1. Welcome 2. SOI/SOP Updates 3. GNSO Council Liaison Update 4. SPIRT Issue for GNSO Council Consideration Process Update 5. Updates from the Next Round Team 6. AOB 7. Upcoming Meetings and Close of Meeting We would like to remind participants that to ensure transparency of participation in ICANN's multistakeholder model, we ask that you sign in to Zoom sessions using your full name. For example, First Name and Last Name or Surname. You may be removed from the session if you do not sign in using your full name. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any questions. Sincerely, Andrew -- Andrew Chen Policy Development Support Sr. Specialist, Policy Development Support Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) https://www.icann.org/

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Post Call | Standing Predictability Implementation Review Team (SPIRT) | Thursday, 23 April 2026
by Julie Bisland April 23, 2026

April 23, 2026

Dear all, All recordings for the Standing Predictability Implementation Review Team (SPIRT) call held on Thursday, 23 April 2026 at 13:00 UTC can be found on the agenda wiki page <https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/AQAzLw> . You can also access via the GNSO Calendar 2026<https://gnso.icann.org/en/group-activities/calendar/2026>. Agenda wiki page includes: * Attendance * Audio recording * Zoom recording (including audio, visual, rough transcript, and chat.) * Agenda and Notes/Action Items For additional information, you may consult the mailing list archives<https://lists.icann.org/hyperkitty/list/gnso-spirt@icann.org/> and the main wiki page<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/nwB2HQ>. Thank you. Kind regards, Julie Policy Team Supporting the GNSO

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Meeting link?
by Pruis, Elaine April 23, 2026

April 23, 2026

Hi, Would someone share today’s meeting link please? Thanks! Elaine Pruis Naming Senior Director +1 (571) 299-9387

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Re: [SPIRT] AGENDA | SPIRT Meeting | 23 April 2026 at 13:00 UTC
by Jared Erwin April 22, 2026

April 22, 2026

Dear SPIRT Members, Following on the updates discussed in our last call and in support of the meeting tomorrow, the Change Log has been updated on the wiki with the changes we discussed. * You can access the Change Log here: https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/SPIRTS/pages/784171052/6.…. Please note there is one new Minor (Type 1) change (#5 in the Type 1 table). This is related to feedback and questions we’ve received from .Brand applicants regarding the application questions for Safeguards. We’ve made some changes to the respective application question instructions to help clarify. This topic was also discussed multiple times in the two webinars on TAMS held by ICANN yesterday. * Please see here for more information on the webinars: https://www.icann.org/en/announcements/details/icann-to-host-question-and-a…. * The recordings are available here: https://newgtldprogram.icann.org/en/resources/webinarspresentations/2026. As a reminder regarding Type 1 changes, per the Charter<https://gnso.icann.org/sites/default/files/policy/2024/draft/final-charter-…>, “the SPIRT shall review the decision through the Change Log and take no more than three (3) calendar days to provide guidance if it disagrees with the decision.” Thank you and speak with you tomorrow, Jared -- Jared Erwin Senior Director, New gTLD Program Global Domains & Strategy Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) jared.erwin(a)icann.org<mailto:jared.erwin@icann.org> From: Andrew Chen via Gnso-spirt <gnso-spirt(a)icann.org> Reply-To: Andrew Chen <andrew.chen(a)icann.org> Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 10:00 To: Saewon Lee via Gnso-spirt <gnso-spirt(a)icann.org> Cc: GNSO-Secs <gnso-secs(a)icann.org> Subject: [Gnso-spirt] [SPIRT] AGENDA | SPIRT Meeting | 23 April 2026 at 13:00 UTC Dear SPIRT Members, Please find below the proposed agenda for the Standing Predictability Implementation Review Team (SPIRT) meeting on Thursday, 23 April 2026 at 13:00 UTC. Agenda: 1. Welcome 2. SOI/SOP Updates 3. GNSO Council Liaison Update 4. SPIRT Issue for GNSO Council Consideration Process Update 5. Updates from the Next Round Team 6. AOB 7. Upcoming Meetings and Close of Meeting We would like to remind participants that to ensure transparency of participation in ICANN's multistakeholder model, we ask that you sign in to Zoom sessions using your full name. For example, First Name and Last Name or Surname. You may be removed from the session if you do not sign in using your full name. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any questions. Sincerely, Andrew -- Andrew Chen Policy Development Support Sr. Specialist, Policy Development Support Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) https://www.icann.org/

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[SPIRT] AGENDA | SPIRT Meeting | 23 April 2026 at 13:00 UTC
by Andrew Chen April 21, 2026

April 21, 2026

Dear SPIRT Members, Please find below the proposed agenda for the Standing Predictability Implementation Review Team (SPIRT) meeting on Thursday, 23 April 2026 at 13:00 UTC. Agenda: 1. Welcome 2. SOI/SOP Updates 3. GNSO Council Liaison Update 4. SPIRT Issue for GNSO Council Consideration Process Update 5. Updates from the Next Round Team 6. AOB 7. Upcoming Meetings and Close of Meeting We would like to remind participants that to ensure transparency of participation in ICANN's multistakeholder model, we ask that you sign in to Zoom sessions using your full name. For example, First Name and Last Name or Surname. You may be removed from the session if you do not sign in using your full name. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any questions. Sincerely, Andrew -- Andrew Chen Policy Development Support Sr. Specialist, Policy Development Support Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) https://www.icann.org/

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Notes and Action Items | SPIRT Meeting | 09 April 2026 at 20:00 UTC
by Saewon Lee April 9, 2026

April 9, 2026

Dear SPIRT, Please see the following outcomes, action items, and high-level notes from today’s SPIRT Meeting #4<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/AQAyLw>. Kind regards, Saewon Key Outcomes, Action Items, and Notes from SPIRT Meeting #4<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/AQAyLw> – Thursday, 09 April 2026 at 20:00 UTC.. [KEY OUTCOMES] * N/A [ACTION ITEMS] 1. Ongoing: All SPIRT Members to update their SOIs in accordance with the SOP. 2. GDS Staff to share the SPIRT Change Log with the SPIRT Members (upload on wiki and via mailing list) – [Mailing List COMPLETE] 3. SPIRT Members to review again the SPIRT Issue Consideration Process (working doc.) and the relevant comments for next meeting: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zITIUCB5yvjV_Rj5Z87ljyqajA5VliMSPvPb77A… 4. Rotation of time for upcoming meetings to be confirmed. [NOTES] * Retrieve slides from here: https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/AQAyLw 1. Welcome 1. SOI/SOP Updates * See Members List and SOI/SOP updates in the wiki here: https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/AQCJHQ [icann-community.atlassian.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/AQC…> * Henery Chan has updates to his SOI<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/gnsosoi/pages/503873537/H…> that has now been updated accordingly. 1. GNSO Council Liaison Update * See the upcoming briefing from the Council Liaison to the Council during April’s Council Meeting re identifying Council response to SPIRT here: https://gnso.icann.org/sites/default/files/policy/2026/draft/council-proces… * Regarding question on what is identified as “time-sensitive” is up to SPIRT LT and SPIRT to decide. Reminder that if the issue truly needed an expedited process, ICANN org may be able to raise the issue. * Discussions on processes for SPIRT raising the issue and ICANN org raising the issue. Refer to AGB Appendix 6: https://newgtldprogram-2026-agb.icann.org/en/17-appendix-6-predictability-f…. Noted that the urgency of the change will dictate how fast ICANN org will bring the issue forward. 1. Updates from the Next Round Team * See SPIRT Change Log: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/10sidTkojyIqvOQlMwlUC0FG5HFtDPitir61… * Jared (GDS Staff) shared the current changes to the AGB/Program, introducing a new type – Type 0 (Typographical Change) and sharing Type 1 (Minor Change); this document and information will be shared with SPIRT. * There are 4 Type 1 (Minor) Changes: e.g., 1) EPDP-IDNs variant TLD mission and purpose related; 2) How applicants will upload information; 3) Fee information for CPE; 4) Objections access. * Regarding the question on providing mission for existing gTLDs and how some are absent, it was noted that this is following EPDP-IDNs Final Rec. 3.5 since justification is needed but applicants should submit what is possible. * Action Item: GDS Staff to share the SPIRT Change Log with the SPIRT Members (upload on wiki and via mailing list) – [Mailing List COMPLETE] 1. SPIRT Issue for GNSO Council Consideration Process Update * The SPIRT Issue Consideration Process (working doc.) and the relevant comments will be reviewed during next meeting: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zITIUCB5yvjV_Rj5Z87ljyqajA5VliMSPvPb77A… * Action Item: SPIRT Members to review again the SPIRT Issue Consideration Process (working doc.) and the relevant comments for next meeting: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zITIUCB5yvjV_Rj5Z87ljyqajA5VliMSPvPb77A… 1. AOB * Timing/rotation for upcoming meetings – TBC. * Action Item: Rotation for upcoming meetings – Time to be reconfirmed. From: Andrew Chen via Gnso-spirt <gnso-spirt(a)icann.org> Reply-To: Andrew Chen <andrew.chen(a)icann.org> Date: Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 3:00 PM To: Saewon Lee via Gnso-spirt <gnso-spirt(a)icann.org> Cc: GNSO-Secs <gnso-secs(a)icann.org> Subject: [Gnso-spirt] [SPIRT] AGENDA | SPIRT Meeting | 09 April 2026 at 20:00 UTC Dear SPIRT Members, Please find below the proposed agenda for the Standing Predictability Implementation Review Team (SPIRT) meeting on Thursday, 09 April 2026 at 20:00 UTC. Agenda: 1. Welcome 2. SOI/SOP Updates 3. GNSO Council Liaison Update 4. SPIRT Issue for GNSO Council Consideration Process Update 5. Updates from Next Round Team 6. AOB 7. Upcoming Meetings and Close of Meeting We would like to remind participants that to ensure transparency of participation in ICANN's multistakeholder model, we ask that you sign in to Zoom sessions using your full name. For example, First Name and Last Name or Surname. You may be removed from the session if you do not sign in using your full name. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any questions. Sincerely, Andrew -- Andrew Chen Policy Development Support Sr. Specialist, Policy Development Support Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) https://www.icann.org/ Microsoft Teams: atchen122

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