May 2026 - SubPro-IRT - lists.icann.org

Expression of Interest for Independent Objectors
by Elisa Busetto June 11, 2026

June 11, 2026

Dear All, On 9 March, we launched<https://www.icann.org/en/announcements/details/call-for-expressions-of-inte…> an Expression of Interest<https://www.icann.org/en/system/files/files/2026-round-independent-objector…> (EOI) to identify three individuals to serve as Independent Objectors (IOs) for the 2026 Round. The original deadline of 20 April was subsequently extended<https://www.icann.org/en/announcements/details/icann-extends-deadline-for-e…> to 11 May. ICANN has undertaken several outreach efforts to promote the EOI, including a paid social media campaign and targeted communications to key groups. Despite these efforts, uptake has been a challenge. For context, the approach for IOs was discussed with the IRT during Meeting #173<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/EoD-L>, following which ICANN shared the details of its planned approach in this email<https://lists.icann.org/hyperkitty/list/subpro-irt@icann.org/thread/LMJ7U5A…>. Ensuring that the three IOs are identified, contracted, and trained is a prerequisite for String Confirmation Day to happen, which is when the objections filing window will open. As you are probably aware, we currently project String Confirmation Day to be around the end of October, although the exact timing will depend on several factors, including the number of applications received. While ICANN has built additional time into the timeline for procuring IOs, similar to other Requests for Interest and Proposal, we are addressing the uptake challenge in the near term to avoid any impact on the overall Program timeline. In this context, we will make the following adjustments to the EOI: 1. Further extend the submission deadline to 1 June. 2. Expand the pool of potential candidates by: * Allowing firms, in addition to individuals, to serve as IOs. While we recognize the potential conflicts of interest concerns this may raise, we believe these will be mitigated by having three IOs; where one individual or firm is conflicted, another IO could review the relevant applications. * Removing the selection criterion requiring “[c]onsiderable experience and respect in the Internet community”. Best regards, Elisa

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Sub Pro IRT Meeting #175 in Seville - Agenda
by Anne ICANN June 9, 2026

June 9, 2026

Hi Elisa and Jared, Regarding the agenda for the meeting in Seville, I wanted to raise two points: 1. Could we please add a review of any changes to the Community Priority Evaluation Guidelines which staff is recommending based on public comment received? It would be good to see these changes in redline before the meeting. 2. Regarding the agenda item for IO procedures, I have pasted below an email from IRT Meeting #173 and have bolded the relevant input. Could you please be sure to address these two points in our meeting in Seville? Thank you, Anne From: *Anne ICANN* <anneicanngnso(a)gmail.com> Date: Thu, Jan 29, 2026 at 4:11 PM Subject: Re: [SubPro-IRT] Post call | SubPro IRT Meeting #173 | 29 January 2026 To: Next Round Policy Implementation < NextRound_PolicyImplementation(a)icann.org> Cc: subpro-irt(a)icann.org <subpro-irt(a)icann.org> Thank you Elisa. I reviewed the Zoom - good discussion and excellent points were raised. Thank you to staff for your willingness to reconsider. Agree that *IO should be able to participate in remedies to address Objection before filing. * IO must always act in the public interest so there should not be a big COI risk in that process, although transparency safeguards seem appropriate as mentioned. I also support what I believe to be Susan's comment that COI of the *IO should be able to be raised with DRSP AFTER the filing of an IO Objection. * Separately, for the next meeting, could you please consider avoiding the 4 am Pacific time slot? Thank you, Anne Anne Aikman-Scalese GNSO Councilor NomCom Non-Voting 2022-2026 anneicanngnso(a)gmail.com

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SubPro IRT Meeting #175
by Elisa Busetto May 28, 2026

May 28, 2026

Dear all, After another long break, we are happy to inform you that we are planning to hold an IRT meeting<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/AQB5Ow> during ICANN86. As usual, the meeting will be held in a hybrid format allowing for both in-person and remote participation. The invites will be sent out shortly. The meeting will have the objective to discuss our draft guidelines for Independent Objectors. While we are still in the process of developing the document, we would like to already share what will be included: 1. An overview, providing high-level information on the role of the IO in the Program. 2. Scope of work, outlining exactly what is expected of the IOs and the IO chair. 3. A list of examples as to what constitute “extraordinary circumstances” that would allow an IO to have their objection considered although another objection on the same ground was filed, as well as the process and requirements for such circumstances. 4. The Conflicts of Interest requirements and processes. 5. Information on fees and budget. 6. The expected deliverables. 7. Information on the ALAC and their procedures for filing comments and objections. 8. Information on the practicalities (which we don’t think need to be discussed with the IRT). 9. Reference materials (idem). We are also developing the template to be used by IOs to outline the rationale describing why they filed an objection. The rationales will be published on the Program website and not on a separate website to ensure they stay available for the years to come. For more information on IOs and related previous discussions, please refer to: * Section 4.5.4 of the Applicant Guidebook<https://newgtldprogram-2026-agb.icann.org/en/8-module-4-community-input-obj…> * The Expression of Interest<https://www.icann.org/en/system/files/files/2026-round-independent-objector…> * This email thread<https://lists.icann.org/hyperkitty/list/subpro-irt@icann.org/thread/LMJ7U5A…>, concerning the outcomes of Meeting #173<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/EoD-L> We will share the drafts of the guidelines and rationale prior to the meeting, but please let us know if you have any questions at this stage. Otherwise, more to come soon! Best, Elisa

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Updated ASP Statistics - May 2026
by Samantha Mancia May 26, 2026

May 26, 2026

Dear SubPro IRT Members, I hope you are well. I am writing to let you know that the ASP Statistics have been updated on the website<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/newgtldprogram.icann.org/en/application-…> as of 19 May 2026. Please find a summary of the changes since last month below: ASP Application Status Metrics * Submitted * Total: 32 * Change over last month: -19 (status progressed from submitted to evaluation completed) * Evaluation Completed * Total: 44 * Change over last month: +19 * Withdrawn * Total: 2 * Change over last month: N/A * Terminated * Total: 0 * Change over last month: N/A ASP Applications Evaluation Results * Conditionally Approved (pending payment) * Total: 16 * Change over last month: +13 * Fully Approved (payment received) * Total: 27 * Change over last month: +5 * Not Eligible for Support* * Total: 1 * Change over last month: +1 * Please note that "Not Eligible for Support" includes applications that may still be eligible for extended evaluation, therefore this number could change. You can find additional detail and breakdowns by region and eligible entity type on the ASP statistics webpage [newgtldprogram.icann.org]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/newgtldprogram.icann.org/en/application-…>. Kind Regards, Samantha Mancia New gTLD Program Manager Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) Office Telephone: +1 310 301 5800 www.icann.org<http://www.icann.org>

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SubPro IRT Meeting #175 | 11 June 2026, 09:45-11:15 UTC / 11:45-13:15 CET / ICANN86
by Next Round Policy Implementation May 26, 2026

May 26, 2026

Dear All, Meeting #175 of the SubPro IRT will be held on 11 June 2026 at 09:45-11:15 UTC / 11:45-13:15 CET [local time<https://tinyurl.com/bu8kep47>] during ICANN86 in Seville, Spain, in a hybrid format. Up-to-date information on the session will be published here<https://icann86.sched.com/event/2NQRP/gds-subsequent-procedures-irt>, and the agenda here<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/AQB5Ow>. More information on ICANN86 can be found here<https://icann86.sched.com/>. Before the meeting, please ensure you have read the ICANN Expected Standards of Behavior<https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/expected-standards-2016-06-28-en>, the ICANN Community Anti-Harassment Policy<https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/community-anti-harassment-policy-2017…> and the ICANN Community Code of Conduct<https://www.icann.org/en/system/files/files/adopted-icann-community-partici…> In addition, 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 let us know ahead of time should you be unable to attend the meeting. A recording will be made available. We remain at your disposal should you have any questions. Best regards, Renate

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Sub Pro IRT Meeting in Seville
by Anne ICANN May 14, 2026

May 14, 2026

Hi Lars et al, I noted a Sub Pro IRT meeting on the schedule in Seville for Thursday. Could you provide more detail on this? Thank you, Anne Anne Aikman-Scalese GNSO Councilor NomCom Non-Voting 2022-2026 anneicanngnso(a)gmail.com

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Updated AGB with Minor Revisions Published Today
by Jared Erwin May 5, 2026

May 5, 2026

Dear IRT Members, An updated version of the AGB with minor revisions has 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) The minor revisions included in this version were all discussed with the SPIRT and are noted in the SPIRT Change Log<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/LIC9Lg>. 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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