June 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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Call Lars!
by Anne ICANN June 11, 2026

June 11, 2026

Need to solve a problem in the middle of the night? Call Lars! Unsure how policy will come to light? Just tell Lars to take a flight.... To LA that is. Which conference room in LA bears his name? We can't say yet but just the same, That day will come - cause he's not dumb. So put up your thumb and vote for Lars. Are you feeling off, man? Call the Hoff Man. He'll cheer you up, he'll fill your cup with Positivity. He's got a proclivity - for sensitivity. So calm your fears, dry up those tears, Cause the Hoff Man always hears you. Although we know he's going away, Let's kill our pride and beg him to stay Because there's bound to come a day When the SPIRT needs the Hoff Man To lead the way! Alas this change came too soon. Feels like it happened at high noon - Like watching a shootout in a bloody saloon. Feels like we're sending Lars off to the moon... Yes, let me tell you honey, We've all been relying on this Energizer Bunny. Now he's moving up and that ain't funny. Still, Lars, we trust your future is bright and sunny! But don't be a stranger Lars - (that is, no stranger than you already are.) All the best, Anne Anne Aikman-Scalese GNSO Councilor NomCom Non-Voting 2022-2026 anneicanngnso(a)gmail.com

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

June 11, 2026

Dear All, Meeting #175 of the SubPro IRT will be held in one hour 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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REMINDER | SubPro IRT Meeting #175 | 11 June 2026, 09:45-11:15 UTC / 11:45-13:15 CET / ICANN86
by Next Round Policy Implementation June 10, 2026

June 10, 2026

Dear All, Meeting #175 of the SubPro IRT will be held in 24 hours 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 #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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