ICANN

🔎 Get the latest news and information about the New gTLD Program: 2026 Round from #ICANN85 in this update from Theresa Swinehart, #ICANN SVP, Global Domains & Strategy. The blog covers the progress made toward the April 30 launch, including the ICANN Board’s approval of the Base Registry Agreement, sessions introducing the TLD Application Management System, and feedback received from the community. 🔗 Read more >> go.icann.org/47DZ8K0

📢 #ICANN has announced Analysys Mason Limited as the Community Priority Evaluation (CPE) provider for the New gTLD Program: 2026 Round. Selected through a competitive Request-for-Proposal process, Analysys Mason will carry out CPE to help ensure these evaluations are conducted transparently and effectively. ICANN also worked with the provider to help ensure fees remain as fair as possible, given the complexities of CPE. 🔗 Learn more >> go.icann.org/4rFljXo

🗓️ On 23 April at 18:00 UTC, join Roy Arends, #ICANN Distinguished Technologist for insights into a 2024 DNS anomaly that drove unexpected traffic to the top of global rankings—and the lessons it holds for the DNS community. 💻 Register now! bit.ly/3N5VTUT

📢 Next week, ICANN is heading to #CloudFest 2026 in Rust, Germany! Join Chris Mondini, ICANN’s VP of Stakeholder Engagement & Managing Director for Europe, for two sessions exploring what’s next for domain names and the future of the Internet. 💬 Barcamp: ICANN: Domains, DNS, and What’s Changing Next March 25 | 10:15–10:45 UTC 👉 Bring your questions—this interactive session is driven by you. 🎤 Keynote: Expanding the Internet’s “After the Dot” Options March 26 | 11:00–11:20 UTC 👉 Don’t miss this main-stage session on the next wave of domain innovation. Join the conversation shaping the Internet’s future. cloudfest.com #OneWorldOneInternet #newgtlds #Internet4All #domains

What keeps the Internet running behind the scenes? Join our #ICANN webinar on the L-root DNS architecture—exploring its design, global deployment, and how it delivers secure, resilient #DNS at Internet scale. 📅 25 March 2026 | 12:00–12:45 UTC 👉 Learn more and register today: go.icann.org/40Exfh9

The #ICANN85 Governmental Advisory Committee Communiqué is now available >> go.icann.org/418vd9a

🔎 The Registration Data Access Protocol (#RDAP) ecosystem continues to evolve as the Internet community moves beyond WHOIS. In this article, Andy Newton, #ICANN GDS technical services principal engineer, shares how RDAP has matured across the industry, highlighting increased adoption and even surpassing WHOIS queries last year. Explore how RDAP is expanding and evolving along with the continued collaboration across the technical community. 🔗 Read the full blog >> go.icann.org/3PbQvQM

📢 #ICANN has opened a Call for Expressions of Interest to identify three individuals to serve as Independent Objectors, including one who will act as chair, as part of the New gTLD Program: 2026 Round. Independent Objectors may file Community and Limited Public Interest objections and appeals, and participate in mediation where appropriate. They do not act on behalf of any particular person or entity, but solely in the best interests of the public and global Internet users. Official responses must be submitted by 23:59 UTC on 20 April 2026. 🔗 Learn more here >> go.icann.org/3P2cedF

Your feedback matters. If you haven’t yet shared your #ICANN85 experience, please complete our post-meeting satisfaction survey and help us improve future ICANN Meetings. 👉 Take the survey >> go.icann.org/3NoycXT

📢 The #ICANN Board of Directors has approved the 2026 Base Registry Agreement (RA) for the New gTLD Program: 2026 Round. The 2026 Base RA defines the rights, obligations, and responsibilities of registry operators to run a top level domain, including the technical and operational standards required to ensure the stable and secure operation of TLDs. The agreement is the culmination of discussions with the Implementation Review Team and four Public Comment proceedings. 🔗 Learn more >> go.icann.org/4b7Xumd

📊 The #ICANN85 By the Numbers infographic is here. Our third gathering in India brought together 1,407 participants from 112 countries and territories. Our Flickr album already has more than 110,338 views. See your favorite moments here >> go.icann.org/3OUerYN 🌟 Thanks to everyone who made this event possible!

🌟 As #ICANN85 comes to a close, thank you to everyone who participated both in person and virtually. This week has been filled with thoughtful ideas and meaningful contributions. 👉 Look back on the week’s moments on Flickr >> go.icann.org/4rLBUZX #ICANN

🌟 Thank you for attending #ICANN85! We value your feedback. Please take a few minutes to complete our post-meeting satisfaction survey and share your experience. Your insights help improve future events. 👉 Take the survey here >> go.icann.org/3NoycXT

Join us at 16:30 IST for the #ICANN Board Meeting and see the ICANN Board in action. It’s a chance to hear important decisions and updates shaping the future of Internet governance. Learn more >> go.icann.org/4scrtzc #ICANN85

A big thank you to the community and Review of Reviews Cross-Community Group for the thoughtful dialogue at today’s plenary on strengthening the #ICANN review system 💬 Your voices represent the collaboration and shared commitment required to enhance accountability, transparency, and effectiveness! For those who missed the session, the recordings will be available here: bit.ly/4upLcx4 #ICANN85 #Internet

Join the #ICANN85 Public Forum at 10:30 IST. Open to everyone, it’s a chance to hear diverse perspectives and share your views on important topics. More details >> go.icann.org/4tIH4I6 #ICANN

It’s the final day of #ICANN85. Today features the Public Forum and the Board Meeting, where you can share your perspectives. There are also many other important discussions taking place before the Closing Reception, which will officially bring ICANN85 to a close. Your participation has helped strengthen the multistakeholder model of Internet governance. See today’s schedule >> go.icann.org/85schedule #ICANN

🌟 We’ve made so many great memories together at the #ICANN85 Community Forum. As we head into the final day tomorrow, there’s still more community-led discussion, collaboration, and connection ahead. See today’s Flickr album >> go.icann.org/4sHkPRJ #ICANN

Thank you for joining us and participating in the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) session today in Mumbai at #ICANN85 🌍 Great discussion and valuable perspectives from the community!

Thank you to everyone who joined us in-person and remotely at the #ICANN85 Middle East Space! We had an engaging discussion on public interest and inclusive participation in Internet governance, and how civic space in the region intersects with #ICANN’s multistakeholder processes. Appreciation to Farzaneh Badii, Rafik Dammak, Chris Buckridge, and Ines Hfaiedh for sharing their insights, and to the regional Fellows who brought important perspectives to the conversation.