ICANN 83 Prague Meeting Resume: Key Takeaways & Strategic Outcomes

Executive Summary of ICANN 83 Prague (June 9–12, 2025)

The ICANN 83 (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) hybrid meeting took place at the Prague Congress Centre and brought together global stakeholders to advance internet naming policy, data governance, and cross-community collaboration.  The entire meeting reports can be found on the official publications. The article summarises the GAC communiqué (Governmental Advisory Committee), GNSO Council minutes (Generic Names Supporting Organisation), and ICANN Policy Reports—to synthesize authoritative insights for professionals.

Main Policy Developments & Regulatory Advances

2.1 WHOIS / Registration Data Framework & RDS Evolution

• Disclosure mechanisms: The GAC spotlighted the SSAD (System for Standardized Access/Disclosure) / RDRS (Registration Data Request Service) pilot and urgent disclosure mechanisms, aligning with GDPR. Emphasis was placed on balancing registrant privacy with regulatory access, and on enhancing data accuracy controls for future phases.
• Next steps: GAC urged ICANN to refine policy language in collaboration with  the GNSO. Legal experts should track forthcoming accuracy assessment metrics.

2.2 New gTLD Program Progress & Next Round

• Applicant Guidebook update: GAC reviewed the latest draft, particularly GAC Early Warnings, PICs/RVCs (Registry Voluntary Commitments), and geoTLD safeguards and contention sets.
• What that means: Domain registries should prepare for stricter geographic protection tools, more robust applicant vetting, and evolving GAC objection procedures.

2.3 WSIS+20 and Internet Governance Initiatives

• Framework alignment: As part of WSIS +20 (World Summit on the Information Society) review, ICANN reaffirmed its contribution to global Internet Governance commitments, enhancing openness, inclusivity, and stakeholder engagement.
• Outreach strategy: Plans previewed for strengthening ICANN’s role in multi-stakeholder governance, with opportunities for IP practitioners to contribute across regional IGFs and policy dialogues.

GAC Communiqué & GNSO/GAC Collaboration

• GAC Communiqué draft: Intensive drafting sessions focused on articulating shared expectations—recommendations on WHOIS accuracy, RDS pilot progress, gTLD bottlenecks.
• Inter-committee coordination: In joint GAC/GNSO meetings, parties agreed on timelines for WHOIS next phase policy development, with cross council liaison coaching the process.

Practical Impacts for IP Professionals & Businesses

1. For trademark owners, domain registries, registrars, and counsel:

• Domain monitoring: anticipate more stringent WHOIS accuracy obligations and improved access systems.
• gTLD strategy: heightened compliance with GAC early warnings and geographical restrictions for new domain expansions.
• Regulatory readiness: adapt operations to evolving SSAD/RDRS standards—important for dispute resolution.

Conclusion 

ICANN 83 reinforced the importance of collaborative policymaking in a rapidly evolving digital ecosystem. With significant progress on WHOIS data frameworks, the new gTLD round, and multi-stakeholder governance, IP professionals and domain stakeholders must stay attuned to regulatory shifts that directly impact rights enforcement and digital brand strategies. As ICANN refines its tools for data disclosure, applicant oversight, and geographical safeguards, proactive engagement and legal foresight will be essential for maintaining compliance and influence within global internet governance structures.

Dreyfus Law firm assists its clients in managing complex intellectual property cases, offering personalised advice and comprehensive operational support for the full protection of intellectual property.

At the intersection of internet governance and IP protection, we stand ready to assist you in navigating WHOIS reforms, domain strategy, new gTLD compliance, UDRPs and RDS implementation.

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Nathalie Dreyfus with the assistance of the entire Dreyfus team.

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