Introduction

The future of ICANN represents a strategic issue for the entire global digital ecosystem. Entrusted with coordinating the Internet’s unique identifiers, including domain names and IP addresses, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) occupies a singular institutional position: ensuring the stability, security, and interoperability of the Domain Name System (DNS).

The landscape of Internet governance is shaped by several converging dynamics.: the expansion of new generic top-level domains (gTLDs), international debates surrounding digital governance, the emergence of decentralized technologies, and the evolving framework of global digital regulation.

For corporations, trademark holders, and technology stakeholders, understanding these developments is essential in order to anticipate the evolution of domain name law and global Internet governance frameworks.

Why is the future of ICANN strategic for global internet governance?

The future trajectory of ICANN extends far beyond the mere technical administration of domain names. The organization plays a fundamental role in the global coordination of Internet infrastructure.

In practical terms, ICANN is responsible for several critical functions, including:

This architecture ensures the uniqueness and interoperability of digital identifiers, which constitutes an essential condition for the proper functioning of the global Internet.

In a context marked by the rise of digital sovereignty policies, the growing prevalence of cyber threats, and the emergence of decentralized identification systems, ICANN’s mission assumes an increasingly strategic dimension. Its role is becoming central to ensuring the stability and coordination of the domain name system within a rapidly evolving digital environment.

ICANN’s major strategic directions toward 2030

In order to anticipate the transformations affecting the Internet ecosystem, ICANN has adopted a Strategic Plan covering the period 2026–2030. This framework is built around several structural priorities designed to ensure the long-term sustainability of the domain name system.

  • Preserving a single and interoperable internet

One of ICANN’s foundational principles is the preservation of a single global Internet, thereby preventing technical fragmentation.

This objective relies in particular on the centralized coordination of the Domain Name System (DNS) root, which ensures the universal compatibility of domain names on a global scale, as well as on close cooperation among the various technical operators and stakeholders within the Internet ecosystem.

In this context, the potential fragmentation of the Internet sometimes referred to as the “splinternet” currently as one of the most significant risks to the global digital ecosystem.

  • Strengthening DNS security and resilience

The DNS constitutes a critical global infrastructure. Any compromise of this system could result in significant disruptions to the accessibility of digital services.

ICANN therefore pursues several objectives:

  • Promoting the adoption of the DNSSEC protocol,
  • Improving RDAP protocol,
  • Strengthening the resilience of registries and registrars.

This approach reflects a broader strategy of proactive risk management.

  • Enhancing institutional transparency and accountability

ICANN’s governance framework is grounded in a fundamental principle: accountability to the global Internet community.

Several mechanisms guarantee this transparency:

These mechanisms contribute to the institutional legitimacy of ICANN’s governance model.

The next expansion of domain names: the Next Round of New gTLD

One of the most significant developments in ICANN’s evolution will be the launch of a new round of generic top-level domains (gTLDs).

The application window is expected to open on 30 April 2026, marking the first major expansion of the DNS since the 2012 round.

The initiative pursues several structural objectives:

  • Increasing competition in the domain name space
  • Promoting linguistic and cultural diversity
  • Stimulating digital innovation
  • Creating new branding opportunities
  • Registry Service Provider evaluation program (RSP)

In practice, the vast majority of new gTLD applicants do not manage the technical infrastructure of the registry themselves. They rely on technical registry operators, known as Registry Service Providers (RSPs).

As part of the next cycle, ICANN has introduced a major innovation: the implementation of a program to evaluate technical registry operators.

This mechanism aims to:

  • Assess the technical capabilities of registry operators prior to application submission,
  • Ensure the technical stability of the DNS,
  • Reduce operational risks associated with the introduction of new TLDs.

This approach reflects institutional learning derived from the 2012 expansion round.

  • Applicant Support Program (ASP)

In order to promote more balanced participation in the new gTLD program, ICANN has established the Applicant Support Program (ASP).

This initiative aims to facilitate access to the application process for certain stakeholders by providing, in particular, reduced application fees, technical and legal assistance, as well as access to pro bono expertise. Its objective is to enable broader participation by entities from developing countries, non-profit organizations, and communities that have historically been underrepresented within the Internet governance ecosystem.

objectives program gtld

  • Governance documents of the New gTLD Program

The Applicant Guidebook (AGB) and the Base Registry Agreement constitute two central governance documents within the framework of the new gTLD program. Developed through ICANN’s bottom-up decision-making process, they define both the requirements applicable to applicants seeking to operate a gTLD and the contractual obligations imposed on registry operators once an application has been approved. As the implementation of the program progresses, these documents continue to be refined and are subject to public consultations in order to further clarify and improve their provisions.

The multistakeholder model and international debates on internet governance

The multistakeholder model constitutes the defining institutional feature of ICANN.

Unlike a purely intergovernmental governance framework, this model relies on the simultaneous participation of multiple categories of stakeholders, including governments, the private sector, civil society, the technical community, and academia. This approach seeks to ensure a more open and inclusive form of Internet governance, based on cooperation among the various stakeholders within the digital ecosystem.

Furthermore, the World Summit on the Information Society recently reaffirmed the relevance of this collaborative approach.

The conclusions of this international summit emphasize:

  • The necessity of open international cooperation,
  • The importance of stakeholder participation,
  • The need for transparent and inclusive governance.

For ICANN, these outcomes reinforce the institutional legitimacy of its governance framework.

Technological developments shaping the future of the DNS

ICANN’s evolution cannot be analyzed without considering the rapid expansion of digital technologies.

  • The emergence of decentralized naming systems

The evolution of ICANN cannot be analyzed without taking into account the rapid development of digital technologies. Among the most significant transformations is the emergence of decentralized naming systems, such as blockchain-based domain names, decentralized digital identity solutions, and certain architectures associated with Web3.0.

These technologies seek to introduce alternative models for the management and resolution of Internet identifiers by reducing reliance on centralized coordinating authorities.

These solutions seek to reduce reliance on centralized authorities. However, they raise several critical questions:

  • Compatibility with the global Internet architecture,
  • Security of digital identifiers,
  • Technical interoperability.

ICANN continues to monitor these developments closely while maintaining its priority on preserving the integrity of the global DNS.

  • Interactions with international digital regulation

Public policy frameworks also influence the evolution of the domain name ecosystem.

Among the legal frameworks indirectly influencing the DNS ecosystem are the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), cybersecurity legislation, and the growing number of digital sovereignty policies adopted by various States.

These regulatory developments require ICANN to strike a delicate balance between compliance with applicable legal requirements, the preservation of its technical neutrality, and the maintenance of the operational stability of the domain name system.

Conclusion

The future of ICANN extends beyond the expansion of domain names. It also depends on the organization’s ability to address several key challenges, including preserving the stability of the global DNS, safeguarding the multistakeholder model of Internet governance, adapting to technological innovations, and maintaining international trust in the mechanisms governing the Internet.

In an increasingly complex digital environment, ICANN remains a cornerstone of the global Internet infrastructure.  Firms that anticipate these developments will be better positioned to secure their digital assets and leverage the opportunities created by the expansion of the domain name system.

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FAQ

1. Why does the expansion of gTLDs generate debate?
The expansion of the domain name space raises several concerns, including trademark protection, the management of domain name abuse and cybersquatting, the technical stability of the DNS, and the economic implications for the domain name market. Some stakeholders believe that the proliferation of extensions may dilute the value of traditional domain names.

2. Could governments eventually control ICANN directly?
This possibility is regularly discussed in international policy debates. Certain states advocate for a more intergovernmental governance model, particularly through institutions such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). However, such a shift could lead to increased politicization of Internet governance, which remains a concern for many actors within the technical community.

3. What is the difference between a ccTLD and a gTLD?
Top-level domains are divided into two principal categories: ccTLDs (country-code top-level domains), which are national extensions such as .fr, .de, or .jp. and gTLDs (generic top-level domains), which include extensions such as .com, .org, or .tech., ccTLDs are generally administered by national authorities or designated local organizations.

4. What is the DNSSEC protocol?
The Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) protocol enables the authentication of DNS responses. It prevents certain attacks designed to redirect users toward fraudulent websites and is widely considered a cornerstone of global DNS security.

5. What is the RDAP protocol?
The Registration Data Access Protocol (RDAP) is the successor to the traditional Whois system. It provides structured data access, enhanced security, and improved compatibility with data protection regulations.

The purpose of this publication is to provide general guidance to the public and to highlight certain issues. It is not intended to apply to particular situations or to constitute legal advice.