ICANN87 in Bali focused on new gTLD timelines and DNS abuse policy
in plain words
ICANN held its yearly global meeting in Bali in late 2026. Most talk was about new internet endings like .shop or .tech, and about how registrars should handle criminal websites linked to bad domains.
Full summary
ICANN Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers The nonprofit that coordinates the global DNS and gTLD policy. Full definition of ICANN held its 2026 Annual General Meeting, known as ICANN87, in Bali, with 1,685 participants from registry The central database and system of a top-level domain, or loosely the organization that runs it. Full definition of registry, registrar A company that registers domain names for customers with the registry. Full definition of registrar, governments and other stakeholders. The six-day event focused on the future of the DNS Domain Name System The internet's directory that links domain names to computer addresses. Full definition of DNS.
The new generic top-level domain round was the main topic. ICANN published the applications that passed the administrative check on Reveal Day The day ICANN publishes who applied for which new gTLD strings. Full definition of Reveal Day, October 7, listing 1,615 applications in total. The next phase moves into lengthy evaluation and objection processes that will decide which TLD top-level domain The last part of a domain name, after the final dot. Full definition of TLD can be delegated, so the timeline for that phase was a key subject in Bali. applicant An organization that has applied to ICANN to run a new gTLD. Full definition of applicant who had included an alternative string were still allowed to switch to it during the meeting.
On String Confirmation Day, November 17, ICANN will publish the final list of applied-for string The characters an applicant asks ICANN to approve as a new top-level domain. Full definition of applied-for string and updated contention sets. The Input and Objections Period starts that day and runs until March 16, 2027, during which governments in the GAC Governmental Advisory Committee ICANN's committee of governments that advises the Board on public policy. Full definition of GAC can raise early warnings about individual applications.
At the meeting, the GAC discussed concerns about strings that could conflict with local languages, cultural interests or community sensitivities, and asked how ICANN would evaluate them. For geoTLD A generic top-level domain named after a city or region. Full definition of geoTLD applications, the GAC would like to know which local or national governments support a given application. ICANN will review this information during evaluation but it is not expected to be made public at this stage. After March 16, the GAC can no longer issue an GAC Early Warning A notice from governments that a new gTLD application worries them. Full definition of GAC Early Warning, but it can still provide GAC Advice or raise formal concerns.
The Prioritization Draw has moved into the first half of 2027. The ICANN Board ICANN's board of directors, which adopts policies and approves key decisions. Full definition of ICANN Board said during the meeting that this does not necessarily mean the overall process will be delayed.
On DNS abuse Harmful use of domains, defined in ICANN contracts as five specific threats. Full definition of DNS abuse, the DNS Abuse Mitigation PDP Two GNSO policy processes, started in December 2025, that consider new obligations against DNS abuse. Full definition of DNS Abuse Mitigation PDP is examining whether registrars should be required to perform Associated Domain Checks for all ICANN-accredited registrars worldwide. The working group A volunteer team chartered to study a policy issue and make recommendations. Full definition of working group reviewed public comment An open period when anyone can comment on ICANN drafts. Full definition of public comment on its initial recommendations during ICANN87, and plans to submit a final report to the GNSO Generic Names Supporting Organization The ICANN body that develops policy for generic top-level domains. Full definition of GNSO Council in December. The source describes the pace of this PDP Policy Development Process ICANN's formal process for creating new policy. Full definition of PDP as remarkable, given how long ICANN policy processes usually take.