ICANN seeks feedback on report addressing DNS abuse mitigation

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is asking for public input on its Preliminary Issue Report about tackling abuse of the Domain Name System (DNS). The report, prepared by ICANN’s Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO), could lead to a formal policy development process (PDP) on how to better mitigate DNS abuse.

What is DNS abuse?

The DNS is the technical system that makes the internet usable, turning web addresses (like example.com) into IP numbers that computers understand. However, it can also be exploited. DNS abuse includes harmful activities such as distributing malware, running phishing sites, spreading spam, or using domains for botnets. These abuses undermine security, stability, and trust in the internet.

Currently, DNS abuse is addressed in ICANN’s contracts with registrars and registries (the companies that manage domain names), but the problem remains a persistent challenge.

Why the issue report matters

The Preliminary Issue Report gathers evidence on the scope of the problem and explores whether new global policies are needed. Input from stakeholders, including businesses, technical experts, governments, and civil society, will help shape the Final Issue Report. That document will guide the GNSO Council in deciding whether to launch a full PDP, which could lead to enforceable rules across the global domain name system.

Next steps

The GNSO is now inviting comments from the public. Feedback will help identify:

• Gaps in the current rules and enforcement mechanisms.
• Potential approaches to strengthen DNS abuse mitigation.
• Community priorities for balancing security with openness of the DNS.

Once the consultation is complete, the GNSO Council will decide whether to formally open a policy process.

Role of civil society

Civil society plays an important role in this process through its participation in the GNSO, which is made up of different stakeholder groups. In particular, the Non-Commercial Stakeholder Group (NCSG) represents NGOs, academics, activists, and individual internet users.

While ICANN staff actually draft the Preliminary Issue Report, civil society representatives in the GNSO Council help shape whether such a report is requested in the first place and what its scope should be. After publication, civil society groups also have the opportunity to provide formal comments during the public consultation. These comments are then integrated into the Final Issue Report, which informs the GNSO Council’s decision on whether to launch a PDP.

This means civil society is not only a recipient of the process but also an active agenda-setter and watchdog, ensuring that issues like online safety and user protection remain central to ICANN’s work.