ICANN appoints Analysys Mason to assess community-based domain applications
ICANN has selected Analysys Mason as the provider responsible for evaluating community-based applications in the upcoming 2026 round of new generic top-level domains.
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has announced that Analysys Mason Limited will serve as the Community Priority Evaluation (CPE) provider for the New gTLD Program: 2026 Round.
The appointment, announced on 18 March 2026, follows a competitive procurement process launched in August 2025. Analysys Mason was selected to carry out evaluations that determine whether certain domain name applications qualify for priority status based on community backing.
Community Priority Evaluation is a mechanism used in ICANN’s domain name expansion programme to assess applications that claim to represent a specific community. Successful applicants may receive priority over competing bids for the same top-level domain.
ICANN stated that the selection aims to ensure that these evaluations are conducted in a transparent and consistent manner. The organisation also noted that the process requires specialised expertise due to the complexity of assessing community representation and support.
Analysys Mason, a consulting firm specialising in technology and telecommunications, has experience in conducting complex assessments across multiple sectors and jurisdictions.
The decision forms part of ICANN’s preparations for the next round of domain name expansion, which is expected to introduce new top-level domains into the global internet infrastructure.
