ICANN appoints PwC for applicant background checks in 2026 gTLD round
ICANN has appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers Advisory Services LLC to conduct background screening for applicants seeking to operate new generic top-level domains in its 2026 round. The checks are a mandatory part of the evaluation process and are intended to ensure that successful applicants meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has selected PricewaterhouseCoopers Advisory Services LLC (PwC) to carry out background screening for applicants in the 2026 round of its New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) Program.
The appointment, announced on 15 October, follows a competitive procurement process launched in November 2025. ICANN said the selection was based on PwC’s capabilities and experience in reviewing individual and organisational information, examining public records and assessing applicants against the programme’s eligibility criteria.
Background screening is a mandatory stage of the application process. It is intended to protect the public interest in the allocation of critical internet resources by ensuring that organisations seeking to operate new gTLDs meet the requirements set out in the 2026 Round Applicant Guidebook.
PwC’s corporate intelligence and due diligence practice works on background checks, compliance risks and investigations involving multiple jurisdictions. ICANN said it expects the company to apply this expertise when evaluating applicants in the upcoming round.
The appointment forms part of the preparations for the 2026 gTLD application round, through which eligible applicants can seek to operate new domain extensions. The screening process will help determine whether applicants satisfy the requirements for participation in the programme.
Further details on the screening requirements are available in Section 6.1 of the 2026 Round Applicant Guidebook. Questions about the announcement can be directed to globalsupport@icann.org.
