Updates
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.
ICANN completes DNS root key rollover
ICANN completed the scheduled rollover of the DNS root zone key signing key on 11 October 2026. The organisation is investigating reports of issues affecting a limited number of systems and will continue monitoring the network as the process moves towards the planned revocation of the previous key in January 2027.
LACNIC and REGULATEL agree to deepen cooperation on internet development
LACNIC and REGULATEL have signed a memorandum of understanding to coordinate initiatives on internet governance, connectivity and digital inclusion across Latin America and the Caribbean. The agreement also covers IPv6 adoption, internet exchange points and capacity building.
Kazakhstan becomes 84th party to the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime
Kazakhstan acceded to the Council of Europe’s Convention on Cybercrime on 14 October 2026, becoming its 84th party. The treaty will enter into force for the country on 1 February 2027.
ICANN opens consultation on automated DNSSEC security records
ICANN is inviting public feedback on an assessment of the security and stability implications of automating DNSSEC Delegation Signer (DS) records. The assessment will inform a fast-track process for evaluating registry services that support this automation, with comments open until 23 November 2026.
ETSI launches work on standards for AI-native networks
ETSI’s new Technical Committee on Federated Network, Edge, Cloud and AI Technologies has begun developing standards for infrastructure that brings connectivity, computing and AI resources together across networks, cloud platforms, edge systems and devices. Four working groups will lead its initial technical activities.
IGF invites Global South journalists to apply for support to cover its 2026 meeting
The Internet Governance Forum is inviting journalists from the Global South to apply for travel support to cover its 21st annual meeting in Nairobi, Kenya, from 14 to 18 December 2026. Applications close on 26 October, with selected participants expected to report on digital governance through diverse regional and community perspectives.
UNCTAD warns that technology investment is deepening global development divides
UNCTAD expects global economic growth to slow to 2.6% in 2026 and warns that developing economies face growing obstacles to capturing value from emerging technologies. Its latest report calls for coordinated industrial, financial and technology policies to strengthen domestic industries and expand participation in global value chains.
ICANN appoints Charles Mok to lead 2027 Nominating Committee
ICANN has appointed Charles Mok as chair and Ron da Silva as chair-elect of its 2027 Nominating Committee. The committee selects candidates for several leadership and advisory roles across the organisation’s governance structure.
Greece proposes minimum age of 15 for social media access
Greece has submitted legislation that would prohibit children under 15 from accessing social media platforms from 1 January 2027. The bill proposes privacy-preserving age checks and enforcement through existing regulatory mechanisms under the EU’s Digital Services Act framework.
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