GNSO launches call for community participation in DNS abuse mitigation policy process
The GNSO Secretariat has invited ICANN community groups to nominate representatives for a newly launched Policy Development Process on DNS abuse mitigation, following the formal adoption of the PDP charter in mid-January.
On 15 January 2026, the Secretariat of the Generic Names Supporting Organization circulated a notice to leaders of ICANN Supporting Organizations, Advisory Committees, Stakeholder Groups, and Constituencies, inviting them to participate in a newly initiated Policy Development Process (PDP) on DNS Abuse Mitigation.
The communication follows a vote by the GNSO Council on 12 December 2025 to initiate the PDP, and the formal adoption of the first phase charter on 15 January 2026. The new process, referred to as DNS Abuse Mitigation PDP Phase 1, is intended to examine policy measures related to the mitigation of DNS abuse, with participation structured across ICANN’s community groups.
According to the notice, each participating Supporting Organization, Advisory Committee, Stakeholder Group, or Constituency may nominate representatives to serve as Members, Participants, or Alternates within the PDP Working Group. Observers will also be able to follow the deliberations, although they will not be considered active participants in the policy development process.
The charter sets out limits on the number of representatives each group may nominate in each role. These allocations are detailed in a table included on pages 8 and 9 of the charter document. Participation is voluntary, and only those community groups that choose to engage will be represented in the working group.
Community members interested in taking part are asked to contact their respective group leadership to express interest and receive further instructions on enrollment. The Secretariat emphasised that the PDP will be composed of representatives from each participating SO, AC, SG, or Constituency, in line with the charter’s provisions.
The call marks the next step in ICANN’s ongoing policy work on DNS abuse, moving the initiative from council approval into active community-led deliberation.
