ICANN seeks input on dispute rules for IGOs and INGOs
ICANN has opened a public comment process on draft changes to domain name dispute procedures for intergovernmental and international nongovernmental organisations.
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers has opened a public comment process on the implementation of curative rights protections for intergovernmental organisations and international nongovernmental organisations.
The consultation opened on 30 June 2026 and will close on 10 August 2026.
Curative rights refer to procedures that allow an organisation to act after a domain name has allegedly been registered or used in an abusive way. In ICANN’s system, these procedures include the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy, known as the UDRP, and the Uniform Rapid Suspension procedure, known as the URS.
The UDRP can be used to challenge abusive domain registrations and may result in a domain name being transferred or cancelled. The URS is a faster process intended for clear cases and can lead to the temporary suspension of a domain name.
The issue is more complex for intergovernmental organisations. IGOs may have legal privileges and immunities that affect how they can participate in court proceedings. ICANN’s draft implementation documents aim to allow recognised IGOs to use the UDRP and URS without giving up those protections.
At the same time, the proposal seeks to protect the rights of domain name registrants. It would introduce a new arbitral process that registrants could use to challenge the outcome of certain UDRP or URS cases involving an IGO.
Under the draft approach, an IGO complainant would not have to agree to the standard “mutual jurisdiction” requirement used in UDRP and URS procedures. Instead, if a registrant seeks further review in defined circumstances, the IGO would have to participate in the new arbitration process.
The public comment package includes draft updates to the UDRP, the UDRP Rules, the URS procedure, the URS Rules, and policy guidance on IGO use of the UDRP and URS. The guidance is non-binding and is intended to explain eligibility, standing, and arbitration options.
ICANN says the consultation is focused on implementation. It asks the community to assess whether the draft documents properly reflect Board-approved policy recommendations, rather than reopening the policy debate itself.
After the comment period closes, ICANN will prepare a summary and analysis report. It will then review the comments with the Implementation Review Team before publishing the final updated UDRP and URS documents.
