ICANN seeks public input on updated charter amendment process for GNSO Groups

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has launched a Public Comment proceeding on proposed updates to the process for amending the charters of its Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO) stakeholder groups and constituencies.

What are charters, and why do they matter?

Within ICANN, the GNSO is the body responsible for developing policies related to generic top-level domains (gTLDs), such as .com, .org, or .info. The GNSO is made up of stakeholder groups and constituencies, each governed by its own charter – a document that sets out rules, responsibilities, and procedures.

Under ICANN’s Bylaws (Article 11, Section 5.c), these charters must be formally recognised by the ICANN Board. Any amendments also require Board approval. Regular charter reviews are considered best practice to ensure groups remain effective and accountable as the internet governance environment evolves.

Why is the process being updated?

The existing process for amending charters was approved in 2013. Since then, ICANN’s community has grown in size and complexity, and governance documents have become more detailed. To address these changes, ICANN is proposing a revised process that:

• Introduces a new organisational structure aligned with ICANN’s project management framework.
• Provides a more in-depth review of charter changes by ICANN staff to match the evolving needs of community groups.
• Clarifies the role of ICANN staff, including a requirement that stakeholder groups and constituencies notify ICANN when they begin drafting amendments.
• Supplies charter and operating procedure templates based on best practices and recommendations from ICANN’s Enhancing Accountability Work Stream 2.

Background and timing

ICANN originally drafted the updates in 2022. However, the public consultation was delayed because several GNSO groups were already revising their charters, and ICANN wanted to avoid disrupting their work. With those revisions now complete, the public input process has been opened.

Next steps

Once the Public Comment period closes, ICANN staff will prepare a summary report, and the ICANN Board’s Organizational Effectiveness Committee (OEC) will review the feedback. The ICANN Board will then consider whether to adopt the updated process.

Why it matters

This update is not just a procedural detail: it shapes how ICANN’s policy-making bodies organise themselves, maintain accountability, and focus on internet governance priorities. By participating in the consultation, community members, including civil society, industry, and governments, can help ensure the process is both efficient and inclusive.