Governance
ICP-2 revamp: Everything you need to know
Learn about the ICP‑2 update and its impact on internet governance, RIRs, ICANN, and IANA oversight in 2025.
Headline
Learn about the ICP‑2 update and its impact on internet governance, RIRs, ICANN, and IANA oversight in 2025.
Context
The ICP‑2 documentation revamp currently underway marks one of the biggest changes to how Regional Internet Registries can be created, or disbanded, since they were first set up nearly 30 years ago. So what is ICP-2, why is it so important, and why is it being overhauled after 30 years of use? ICP‑2, also known as Internet Coordination Policy‑2 , was written in 2001. It created the basic rules for how new Regional Internet Registries (RIRs) could be set up. These registries manage IP addresses and Autonomous System Numbers. Each one is responsible for a different part of the world. The policy said that each RIR should serve a large area, work on its own, and be guided by people in its region. It also said that the RIR must be supported by the local internet community.
Evidence
Pending intelligence enrichment.
Analysis
These rules did not change for over 20 years. During that time, the internet grew much faster. It became more global. More people and companies needed IP addresses. At the same time, RIRs had to manage bigger networks and more demands. Some faced legal or management problems. Because of this, the Number Resource Organization (NRO) saw the need to update ICP‑2. In 2023, it began a plan to improve it. The update explains how RIRs should be run. It adds clear rules to help fix problems. It also tells what should happen if an RIR cannot do its job. The NRO wants these changes to make the system stronger and more fair. It also wants to keep the internet working smoothly without big disruptions. Led by the NRO Number Council (acting as the ASO Address Council) the overhaul is now in its community-feedback phase. From October to December 2024, nearly 300 responses were collected via a principles questionnaire. In February 2025, a qualitative analysis of that input was published. Between 14 April and 27 May 2025, a revised draft — retitled the “Governance Document for the Recognition, Maintenance, and Derecognition of Regional Internet Registries” — was opened for public comment across RIR mailing lists and ICANN forums. Next, through late 2025, feedback will be reviewed and integrated, leading to a final document scheduled for publication and adoption in Q3–Q4 2025.
Key Points
- ICP‑2 update adds detailed criteria for RIR recognition and new steps for removal.
- ICANN Board and IANA are key to enforcing clear, stable internet number governance.
Actions
Pending intelligence enrichment.
