- The draft updates the 2001 ICP-2 policy to reflect current internet governance needs.
- Public consultation is open until 27 May 2025, with feedback to be reviewed at ICANN 83.
What happened: ARIN seeks global feedback on revised RIR governance framework
On 14 April 2025, ARIN announced the start of a public consultation regarding a draft “Governance Document for the Recognition, Maintenance, and Derecognition of Regional Internet Registries.” This document proposes updates to the criteria that guide the establishment and oversight of RIRs under the Internet Coordination Policy 2 (ICP-2).
The consultation is part of ARIN’s process for gathering input from stakeholders, including RIRs and ICANN, across the global community. The proposed document outlines new criteria and expectations for RIRs, along with procedures for remediation if these criteria are not met. The consultation will remain open until 5:00 PM ET on 27 May 2025, and all feedback will be considered by the Number Resource Organization Number Council (NRO NC) to guide future decisions on RIR governance.
Also read: How many Regional Internet Registries (RIRs) are there?
Also read: NRO NC publishes ICP-2 principles questionnaire results
Why it’s important
The consultation addresses important aspects of how RIRs are recognised and held accountable. With the evolving needs of internet governance and number resource management, this initiative aims to ensure that the current criteria remain relevant and enforceable.
However, there are questions about the practical impact of the consultation. While ARIN positions this as an opportunity for transparency, it remains unclear how much influence community feedback will have on the final decisions made by the NRO NC. The outcome of this process will reveal whether the consultation is truly reflective of the community’s needs or if it serves more as a formality.
