- ICANN, under new CEO Kurtis Lindqvist, reflects on a productive 2024 while facing financial challenges.
- Key initiatives include new policies, global collaborations, and a focus on digital inclusion.
What happened: ICANN’s recent developments and changes
As 2024 draws to a close, ICANN enters a new chapter under the leadership of Kurtis Lindqvist, the newly appointed president and CEO. This year has seen significant achievements, including the publication of the Registration Data Policy in February, following extensive collaboration within the ICANN community.
The inaugural ICANN Grant Program application cycle opened in March, attracting 247 submissions, while the second Universal Acceptance Day engaged over 6,500 participants across 52 global events. Progress was made towards new generic top-level domain applications, alongside the launch of support programmes in November. However, ICANN has faced challenges, particularly in navigating a complex financial landscape, prompting the Board to make tough decisions to ensure financial sustainability.
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Why it is important
The developments at ICANN are pivotal for the future of internet governance. The successful implementation of the Registration Data Policy represents a significant step towards enhancing transparency and user protection in domain registration. This initiative aligns with broader industry efforts to address privacy and data security, particularly in light of increasing scrutiny from regulatory bodies globally.
The opening of the ICANN Grant Program highlights the organisation’s commitment to fostering innovation and inclusivity within the internet ecosystem, inviting diverse perspectives and solutions from around the world.Moreover, ICANN’s engagement in global conversations about internet governance, particularly its participation in the U.N.
General Assembly’s adoption of the Global Digital Compact, underscores the importance of multistakeholder collaboration. These discussions are critical as they lay the groundwork for the upcoming 20-year review of the World Summit on the Information Society outcomes, shaping policies that will influence the digital landscape for years to come.
ICANN’s focus on combating Domain Name System abuse and collaborating with UNESCO for a more inclusive internet is particularly relevant in an era where digital inclusion is paramount. As technology evolves, the role of ICANN in ensuring that the internet remains a safe, resilient, and accessible resource for all becomes increasingly vital. The decisions made today will resonate through the industry, impacting users and organisations alike as we move into 2025 and beyond.
