- LACNIC has proposed an update to ICP-2, aiming to reinforce the governance and accountability of Regional Internet Registries without overhauling the existing system.
- The consultation period for the draft document concluded on 27 May 2025, with the final version pending review and implementation by RIRs and ICANN.
What happened: LACNIC proposes changes to ICP-2 RIR governance rules
The Latin American and Caribbean Internet Addresses Registry (LACNIC) has proposed an update to the Internet Coordination Policy-2 (ICP-2), a document that outlines the criteria for the recognition and establishment of new Regional Internet Registries (RIRs). Originally accepted by the ICANN Board in June 2001, ICP-2 has served as a foundational guideline for over two decades.
In 2023, the Number Resource Organization Number Council (NRO NC), comprising representatives from the five RIRs, initiated a review of ICP-2 to ensure it reflects the current state of the Internet and the RIR system. The proposed revision, titled “Governance Document for the Recognition, Maintenance, and Derecognition of Regional Internet Registries,” aims to strengthen the governance and accountability of RIRs without fundamentally altering the existing system.
The consultation period for this draft document was open from 14 April to 27 May 2025, allowing stakeholders to provide feedback. The NRO NC plans to incorporate this feedback into the final version, which will then be submitted to the RIRs and ICANN for review and implementation.
Also read: RIPE 90 closes with calls for ICP-2 update improvements and number portability
Also read: Worry and concern in ICP-2 discussions at RIPE 90
Why it’s important
The ICP-2 revision reflects ongoing concerns about whether current RIR governance structures are keeping pace with changes in the global Internet landscape. The proposal aims to clarify the expectations around recognising and managing RIRs, particularly in terms of transparency and accountability. While the initiative promotes community involvement, questions remain about how these changes will be implemented and whether they will lead to any tangible shifts in policy or oversight. The consultation process may surface differing views on what constitutes effective governance in a decentralised system.
