- The NRO has opened a public consultation on proposed updates to ICP-2, a key policy for recognizing new RIRs, with a focus on governance and operational principles.
- The questionnaire, open until November 19, 2024, will gather input that directly influences the new version of ICP-2, with responses accepted in English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese.
What happened
The Number Resource Organization (NRO) has announced an open call for feedback from the global Internet community regarding a key update to the Internet Coordination Policy-2 (ICP-2). This policy, which governs the process for recognizing new Regional Internet Registries (RIRs), was initially drafted in 2001 and is now being revised. The Address Supporting Organization Address Council (ASO AC), tasked with overseeing this update, has published a set of proposed principles and is soliciting input through a questionnaire that will shape the future of ICP-2.
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The proposed principles cover a wide range of topics, including RIR governance, ecosystem, and lifecycle. Notably, the document also outlines the criteria under which a Regional Internet Registry could potentially face “derecognition” if it fails to meet established standards. This is the first major step in modernizing ICP-2, and public input will help refine these principles before a final draft is presented.
The questionnaire, open from October 8 to November 19, 2024, invites anyone within the global Internet community to provide their insights. Feedback will directly impact how the principles are shaped in the new version of ICP-2. The NRO has made the survey available in four languages (English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese) to accommodate its global audience.
Why this is important
The revision of ICP-2 is significant as it ensures that the policy keeps pace with modern Internet infrastructure and governance needs. Since RIRs manage critical resources such as IPv4 and IPv6 addresses, it’s crucial that their governance remains transparent, secure, and efficient. The potential inclusion of derecognition criteria adds an extra layer of accountability, ensuring that all RIRs maintain high standards in their operations.
This revision could set important precedents for how global Internet policies evolve to address emerging challenges in IP resource allocation and management. Public feedback will play an essential role in determining how these principles are finalized, making participation in the survey an opportunity for stakeholders to help shape the future of Internet governance. The NRO’s commitment to open consultation demonstrates its aim to create an inclusive and forward-thinking policy environment.
