ICANN Extends Deadline for Expressions of Interest: 2026 Round Independent Objectors
17-May-2026
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Source : The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)
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LOS ANGELES - The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has extended the deadline to respond to its call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) to identify three individuals or entities to serve as Independent Objectors in the New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) Program: 2026 Round. The new deadline to apply is Monday June 1, 2026, 23:59 UTC, according to the official website of ICANN.
The Independent Objectors will file Community and Limited Public Interest objections and appeals, and participate in mediation, where appropriate. Although an individual may be affiliated with a firm, that individual will be ultimately responsible for the processes described in this EOI. Individuals from the same firm will not be considered.
The 2026 Round includes an objection process, which affords certain parties an opportunity to advance arguments on different grounds against identified applications for new gTLDs. Objections may also be filed by Independent Objectors, who do not act on behalf of any particular person or entity, but solely in the interest of the public (i.e., global Internet users).
To mitigate possible conflict-of-interest issues that could arise from having a single panelist serving as Independent Objector, there will be a standing panel of three Independent Objectors, one of whom will act as chair. Neither the ICANN organization nor the ICANN Board has authority to direct or require the Independent Objectors to file or not file any particular objection.
If an individual Independent Objector determines that an objection should be filed, that Independent Objector will initiate and pursue the objection in the public interest.
This is a public EOI, meaning that anyone can participate. For a complete overview, including the timeline, please consult this webpage.
Indications of interest should be emailed to 26r-independent-objectors-eoi@icann.org and provide the following information:
• Company name (if applicable)
• Contact name
• Contact email address
Official responses to this EOI should be electronically submitted using ICANN's sourcing tool by 23:59 UTC on June 1, 2026. Access to this tool may be requested via the same email address.