2026 New gTLD Program Overview: What’s New in Round 2?

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is set to launch the long-anticipated second round of the New Generic Top-Level Domain (gTLD) Program in 2026. This initiative builds on the foundation laid by the 2012 round, which dramatically expanded the Domain Name System (DNS) beyond traditional extensions like .com, .net, and .org. The upcoming 2026 round introduces a number of substantive changes, refinements, and policy evolutions aimed at addressing shortcomings of the first round while enhancing global participation, transparency, and efficiency.

One of the most notable developments in the 2026 round is the implementation of a streamlined application process, which aims to reduce complexity for prospective applicants, particularly those from underserved regions and smaller organizations. ICANN has overhauled the Applicant Guidebook (AGB), reorganizing it for clarity and segmenting the application paths according to the type of TLD being sought—standard, community-based, brand, or geographic. The new structure allows for differentiated treatment in evaluation, contracting, and delegation procedures. Additionally, the AGB is now modular and web-based, making it easier to navigate and interact with, a far cry from the lengthy and sometimes opaque PDF version of 2012.

The introduction of a new digital application platform also marks a significant evolution. Applicants will now engage with an interactive portal that integrates evaluation, public comment, objection, and contention resolution phases. Enhanced security protocols and digital signature requirements have been incorporated to mitigate fraud and ensure the integrity of the process. ICANN has also introduced predictive guidance tools within the platform, allowing applicants to receive real-time feedback on application completeness and potential policy issues before submission.

In a concerted effort to increase inclusivity, ICANN has expanded its Applicant Support Program. This initiative now offers deeper financial assistance, language support in multiple UN languages, and a global mentorship network comprising past applicants, registry operators, and DNS policy experts. The support is not merely monetary; it extends to pre-application coaching, community-building tools, and access to ICANN’s regional engagement centers. The 2026 round has made it a priority to lower barriers to entry, especially for indigenous communities, developing economies, and applicants proposing culturally or linguistically significant strings.

Evaluation criteria have been refined for greater transparency and fairness. String similarity assessments now leverage machine learning models to supplement human judgment, reducing subjectivity and inconsistency. Public interest commitments, which were previously voluntary and varied widely in quality, are now governed by standardized templates and enforcement mechanisms. Moreover, ICANN has embedded new requirements regarding DNS abuse mitigation, requiring all applicants to commit to specific technical and operational measures to combat phishing, malware distribution, and botnet control.

A significant procedural enhancement is the overhaul of the objection and dispute resolution system. ICANN has consolidated its partnerships with dispute resolution providers and introduced an independent appeals mechanism for certain objection outcomes, including those involving GAC early warnings and community objections. The GAC’s role has also been clarified and codified in an updated process that emphasizes consultation and transparency rather than opaque intergovernmental interventions.

For brand owners and corporations, the 2026 round introduces a faster and more predictable process for applying for .brand TLDs. These applications now benefit from a dedicated track, reduced evaluation burden, and clearer delegation timelines. Furthermore, ICANN has provided tailored contractual provisions that allow greater operational flexibility while maintaining DNS stability and compliance standards.

Perhaps one of the most transformative features of the new round is the implementation of a phased launch schedule. Instead of opening a single application window, ICANN will open several limited-time application batches over a 12- to 18-month period. This approach is designed to prevent application bottlenecks, reduce contention rates, and enable ICANN to better allocate resources. Each phase will focus on specific categories of TLDs or regional participation goals, and the results of earlier phases will inform adjustments in subsequent rounds.

From a policy development standpoint, the second round is grounded in years of exhaustive community input, public comment periods, and multi-stakeholder working group recommendations. The Subsequent Procedures PDP Working Group (SubPro) contributed over 300 consensus recommendations, many of which are now fully embedded in the 2026 procedures. These include clearer definitions of terms like “registry services,” better mechanisms for private resolution of contention sets, and revised rules for name collision risk management.

The 2026 gTLD round thus represents a maturing of ICANN’s commitment to DNS innovation and inclusivity. It incorporates a decade’s worth of lessons learned, technological advancement, and stakeholder feedback. While challenges remain—particularly in balancing the needs of commercial stakeholders, public interest advocates, and emerging market participants—the architecture of Round 2 suggests a more scalable, fair, and accountable system. As the Internet continues to globalize and diversify, the expansion of the domain namespace in 2026 is poised to play a critical role in enabling digital identity, cultural representation, and economic opportunity for communities around the world.

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The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is set to launch the long-anticipated second round of the New Generic Top-Level Domain (gTLD) Program in 2026. This initiative builds on the foundation laid by the 2012 round, which dramatically expanded the Domain Name System (DNS) beyond traditional extensions like .com, .net, and .org. The…