FAQ
What is ICP-2?
ICP-2 is the Internet Coordination Policy developed in 2001 through the Address Supporting Organization (ASO), with the assistance of APNIC, ARIN, and RIPE NCC to establish the criteria for the recognition of new Regional Internet Registries (RIRs).
Historically, the criteria set forth was implicitly considered to be the standard that all RIRs must adhere to for the maintenance of their accreditation and recognition.
Why is ICP-2 being updated ?
The Internet and the RIR system have evolved significantly since ICP-2 was adopted in 2001. The NRO Executive Council (NRO EC) asked the ASO Address Council, acting in its role as the NRO Number Council (ASO AC/NRO NC), to review ICP-2 and consider improvements to strengthen the governance, accountability and stability of the RIR system.
The ASO AC/NRO NC has now completed its drafting work and delivered the ASO AC Recommended Draft RIR Governance Document to the NRO EC for its consideration and the next stages of the process.
Why is ICP-2 important?
RIRs manage the allocation and distribution of Internet number resources such as IP addresses and Autonomous System Numbers within their specified regions. They are responsible for ensuring a fair and organized system for managing and distributing these resources based on justified need, which allows the Internet to function smoothly. Because the ICP-2 document establishes criteria for the establishment and recognition of the RIRs, it is a crucial guiding document to preserve the health of the global Internet.
What is the scope of the ICP-2 update?
The review was designed to update ICP-2 so that it reflects current governance and operational expectations for RIRs. The work addresses the lifecycle of an RIR, including recognition, ongoing operation and accountability, and potential derecognition.
The ASO AC/NRO NC’s drafting mandate is now complete. The Recommended Draft has been delivered to the NRO EC, which is responsible for the next stages, including review, coordination with ICANN and the RIRs, and the pathway toward a final version. Detailed implementation arrangements are separate from the governance document itself.
What has the ICP-2 review process involved?
The full process is published and notes completed steps.
The ICP-2 review has followed a staged and iterative process. The ASO AC/NRO NC first reviewed the existing ICP-2 and developed proposed principles for an updated framework. Community feedback on those principles informed the first draft of the RIR Governance Document.
The first draft was consulted on in April-May 2025. Feedback from that consultation informed Version 2, which was published for a second consultation from 28 August to 7 November 2025. Feedback from the second consultation, subsequent engagement with the RIR and ICANN communities, and further drafting work informed the ASO AC Recommended Draft delivered to the NRO EC in July 2026.
The NRO EC is now responsible for progressing the next stages of the process.
What is the current status of the ICP-2 review?
On 28 July 2026, the ASO AC/NRO NC completed Version 3 of the RIR Governance Document and formally delivered the ASO AC Recommended Draft RIR Governance Document to the NRO EC. Responsibility for the document has now transitioned to the NRO EC.
The NRO EC will review the Recommended Draft and progress the next stages of the process, including coordination with ICANN and the RIRs and the pathway toward a final version. Any future opportunities for community input will be communicated by the NRO EC.
How have the RIR communities and other stakeholders been involved?
Community participation has been central throughout the ICP-2 review. Input has been gathered through the principles questionnaire, RIR community mailing lists, webinars and online sessions, RIR meetings and community fora, engagement with ICANN communities, and ICANN Public Comment processes.
Two consultation rounds were held on draft versions of the RIR Governance Document in 2025. The feedback received through these channels informed revisions to the document. Any future opportunities for community input will be communicated by the NRO EC.
How was community feedback used in preparing the Recommended Draft?
Community feedback shaped each stage of the review. Feedback on the proposed principles informed the first draft of the RIR Governance Document. Feedback on the first draft informed Version 2. Feedback received during the second consultation from 28 August to 7 November 2025, together with subsequent RIR and ICANN community engagement and further ASO AC/NRO NC drafting work, informed the ASO AC Recommended Draft delivered to the NRO EC.
To support transparency and make the changes easier to review, the Recommended Draft is accompanied by supporting materials, including a rationale summarizing key changes from Version 2 and a redline comparison showing changes from Version 2.
Any future opportunities for community input will be announced by the NRO EC.
How can I stay informed or participate in any future consultation?
The ASO AC/NRO NC drafting phase is complete and responsibility for the next stages has transitioned to the NRO EC. Any further opportunities for community input will be communicated by the NRO EC through the NRO and RIR channels.
Community members can continue to follow updates on the NRO website and through the mailing lists and communication channels of their RIR region.
What materials are available to support review of the Recommended Draft?
The publication package for the ASO AC Recommended Draft includes the Recommended Draft RIR Governance Document, a rationale summarizing the key changes from Version 2, and a redline comparison showing changes from Version 2. These materials are intended to make it easier for the community to understand both the updated text and the reasons for the changes.
Will the ICP-2 update affect National Internet Registries (NIRs)?
National Internet Registries (NIRs) have agreements with their respective Regional Internet Registries (RIRs). RIRs will be responsible for compliance with the updated ICP-2, even where they have delegated responsibilities to an NIR. As such RIRs will need to ensure that their NIRs are in compliance with relevant provisions of the updated ICP-2.
Last modified on 01/09/2026