The future of the Internet is on the line. Later this year, the United Nations (U.N.) will reconsider the principles that have kept the Internet open, secure, and globally connected for two decades. At stake is a fundamental question: Will the Internet remain guided by inclusive multistakeholder collaboration – or shift toward control by a single stakeholder, risking fragmentation?
In December 2025, the U.N. General Assembly will conduct a review of the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), known as the 20-year review of the WSIS outcomes or WSIS+20 review process. The U.N. will reexamine the WSIS foundational principles of global Internet governance as outlined in the Tunis Agenda, the WSIS+10 Outcome Document, and the Global Digital Compact, with the purpose of assessing progress and identifying areas for continued focus. The outcome of this process could have profound implications for how the Internet is governed in the future.
For the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and the broader Internet community, the core issue is the future of the multistakeholder model of Internet governance. This model has enabled an open, secure, and interoperable Internet, but some U.N. member states advocate for a multilateral approach. If the latter is adopted, decision-making could shift to a single body – such as the U.N. – excluding key stakeholders. This risks technical fragmentation, reduced innovation, slower digital transformation, and weakened global interoperability.
Why It Matters: The Internet's Stability and Future Are at Risk
The Internet's success is built on technical coordination driven by consensus across a diverse set of stakeholders. ICANN's role in maintaining a secure and stable Domain Name System (DNS) is a key part of this governance structure. Any erosion of the multistakeholder model risks sidelining the technical community, introducing geopolitical influence and motivation into technical decision-making, and undermining the open and interoperable nature of the Internet.
In 2025, ICANN aims to strengthen its engagement. While recognizing WSIS' broad scope, our efforts will remain focused and aligned with ICANN's mission and remit.
Within that context, ICANN's goals are:
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Preservation of the multistakeholder model of Internet governance.
Rationale: The multistakeholder model underpins an open, global, secure, and interoperable Internet. Replacing it with a top-down, multilateral approach risks fragmentation of the Internet's technical foundation.
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Recognition of the unique role of the technical community in Internet governance.
Rationale: The technical community comprises organizations and groups that play essential roles in the Internet's daily technical operations. Its unique function ensures the Internet remains smooth and interoperable, supporting business, government, and civil society. Partnering with relevant stakeholders to inform discussions is also a key part of its work.
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Extension of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) Mandate.
Rationale: The IGF is the main multistakeholder platform within the U.N. for discussing Internet-related public policy. It enables all stakeholders, including governments, to engage equally and exchange ideas that support Internet development. For the technical community, it's a space to share expertise and ensure policy discussions are grounded in technical realities. For ICANN, the IGF is an opportunity to highlight the success of the multistakeholder model and demonstrate the value of inclusive, bottom-up governance that prioritizes technical stability over political interests.
ICANN's WSIS+20 Engagement Strategy
ICANN is actively engaging in the WSIS+20 processes to advocate for these principles. Our success depends on broader awareness and participation. We are focusing on:
- Sharing Knowledge
- Create and share accessible materials (e.g., the Internet governance fact sheet).
- Use existing channels to ensure broad, accurate reach.
- Partnering With Other Organizations
- Collaborate to align messaging while respecting diverse perspectives.
- Engaging With the ICANN Community
- Utilize community networks to raise awareness and encourage action.
- Deepening Outreach and Capacity Building
- Increase engagement with the Governmental Advisory Committee, governments, intergovernmental organizations (IGOs), and underserved groups.
- Support capacity building for diplomats and officials through collaborations with intergovernmental organizations
- Promote broader awareness and participation in WSIS+20.
Call to Action: Stay Informed, Spread the Word, Get Involved
The WSIS+20 review will shape the future of Internet governance for years to come. The Internet community cannot afford to be passive observers. We urge stakeholders across sectors to stay informed, engage in discussions, and advocate for the preservation of an open, secure, and single, interoperable Internet.
ICANN's mission is to support a single, global Internet for all. The decisions made in the coming months will determine whether we continue on this path – or risk fragmentation and unbalanced control. The time to act is now.