ICP-2 Review: Insights from APNIC 60 on Strengthening RIR Governance

The ICP-2 Review — RIR Governance Document Consultation, held at APNIC 60 on 11 September 2026, highlighted critical updates to the governance framework for Regional Internet Registries (RIRs). Representatives from the Number Resource Organization Number Council (NRO NC), including Akinori Maemura, Nicole Chan, and Di Ma, presented the revised document and addressed community questions during the event’s open mic sessions. The consultation aimed to ensure that the updated governance document adheres to principles of transparency, impartiality, and inclusiveness, which are vital for a stable and equitable Internet number registry system.

Key Community Feedback on Updated Governance Proposals

During the event, community members shared diverse perspectives about the revised ICP-2 document. One key comment welcomed the inclusion of values like transparency and impartiality in Article 4 of the document, emphasizing how these principles are crucial for building trust across the global network infrastructure. However, concerns were also raised regarding the efficacy of the updates in preventing incidents such as those faced by AFRINIC. Akinori Maemura acknowledged these limitations, noting that while governance frameworks provide guidelines, operational and legal challenges often require separate interventions.

Several attendees pointed out potential ambiguities in phrasing within the document. For example, the term “good corporate governance” in Article 4.1(e) was labeled as too vague, with suggestions to reference specific standards to provide more clarity. Other major concerns included the broad discretionary power given to RIRs for sub-delegating resources, as highlighted in Article 2.6(b)(ii). Participants expressed a need for more consultative processes to guarantee accountability and safeguard inclusiveness in resource distribution decisions.

Challenges to Balance RIR Governance Across Regions

A recurring point during the discussions was the inherent difficulty of implementing universal governance thresholds due to regional variations in membership structures. For instance, one commenter questioned the proposed 25% member threshold required to initiate ad hoc audits, arguing that such standard values might not align with the practical requirements of every RIR. Comparatively, APNIC’s existing two-thirds majority system for amending by-laws was cited as a more region-specific approach that fosters fairer governance.

Another pressing concern centered around the potential misuse of Sub-Regional Registries, with fears that they could bypass critical safeguards highlighted in the governance document. Akinori Maemura assured the audience that such implementation challenges would require diligent oversight by each RIR to ensure compliance with the broader governance document principles. The debate underscored the need for a balance between empowering RIR flexibility and maintaining transparency.

Next Steps and Community Involvement

To further refine the RIR Governance Document, the NRO NC has called for additional community feedback before the consultation period ends on 7 November 2025. A redline version of the document, comparing the differences between the first and second versions, has been made available for stakeholders. Additionally, a detailed summary highlighting key changes and the rationale behind them is also accessible, ensuring full transparency in the revision process.

The NRO NC also plans to engage with the community through a dedicated webinar on 21 October 2025, from 14:00 to 15:00 UTC +10, to facilitate deeper discussions and address unresolved concerns. Stakeholders are encouraged to subscribe to the ICP-2 Review mailing list to provide their comments and actively participate in shaping a governance framework that aligns with evolving Internet infrastructure demands.

With the ICP-2 document reaching its 25th anniversary, its revision reflects the growing need to adapt to modern challenges and strengthen the governance of Internet number resources. The upcoming changes aim to address existing gaps while ensuring that the principles of transparency, fairness, and accountability remain at the forefront of RIR operations globally.