The Freename Forum

Forecasts for 2025

Our forecasts for the past year largely came true as expected. Combating the misuse of domain names was once again high on the agenda of many market participants, as was the forthcoming implementation of the NIS2 directive by registries and registrars. However, it remains to be seen to what extent it can contribute to the desired effect - more secure communication. This is because significant parts of the global internet are not covered by the NIS2 regulations, such as all social platforms.

The working group on the introduction of new TLDs has delivered its results on time, making the application window for gTLDs in 2026 more likely.

In view of the ongoing crises, it is difficult to make predictions for 2025 this year - but we will do so anyway:

1. Geopolitics & internet governance play a greater role

In the face of global tensions, it remains essential to preserve one Internet and integrate all those who are not part of it. Therefore, the global Internet community should make every effort to support countries in any way possible to become and remain part of the one global Internet. Both indirectly through organizations such as ICANN, IGF and ISOC, or directly at the political level. Because at least as important as the commitment of the technical community is a clear political signal of cooperation and support.

This year's Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Oslo in June will provide a first good opportunity to discuss and decide on activities and communicate them with a global signal effect. The WSIS+20 review process in Geneva in July will also provide a good opportunity for this. After all, this year marks 20 years since the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) began, and is an opportunity to review the general implementation of the WSIS results.

2. Threat of concentration of power through regulation

In recent years, we have seen an increasing frequency of regulation at EU level through NIS-2, DSA, DMA and AI-ACT, for example. They are intended to protect consumers from the dangers of the internet. Unfortunately, regulations do not necessarily lead to the desired improvements from the user's perspective, but rather impose further rules on the DNS industry. This is where the entire industry, together with politicians, is called upon to implement the desired goals in a meaningful way through dialog and exchange formats. Otherwise, there is a risk that regulations will have a negative impact on the diversity of providers and lead to further concentration, primarily of US platforms and companies.

3. blockchain & ICANN TLDs grow together

The topic remains on the agenda of the DNS industry, as initial successes show how the two worlds can merge. The first TLD operators are considering whether to offer their e TLDs based on blockchain technology. Blockchain providers are also positioning themselves to apply for a Web2 TLD in 2026.

4. gTLD application round becomes concrete

With the launch of the Applicant Support Program and the voluntary pre-certification as a registry backend provider, the first important steps have been initiated to accept applications for new TLDs. We expect the SubPro Implementation Review Team (SubPro IRT), in which we have been actively involved, to complete its work on time in the first half of 2025. As a result of this process, the new Applicant Handbook will regulate the framework conditions under which applications for a gTLD can be submitted to ICANN from probably April 2026.

5. Combating DNS abuse remains an important task

The misuse of domains for criminal activities continues to be an important issue in our industry, even if it only affects very few players on a relevant scale. Many stakeholders take their responsibility seriously and implement comprehensive measures against abuse. The voluntary commitments of registries and registrars in the contracts with ICANN, which are supplemented individually by further voluntary commitments, also contribute to this.

6. Sustainability in the DNA industry - on the way to voluntary commitment?

As an industry, we owe answers to the question of how we can contribute to a more sustainable future for our industry. After all, it is undisputed that the DNS industry, and by extension the Internet industry, contributes significantly to global CO2 emissions. At ICANN, and in the DNS industry as a whole, we have taken the first steps towards capacity building on sustainability. Although progress has been small, we will continue to lead by example and actively shape the process this year, including through workshops and know-how transfer. In our view, the aim is to make a contribution with effective measures, which could include, for example, a voluntary commitment by the DNA industry.