Internet Coordination Policy-2
What is ICP-2
IP address space is distributed by Regional Internet Registries (RIRs). This well-established registry system has been developed within the communities that need and use IP address space for their operations and businesses. It has evolved over time and is based on structures and procedures that are open, transparent, and now deeply embedded.
The Internet Coordination Policy 2 (ICP-2) document sets out the criteria for establishment of new RIRs. It was developed through ICANN’s Address Supporting Organization (ASO) with the assistance of APNIC, ARIN, and RIPE NCC, was recommended by the ASO’s Address Council, and on 4 June 2001 was accepted by the ICANN Board of Directors as a statement of essential requirements for the recognition of new Regional Internet Registries (RIRs).
Since it was published, two additional RIRs (AFRINIC, LACNIC), have been added to the system’s original three (APNIC, ARIN, RIPE NCC).
Updating ICP-2 to reflect the modern Internet
The Internet landscape has changed significantly over the last two decades.
In October 2023, the Number Resource Organization Executive Council (NRO EC) asked the Address Supporting Organization Address Council (ASO AC) to establish and manage a process to update the ICP-2 document. This update will be conducted in consultation with each of the RIR and ICANN communities to enhance the RIR system’s accountability to the broader Internet community.
See the Frequently Asked Questions page for answers to common questions about the ICP-2 document and the process by which it is being updated.
Process and timelines
The ASO AC believes the modification of ICP-2 requires an open and transparent consultation process to allow participation from across the global Internet community.
Because ICP-2 was not developed through the policy development process of the RIRs, nor does it fit within the definition of a Global Policy (as defined in the ASO MoU), the ASO AC has designed an open and transparent process to guide the review of ICP-2.
A detailed description of the process that has been undertaken, and associated timelines, can be found on the Process for the review of ICP-2 and Timeline page.
Principles
ICP-2, accepted in June 2001, identified ten fundamental principles essential for any organization seeking to become a new RIR.
Similarly, the process of updating ICP-2 began with the ASO AC publishing core principles that should be reflected in the updated RIR Governance Document. These principles cover RIR governance, ecosystem, lifecycle, recognition and operation, and the potential ‘derecognition’ of an RIR if it fails to adhere to the criteria established. You can review the Proposed ICP-2 Version 2 Principles.
The NRO NC sought community input and feedback on these principles from the RIR communities by publishing and promoting a questionnaire. The questionnaire was open from 8 October until 6 December 2024. During this window, 298 individuals from the RIR communities made submissions.
The NRO NC completed a qualitative analysis and summary of those community responses. You can find the report, along with the raw data from the questionnaire, on the ICP-2 Principles Questionnaire Report and Data page.
Versions
The process to update ICP-2 to reflect the modern Internet has resulted in several versions of an RIR Governance Document.
| Document Version | Published | Notes |
| Original Internet Coordination Policy-2 document | Accepted 4 June 2001 | This is the founding document of the RIR system,and is being updated through this process. |
| RIR Governance Document | 14 April 2025 | This was a draft document, and has been replaced by an updated version which takes additional community input into account. |
| RIR Governance Document Version 2 | 28 August 2025 | This is the current draft version of the updated RIR governance document. |
| RIR Governance Document Version 2: Summary of Differences and Rationale for Changes | This summary explains the major differences between the two versions. It also explains why certain suggestions, while thoughtful and interesting, did not make their way into the second draft. |
Community Engagement
Each RIR hosted community consultations consisting of online or in-person sessions as well as inviting input via mailing lists. Additional opportunities to provide input were offered at various Internet conferences and events.
You can find the complete list of upcoming and ongoing engagement sessions, including past engagement sessions, on the Community Engagement page.
More information
Last modified on 28/01/2026