Published GAC Member Early Warnings
A GAC Member Early Warning is a notice provided by one or more ICANN Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC) members or observers concerning a New gTLD Program: 2026 Round application. The GAC Member Early Warning process enables GAC members and observers to caution that a New gTLD Program application is regarded as potentially sensitive or problematic by one or more GAC members or observers.
| Applies to | An application regarded as potentially sensitive or problematic by one or more GAC members or observers. |
| Submitted by | GAC members or observers. |
| Timeline | Should be submitted in the 104 days following String Confirmation Day. |
| Requirements |
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| Applicant Notification | ICANN notifies applicants of GAC Member Early Warnings as soon as practicable after receipt via the TLD Application System. |
| Applicant Response | Applicants are encouraged to enter into dialogue directly with the concerned parties as soon as possible to address the concerns described in the Early Warning. |
| Impact | A GAC Member Early Warning is a notice mechanism and has no direct impact on an applicant's ability to proceed in the New gTLD Program evaluation process. However, evaluator panels may consider GAC Member Early Warnings as part of their review, and GAC Member Early Warnings may precede GAC Consensus Advice or an objection at a later stage. Applicants are encouraged to take them seriously. |
| Resources | Applicant Guidebook: Other resources: |