ICANN’s New gTLD Round in 2026 and the Role of Registry Data Escrow

In April 2026, ICANN is expected to reopen applications for new Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs) and Country Code Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs). Organisations will once again have the opportunity to apply for their own domain extension — whether a brand-specific domain or a sector-focused one. This is the first application round since 2012 and marks a significant milestone in the continued evolution of the domain name system.

Owning a top-level domain offers clear strategic advantages. Organisations gain greater control over their digital identity, security, and governance. At the same time, operating a top-level domain comes with serious responsibility. A top-level domain is not a marketing campaign, it is a form of critical digital infrastructure.

What Does This Mean for Applicants?

Anyone applying for a new extension becomes responsible for operating the registry. The registry manages all domain name registrations under that extension. This means that registrant data, technical information, and DNS-related data must be processed securely and accurately.

ICANN sets clear requirements for this. The Applicant Guidebook outlines the financial, organisational, and technical conditions that applicants must meet. Registries must also demonstrate that they can guarantee the continuity of their services.

A key component of that obligation is registry data escrow.

What Is Registry Data Escrow?

Registry data escrow (also known as domain escrow) is a mandatory mechanism within the ICANN framework. Its purpose is to protect domain name holders and ensure continuity in the event that a registry can no longer fulfil its obligations, for example, due to insolvency or serious operational failures.

In practical terms, registry data escrow requires a registry to deposit a periodic copy of essential registration data with an independent escrow agent. This data includes, among other things:

• information on registered domain names;
• registrar data;
• registrant data;
• domain status information.

The escrow agent stores this data securely and confidentially. When a predefined release event occurs, ICANN can authorise the release of the data, enabling a successor registry operator to continue service. This prevents domain names from suddenly becoming unreachable and protects against the loss of registration data.

Registry data escrow is therefore an essential safety net within the global domain name system.

Escrow4all as an ICANN-Approved Partner

Escrow4all is officially recognised as an approved registry data escrow provider within the ICANN ecosystem. As an independent party, we support registries in setting up their escrow obligations correctly and in full compliance with ICANN’s requirements.

Our role extends beyond simply storing data. We provide:

• secure and encrypted receipt of escrow deposit files;
• validation and verification of submitted data;
• reporting to both the registry and ICANN;
• reliable storage in accordance with international standards.

Through this combination of security, verification, and independence, we contribute to the stability of the domain name system.

Why This Matters for the New Round

The new gTLD round will bring a wave of new registries into the ICANN landscape. For these parties, registry data escrow is not an optional extra, it is a contractual obligation and a fundamental part of their continuity strategy.

By engaging an experienced escrow partner early in the process, applicants can strengthen their application and demonstrate that they take their responsibilities seriously. In an environment where digital infrastructure is critical, demonstrable data protection is a necessity.

With the 2026 round approaching, a new generation of domain extensions is on the horizon. Escrow4all stands ready to support this development as a trusted partner in protecting registration data and safeguarding continuity within the global domain name system.

Escrow4all — To be sure