ICANN Axioms

Axiom 1 (Mission):

ICANN's mission is to ensure the stable and secure operation of the Internet's unique identifier systems.

• Article 1 (Mission and Core Values), Section 1.1 (Mission), Subsections (a)-(d)
• Article 1, Section 1.2 (Commitments and Core Values), Subsection (a)(i)
• Article 1, Section 1.2, Subsection (b)(i)

Axiom 2 (Competition and Non-Profit Status):

ICANN promotes competition in domain name registration while maintaining its status as a not-for-profit public benefit corporation.

• Article 1, Section 1.2, Subsection (b)(iii)
• Article 1, Section 1.2, Subsection (b)(iv)
• Article 5, Section 5.2 (Charter)
• Article 21, Section 21.4 (Loans)

Axiom 3 (Legal and Human Rights Compliance):

ICANN operates in accordance with international and local laws, respecting internationally recognized human rights.

• Article 1, Section 1.2, Subsection (a)
• Article 1, Section 1.2, Subsection (b)(viii)
• Article 27, Section 27.1 (Work Stream 2), Section 27.2 (Human Rights)

Axiom 4 (Transparency and Accountability):

ICANN conducts its activities openly, maintaining transparency in decisions and financial operations, and remains accountable through defined mechanisms.

• Article 1, Section 1.2, Subsection (a)(vi)
• Article 3 (Transparency), Sections 3.1 to 3.7
• Article 4 (Accountability and Review), Sections 4.1 to 4.6
• Article 22 (Fiscal and Strategic Matters), Sections 22.3 to 22.8

Axiom 5 (Security, Stability, and Risk Management):

ICANN ensures the security, stability, and resiliency of the DNS, employing risk management practices to protect its infrastructure.

• Article 1, Section 1.1 (Mission), Subsection (a)(i)
• Article 1, Section 1.2, Subsection (a)(i)
• Article 4, Section 4.6 (Specific Reviews), Subsection (c)
• Article 12, Section 12.2 (Specific Advisory Committees), Subsection (b)
• Annex D, Article 2 (EC Mechanism), Section 2.1 (Rejection Actions), Subsection (c)

Axiom 6 (Multistakeholder and Inclusive Processes):

ICANN employs a bottom-up, multistakeholder policy development process, ensuring diverse and inclusive participation.

• Article 1, Section 1.2, Subsection (a)(iv)
• Article 7, Section 7.2 (Directors and their Selection)
• Article 8, Section 8.5 (Diversity)
• Article 10, Section 10.5 (Regional Organizations)
• Article 11, Sections 11.1, 11.3, 11.5 (Stakeholder Groups)
• Article 12, Section 12.2 (Specific Advisory Committees), Subsection (d)

Axiom 7 (Scope and Authority):

ICANN acts strictly within its mission, without regulating Internet services or content outside this scope, and holds no governmental authority.

• Article 1, Section 1.1 (Mission), Subsections (a)-(c)
• Article 1, Section 1.2, Subsection (a)(iii)
• Article 2, Section 2.1 (General Powers), Section 2.2 (Restrictions)
• Article 3, Section 3.6 (Notice and Comment on Policy Actions), Subsection (d)

Axiom 8 (Dispute Resolution and Bylaw Integrity):

ICANN provides fair dispute resolution mechanisms and requires significant consensus for Bylaw amendments.

• Article 4, Section 4.3 (Independent Review Process)
• Article 4, Section 4.7 (Community Mediation)
• Article 25, Section 25.1 (Standard Bylaws), Section 25.2 (Fundamental Bylaws)
• Annex D, Article 1 (EC Mechanism), Sections 1.1, 1.4

Axiom 9 (Organizational Effectiveness and Improvement):

ICANN shall operate efficiently, strive for excellence, and continuously improve to meet the evolving needs of the global Internet community.

• Article 1, Section 1.2, Subsection (b)(v)
• Article 4 (Accountability and Review)
• Article 22, Sections 22.4, 22.5, 22.7, 22.8
• Annex D, Article 2 (EC Mechanism), Section 2.1 (Rejection Actions), Subsections (f)-(i)