ICANN Documentary Information Disclosure Policy (DIDP)

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The Documentary Information Disclosure Policy (DIDP) is the policy through which Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) provides public access to documents in its possession, custody, or control. It is intended to promote transparency and accountability by allowing any person to request existing records that are not already publicly available, subject to defined conditions under which information may be withheld from disclosure.

Introduced in 2008, the DIDP is one of ICANN’s principal transparency and accountability mechanisms. It enables members of the public, researchers, journalists, civil society organisations, businesses, governments, and other stakeholders to seek access to documents relating to ICANN’s policies, operations, and decision-making processes. While the DIDP promotes openness, it does not require ICANN to create new records or compile information in response to a request, nor does it require the disclosure of information that falls within its established conditions for nondisclosure.

This project explains the DIDP process, documents selected requests and responses, and preserves related resources. It also examines the use of the DIDP by the Centre for Internet and Society (CIS), which was among its most active users for several years, and documents future DIDP work undertaken by The Sunil Abraham Project.

Process

The Documentary Information Disclosure Policy provides a process through which any member of the public may request existing ICANN documents that are not already publicly available. Before submitting a request, ICANN encourages requestors to check whether the information has already been published on its website, as many categories of documents are routinely made available.

Any member of the public may submit a DIDP request by email. A request should clearly describe the documents being sought so that they can be identified without unnecessary delay. ICANN responds in writing to all requests in accordance with its DIDP Response Process.

ICANN aims to respond within 30 calendar days of receiving a request. If additional time is required, it may extend the response period by up to another 30 calendar days and explain the reason for the extension.

Not all information can be disclosed. The policy identifies several conditions under which ICANN may withhold documents, including where disclosure could affect confidentiality, personal privacy, legal privilege, commercial interests, security, or the integrity of decision-making processes. However, ICANN may still disclose information if it determines that the public interest in disclosure outweighs the potential harm.

If a requestor is dissatisfied with a DIDP response, they may seek review through the accountability mechanisms provided under the ICANN Bylaws, where applicable.

Requests and Responses

ICANN publishes Documentary Information Disclosure Policy (DIDP) requests and responses on the ICANN website, generally in reverse chronological order. Where a request is listed individually, the corresponding request is attached to the published response.

With the exception of personal email addresses, telephone numbers, and postal addresses, DIDP requests are generally published in full. In exceptional circumstances, ICANN may make further redactions where necessary.

📄 This page was created on 24 July 2026. You can view its history on GitHub, preview the fileTip: Press Alt+Shift+G, or inspect the . Last updated on 24 July 2026.