August 17, 2005
ICANN Delays .xxx Top-Level Domain
SOURCE: Elizabeth Millard, newsfactor.com
A government agency has put a one-month delay into the process of approval for a new ".xxx" top-level domain, citing overwhelming public opposition to a porn-only section of the Internet.
The Commerce Department received nearly 6,000 letters and e-mails about the domain, noted Michael Gallagher, assistant secretary for communications and information.
In a letter to the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) -- the neutral body that oversees top-level domains -- Gallagher urged the organization to evaluate the consumer concerns and called on the group to make sure the best interests of the Internet community as a whole are being considered.
Approval of the domain name was expected on Tuesday, but the ICANN board has decided to reschedule a hearing on the matter for September 15.
Big Business
Use of ".xxx" would be voluntary for those who create adult content, but the creation of this kind of "red light' district is expected to draw many adult-site owners.
The domain was proposed as a way for the online porn industry to follow a list of best practices, including strict measures against spamming. Currently, the Internet porn industry takes in US$12 billion per year.
ICANN had endorsed the concept of an .xxx domain in June. Approval of ICM Registry's contract to run the suffix was supposed to be part of a routine vote. ICM Registry Chairman Stuart Lawley expressed disappointment over the delay, noting that concerns should have been voiced in the past few months rather than days before the vote.
Red Light
Although some consumers seem to be up in arms, a major watchdog group focusing on children and Internet use, WiredSafety.org, supports the domain name.
"With this domain, protections will be built in that aren't in place now," said executive director Parry Aftab. "They will be very careful to make sure there's no marketing to children through a number of controls, and that's welcome. We need those measures."
A nonprofit board that will oversee the domain is being put together, Aftab said, and there are indications that a child safety advocate will be asked to join. In many ways, the creation of a virtual red light district will act like its real-life component, he added. It will separate adult-themed material into its own section that can be policed accordingly.
Posted by MK Magazine at August 17, 2005 08:39 PM