The idea has been around for some time, and an application for
running a .xxx domain was made in late-2000, when the Internet
Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) increased the
number of top level domains to meet the growing demand for
names.
The application was not successful but received support from
those who saw the distinct top level domain as an ideal way to
separate underage internet surfers from pornographic content.
In fact the .xxx domain exists at present, but not in the form
of a top level domain. This means that the sites using the
unofficial domain cannot be reached by the entire internet browsing
community, only those who have a particular plug-in - a piece of
software that redirects the user's internet browser when the .xxx
extension is entered.
According to Wired News, the concept of an exclusively adult
domain is again surfacing as the industry wakes up to the fact that
it will either have to start regulating itself, or it will be
forced to take regulatory measures that are not to its liking.
Jason Hendeles, president of Internet Content Management
Registry – the consortium that made the original application to
ICANN told Wired News, "The vision here is not to force the
adult community to give up dot.com or abandon that space, because
that's not a possible thing". He added, "This would be a voluntary
adult domain registry."
Bill Lyon, Executive director of the industry's biggest trade
group, the Free Speech Coalition (FSC), told Wired News, "The
experience of most of our members is that any attempt to put a
fence around adult entertainment tends to lead to more and more
restrictions". But he recognised that Congress was likely to step
in if the industry did not take steps to self-regulate.
As a result the .xxx proposal is being put to members of the
coalition next month. So far, ICANN has made no comment on the
renewed proposal.
