Out-Law News 1 min. read

Delay for 'adults only' domain decision


The ICM Registry, which hopes to operate the proposed adults only .xxx top-level domain (TLD), has agreed to a delay in the domain decision-making process in the wake of concerns expressed by governments worldwide, including the Bush administration.

ICM Registry was given preliminary approval for the domain in June, after ICANN, the body responsible for the internet’s domain name system, agreed for the first time to allow an adults-only label.

This reversed an earlier decision made by the organisation in 2000.

The .xxx domain is intended to cater for responsible adult-orientated websites and will be sponsored by non-profit group the International Foundation for Online Responsibility. The group says that it hopes the domain will help to protect children from exposure to internet porn while also having a positive impact on adult entertainment through voluntary efforts of the industry.

Final approval for the controversial domain has still not been granted by the ICANN Board, which was due to meet to consider the matter yesterday. The decision now appears to have been delayed, following growing pressure on the Board.

On Friday, Mohd Sharil Tarmizi, Chairman of ICANN’s Government Advisory Committee, advised the Board by letter that there was a “strong sense of discomfort” about the proposed domain among its members, and that some governments were intending to contact ICANN directly about their concerns. He asked that time be given to allow these concerns to be expressed.

ICANN also received a letter from Michael D Gallagher, assistant secretary at the US Department of Commerce (DoC), advising that there has been widespread comment and concern about the proposal since the domain received preliminary approval in June.

"The Department of Commerce has received nearly 6,000 letters and emails from individuals expressing concern about the impact of pornography on families and children," he wrote.

He requested a delay in granting final approval, explaining, “The volume of correspondence opposed to creation of a .xxx TLD is unprecedented”.

On Monday, ICM Registry contacted ICANN, confirming that it would accept the Board delaying the decision until September Board meeting.

“We are keenly aware of the need for all stakeholders to feel that they have had an adequate and meaningful opportunity to express their views, and to know that these views have been carefully considered,” wrote Stuart Lawley, Chairman and President of ICM Registry.

“We are, to say the very least, disappointed that concerns that should have been raised and addressed weeks and months ago are being raised in the final days before the Board is scheduled to approve the agreement negotiated with staff,” he added.

The Registry will spend the next month meeting with DOC and GAC members.

We are processing your request. \n Thank you for your patience. An error occurred. This could be due to inactivity on the page - please try again.