XXX
Internet regulators have approved a new suffix for pornograhic sites, 3 years after they rejected the idea.
Plan to set up the .xxx domain to be used for pornographic sites only, will now go ahead, The Guardian reported.
The idea to found an adults-only domain reportedly started in 2003 when the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (Icann), which administers millions of internet addresses said there were plans to open a few big domain names.
However, it apparently blocked the .xxx plan in 2007 after being threatened by the Bush government which was opposed to the .xxx idea on moral grounds and warned Icann it could overrule the regulator's decision if it didn't like it.
The board of Icann has now reportedly given the .xxx domain the go-ahead and it will be overseen by the ICM Registry that backed the idea, although a number of board members are still apparently not convinced of the adult-only concept.
ICM Registry is believed to have promised to reassure porn site visitors that they are protected from viruses, ID theft, credit card frauds and exposure to illegal images of child abuse.
It also reportedly claimed that the .xxx domain will let parents and individuals more easily filter out or block access to pornographic material.
Obviously the decision will not please everyone and some anti-porn campaigners apparently argue that the domain legitimises the sex industry, while some adult entertainment businesses reportedly reckon the change will force some of its sites into a ‘corner' of the internet and boost censorship.
George Sadowsky, a US computer scientist told the newspaper: "I believe that the creation of .xxx would mark the first instance of an action by this board that may directly encourage such filtering. In my judgment, the board should not be taking actions that encourage filtering or blocking of a domain at the top level. Further, I believe that the filtering of so-called offensive material can provide a convenient excuse for political regimes interested in an intent on limiting civic rights and freedom of speech."
However, CEO of ICM Registry, Stuart Lawley said the decision was a ‘landmark' moment for the web and that the first .xxx sites will go live this summer.
He reportedly said: "For the first time there will be a clearly defined web address for adult entertainment, out of the reach of minors and as free as possible from fraud or malicious computer viruses."
The Registry also reportedly added that the .xxx domain name will be regulated by IFFOR; an independent entity with a council including a child protection expert, reps from the porn industry and security gurus.
