After years of legal struggles, more than 100,000 websites of adult content will now have the extension of “.xxx”.
ICM Registry LLC, the registry that operates the domain, has released a statement on this development. “The Internet is home to a wealth of content, suitable for a wide range of ages and values. The adult entertainment industry has, and always will, account for a large amount of this content and while it is enjoyed by some, it is not suitable, or of interest, to all Internet users.”
Initially submitted to the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) in 2000, ICM Registry faced a strong opposition for this top-level domain (TLD) from conservative groups and politicians which lead to its rejection. The registry was resubmitted in 2004 and ICANN announced its preliminary approval in 2005 and was voted for approval March 18 of this year.
The move was not met without critics. In November, Playboy license owner Manwin Licensing International, together with adult film studio Digital Playground, has filed a lawsuit to remove the new extension and claimed that the process was illegal.
ICM however, stood their ground and defended this new development in the adult industry. According to them, this will make it easier for parents and employers to block the entire TLD and fans of this uhm, type of content, will have a network of “trusted sites”.
In a statement, ICM aptly explains, “Regardless of your views on adult content, it’s here to stay, so let’s be adult about it.”
Photo Credit: Justin Shattuck, flckr.com
