ICANN Postpones Decision on .XXX

CARTAGENA, Colombia — At its board meeting this morning, ICANN’s board of directors voted to postpone a decision for a .XXX sponsored top level domain.

"ICANN board hereby determines that it intends to enter into a registry agreement with ICM Registry for the .XXX sponsored TLD subject to GAC consultation and advice," ICANN said.

The board directed its staff to develop a plan for trying to resolve differences with the GAC (Government Advisory Council) through formal negotiations.

FSC Executive Director Diane Duke and FSC Board Chair Jeffrey Douglas were in Cartagena lobbying against ICM’s application for .XXX.

“ICANN is obligated to seek consultation from the GAC,” Douglas said.

“It would have been an unwise decision to disregard GAC’s resolute opposition, potentially having grave impact on ICANN’s multi-community model. The sponsorship community is opposed, and ICANN’s Government Advisory Committee is opposed. The only entity that would have benefited from an immediate approval was ICM.”

According to ICM's Stuart Lawley, today's decision was what he had hoped for.

"As per their bylaws, when they decide to do something that is or may not be in accordance with GAC advice, they must confer with the GAC and their statement today that they intend to sign the contract with us, has officially triggered that process that will be complete in February," Lawley said.

According to Lawley, the contract will grant .XXX the same rights as .com, .net, .co.uk and other TLDs, with the only difference being that as a sponsored TLD, .XXX domain names will only be available to the adult entertainment industry.

The contract will require anyone registering a .XXX name to complete an application process endorsed and overseen by the International Foundation for Online Responsibility (IFFOR).

IFFOR is charged with developing “best practices” registrants would be required to follow.

"ICM refuses to disclose the names of those who agreed to serve on the board and develop policy for the .XXX online presence," Duke said. "Accordingly, the policies to which domain holders will be required to adhere have yet to be disclosed."

Lawley's press release in its entirety is below.

View Document

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

European Commission to Assess Pornhub, XVideos, XNXX Compliance With Digital Services Act

The European Commission plans to conduct a study to determine how well adult sites Pornhub, XVideos and XNXX are addressing illegal content and other potential harms under the EU’s Digital Services Act.

German Higher Court Upholds Ban on PornHub, YouPorn

The Higher Administrative Court of Rhineland-Palatinate on Thursday upheld a “network ban” on Aylo-owned adult sites Pornhub and YouPorn for failing to comply with German age verification regulations.

Alabama Notifying Adult Sites of New Tax Set to Take Effect Sept. 1

The Alabama Department of Revenue has begun sending notices to adult site operators about a new 10% tax on their revenues, set to be enforced starting Sept. 1.

Ondato, CCBill Announce Strategic Partnership for Global High-Risk Market

Age and identity verification firm Ondato and payment processor CCBill have formed a strategic partnership to serve the global high-risk market.

Ofcom Investigates 4 More Adult Companies for OSA Compliance

U.K. media regulator Ofcom has launched investigations into whether four companies operating adult websites have implemented requisite age assurance measures under the Online Safety Act, the agency announced Thursday.

Taylor Nicole Launches New Site Through YourPaysitePartner

Creator Taylor Nicole has launched her new official website through YourPaysitePartner (YPP).

Adult Networking Platform SpicyGigs.com Launches

SpicyGigs, a new adult industry networking platform, has officially launched.

Pineapple Support to Host 'Cream Pie Challenge' Fundraiser

Pineapple Support is hosting its Cream Pie Challenge through August to raise funds for mental health services for industry performers.

Kyrgyzstan President Signs Measure Outlawing Internet Porn

President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday signed into law legislation outlawing online adult content in the country.

NC Legislature Overrides Veto of Extreme Anti-Adult Industry Bill

The North Carolina state legislature on Tuesday voted to override Gov. Josh Stein’s veto of a bill imposing regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most creators and content.

Show More