ICM Debuts 'Founders Program'

LOS ANGELES — .XXX isn't in operation as a sponsored top-level domain, but the company that is pushing ICANN for approval has just launched a "founder's program."

ICM Registry launched today the program, which is modeled after similar programs from other registries.

The .XXX founders program allows qualified companies to get premium domain names if they agree to develop and promote them.

Founders also get domain names that match the founder’s existing adult domain name portfolio without going through Sunrise or Landrush. They also get premium .XXX domains.

"We will review applications for compliance with program criteria and assess whether the proposed plan will contribute to the .XXX community and our goals in a meaningful way," ICM Registry says.

But Diane Duke, the Free Speech Coalition's executive director, says ICM Registry is getting ahead of itself over today's announcement with its founder's program.

"We have been having this conversation for over 10 years, no matter what press releases ICM sends out, .XXX is not settled until the contract is signed," Duke told XBIZ. "As far as ICM’s new program, I suspect many of the folks in the founder’s program were set up long ago."

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