Sex.com Sale Makes Guiness Book of World Records

CYBERSPACE — The $13 million sale of domain Sex.com has officially made it into the Guinness Book of World Records as the "most expensive Internet address domain name."

Purchased by Clover Holdings and, brokered by Sedo, the record-breaking deal beat out amounts paid for Vodka.com, Pizza.com and Russia.com.

"The sale of Sex.com was truly a team effort. We spent about two years with the domain, establishing the relationships, researching and finding the right buyer and managing the domain's transfer," said Kathy Nielsen, director of sales at Sedo.

She added, "We're honored that Sedo was trusted with such a high-value and high-profile sale, and we're ecstatic that it is now being recognized by Guinness World Records as a record-breaking deal."

The desirable domain was originally scooped up by Escom in 2006 for $14 million but was then put up for sale at auction last fall after the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

The original name was bought by Gary Kremen in 1994 but illegally wrestled away by Stephen Cohen. After a heated legal battle, the courts awarded the domain to Kremen in 2000 who then sold it to Escom.

The site is currently being used as a placeholder for ads and sees 125,000 visits a day, according to its mysterious new owner, who said he is currently deciding on a new business model.

Related:  

Copyright © 2026 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

Irish PM Affirms Plan for UK-Style Ban on 'Extreme' Content

Ireland’s prime minister on Wednesday confirmed that his government is moving ahead with plans to introduce legislation criminalizing possession and distribution of “extreme” pornography, which he hopes to see passed by early 2027.

UK Parliamentary Group Calls for Outlawing Cam Platforms

The U.K. Parliament’s All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Commercial Sexual Exploitation has published a report in which it calls for banning adult livestreaming platforms.

Ofcom Escalates Sun Social, Superb Convert Investigations

U.K. media regulator Ofcom has ramped up its ongoing Online Safety Act (OSA) compliance investigations into PlayVids/PeekVids operator Sun Social Media and PimpBunny operator Superb Convert.

Centrobill Rolls Out Apple Pay, Google Pay Options

Centrobill has added Apple Pay and Google Pay options for merchants.

Judge Preliminarily Approves Pornhub Class Action Settlement

A U.S. District Court judge on Monday granted preliminary approval to a settlement between Aylo and the plaintiffs in two class-action lawsuits over allegations that former Pornhub parent company MindGeek knowingly allowed and profited from CSAM on its sites.

Roald Riepen Steps Down as CEO of IMC

Roald Riepen, CEO of International Media Company (IMC), is stepping down.

Ofcom Sets Timeline for Enforcing 'Extreme' Content Rules

Before U.K. media regulator Ofcom begins enforcing new laws criminalizing certain “extreme” adult content online, it will first hold a consultation in early 2027, and then provide updated guidance for sites and platforms.

FSC Publishes Guidance on New UK Pornography Laws

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published information for its members on the United Kingdom's recently passed pornography laws, which take effect next week.

Brazil Issues Guide to Digital Safety Compliance

Brazil’s National Data Protection Agency (ANPD) published on Wednesday a new guide outlining online providers’ child-protection responsibilities under the Digital Statute for Children and Adolescents (Digital ECA), which requires adult websites to age-verify users located in Brazil.

AEBN Publishes Popular Searches by Country for August, September

AEBN has released the list of popular searches from its straight and gay theaters, by country, for August and September.

Show More