Confusion Reigns Over Future of .XXX

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Students of geopolitics should have ample material from ICANN’s meeting in March.

While the proposed top-level domain .XXX was a focus of discussion, larger issues of geopolitics and ICANN independence were the real heart of the meeting, according to Tom Hymes, communications director for the Free Speech Coalition.

In the past, ICANN has been no stranger to criticism that its policies are too heavily influenced by the U.S.

“It’s unfortunate, but .XXX has become a kind of litmus test for ICANN’s independence,” Hymes told XBIZ. “I don’t know if that was the plan, but right now .XXX is a smaller issue set against a much larger backdrop of geopolitics.” According to Hymes, the question of industry support for .XXX is no longer something that ICM Registry, the company licensed to sell the proposed TLDs, and ICANN are grappling with.

However, the substantive issues, such as content regulation, may not be off the table because various Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC) countries have expressed their concerns. Among the 33 GAC members who have expressed concern over .XXX are the European Union, Australia and Japan.

In a letter independent of GAC, Australian Minister of Communications Helen Coonan expressed her concern to ICANN.

“The Australian Government would be concerned by the creation of an Internet domain specifically for material which is largely illegal under Australian online content laws,” Sen. Coonan wrote. “This Government takes a strong stand on Internet pornography and we would not support any measure which could lead to an increase in offensive content on the Internet.”

Objections to .XXX from various GAC members, such as those voiced by Australia, may mean that the substantive concerns over the merits of .XXX could be revisited.

“GAC could leave the door open to sponsored support issues,” Hymes said. “They remain as the last procedural hurdle to .XXX.”

According to Hymes, while ICANN does not technically need GAC approval for .XXX, the TLD is not likely to go through without GAC support because of larger political concerns.

In a GAC communiqué dated March 28, GAC criticized ICANN for not requiring ICM to include as contractual obligations certain promises that were made in a November presentation to GAC.

“GAC’s concern over what kind of content will be allowed in .XXX is key because different countries have different laws,” Hymes said.

Criticism from GAC and negotiations with ICANN staff have put ICM in a difficult spot.

“The problem is that we can’t determine the exact details of what .XXX will be,” Hymes said. “ICM is trying to get this done, but a lot of it happens in closed-door meetings.

“Our fear is that .XXX will pass without working out these key details and then one company, operating for profit, will get to make decisions that affect a lot of people.”

The next ICANN meeting is scheduled for June 26-30 in Marrakech, Morocco. Whether .XXX will be resolved at the meeting remains unclear.

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

FSC Drops Florida AV Lawsuit in Wake of SCOTUS Decision

A U.S. district court judge granted on Tuesday a motion by Free Speech Coalition to dismiss the trade association’s lawsuit over Florida’s age verification law, a case that had been on hold pending the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the constitutionality of state AV laws.

Ukrainian President Responds to Porn Legalization Petition

President Volodymyr Zelensky responded Tuesday to an OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine, stating that he would wait for the legislative process to play out “in accordance with established procedure.”

Only Tax Deductions Joins Pineapple Support as Sponsor

Adult industry accounting firm Only Tax Deductions has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Adult Empire Launches 'Conversations' Podcast Series

Adult Empire has launched a new official podcast series hosted by Nicole Chappelle and Charlie.

Sex Work CEO Launches 'Teams Plan' for AI Assistant

Sex Work CEO has introduced the new Teams Plan for its AI-powered, NSFW text generator, GPTease.

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult Industry, Override Possible

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

WannaCollab Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

WannaCollab has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

FSC Unpacks SCOTUS Age Verification Ruling in Webinar

The Free Speech Coalition conducted a public webinar Tuesday to help adult industry stakeholders understand the Supreme Court’s recent decision in FSC v. Paxton, and its potential implications.

Show More