Sex.com Battle Detailed in New Book

LONDON — The battle over the ownership of the domain name Sex.com is detailed in a new book scheduled for U.K. release on Monday.

The book, titled "Sex.com," was written by Kieren McCarthy, a freelance journalist who specializes in Internet politics, governance and domain names.

The book traces the story from the registration of the Sex.com domain in 1994 by Gary Kremen and the theft of the domain in 1996 by Stephen Cohen. It details Kremen's struggle to regain control of the domain, including suits against Network Solutions Inc. and Cohen, a judgment against Cohen that awarded the domain and $65 million to Kremen, Kremen's sale of the Sex.com domain for $14 million and Kremen's efforts — still ongoing — to claim the $65 million from Cohen.

"I still count myself as strangely fortunate to have been in the position to write this book," McCarthy told XBIZ. "At first it was just going to be a long feature but the more I got into it, the most extraordinary the story became. I’m amazed no one beat me to it, to be honest." "That said, it was a hell of a lot of work. The court documents alone caused me to have to install two new shelves in my house. And it’s taken a year longer than I thought it would. But it’s been a blast. Even when tired and fed up ... there was also the fact the story was just so interesting and the characters [were so] fascinating that kept me going. I just hope I’ve done the story justice."

A book release party is scheduled in London on May 29.

At present there are no plans to publish the book in the U.S.

For more information, visit SexDotCom.info.

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

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, Could Face Override

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.

UK Lawmaker Calls for Appointment of 'Porn Minister'

Baroness Gabrielle Bertin, the Conservative member of Parliament who recently convened a new anti-pornography task force, is calling for the appointment of a “minister for porn,” according to British news outlet The Guardian.

FSC Toasts Jeffrey Douglas for 30 Years of Service

n the very same evening when the adult industry was hit hard by the Supreme Court ruling supporting Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181, members of the Free Speech Coalition board, staff and supporters gathered to celebrate Jeffrey Douglas’ 30 years as board chair — a fitting reflection of his reputation as an eternal optimist.

TTS Opens UK Testing Location

Talent Testing Service (TTS) has opened a new U.K. location in Ware, Hertfordshire.

FSC: Age-Verification Laws Go Into Effect in South Dakota, Georgia, Wyoming on July 1

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published a statement regarding new age verification laws set to go into effect tomorrow in South Dakota, Georgia, and Wyoming.

FSC Responds to Supreme Court Decision on Texas AV Law

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has released a statement responding to last week's Supreme Court decision on FSC v. Paxton, the Texas age verification law.

Show More