March 14, 2010 | The Biz

Vote on .XXX domain delayed

ICANN, the Internet policymaking group, has decided to postpone a vote on ICM Registry's proposal to create and sell .XXX domain names. Instead ICANN would like more public input into the proposal, promising to make a final decision no later than June 25, 2010.

ICANN had earlier dismissed the notion of a new adult-specific domain. ICM Registry charged that the decision was unfair and took the issue to arbitration. The judges found in favor of ICM by 2-1.

“I just want to assure everyone in the community that the board takes this decision [by dispute-resolution jurists] very seriously … we intend to continue moving very quickly in making a decision,” ICANN representative Rita Rodin Johnston said.

The .XXX proposal is nothing more than a cash grab, according to many in the adult industry. It would also result in a virtual red light district on the Internet. Governments could then force sites to adopt the .XXX extension, making them easier to monitor and censor.

Let's hope ICANN doesn't succumb to the pressure and helps maintain at least a small level of freedom online.

ICANN Delays .XXX Vote, Will Seek Public Comment [XBiz]