ICM Registry was given preliminary approval for the domain in
June, after ICANN, the body responsible for the internet’s domain
name system, agreed for the first time to allow an adults-only
label.
This reversed an earlier decision made by the organisation in
2000.
The .xxx domain is intended to cater for responsible
adult-orientated websites and will be sponsored by non-profit group
the International Foundation for Online Responsibility. The group
says that it hopes the domain will help to protect children from
exposure to internet porn while also having a positive impact on
adult entertainment through voluntary efforts of the industry.
Final approval for the controversial domain has still not been
granted by the ICANN Board, which was due to meet to consider the
matter yesterday. The decision now appears to have been delayed,
following growing pressure on the Board.
On Friday, Mohd Sharil Tarmizi, Chairman of ICANN’s Government
Advisory Committee, advised the Board by letter that there was a
“strong sense of discomfort” about the proposed domain among its
members, and that some governments were intending to contact ICANN
directly about their concerns. He asked that time be given to allow
these concerns to be expressed.
ICANN also received a letter from Michael D Gallagher, assistant
secretary at the US Department of Commerce (DoC), advising that
there has been widespread comment and concern about the proposal
since the domain received preliminary approval in June.
"The Department of Commerce has received nearly 6,000 letters
and emails from individuals expressing concern about the impact of
pornography on families and children," he wrote.
He requested a delay in granting final approval, explaining,
“The volume of correspondence opposed to creation of a .xxx TLD is
unprecedented”.
On Monday, ICM Registry contacted ICANN, confirming that it
would accept the Board delaying the decision until September Board
meeting.
“We are keenly aware of the need for all stakeholders to feel
that they have had an adequate and meaningful opportunity to
express their views, and to know that these views have been
carefully considered,” wrote Stuart Lawley, Chairman and President
of ICM Registry.
“We are, to say the very least, disappointed that concerns that
should have been raised and addressed weeks and months ago are
being raised in the final days before the Board is scheduled to
approve the agreement negotiated with staff,” he added.
The Registry will spend the next month meeting with DOC and GAC
members.
