There have been some recent developments with an issue I haven’t heard much about in several years – the TLD (Top Level Domain) extension .xxx.

Just like .com, .net and many other domain extensions, .xxx would serve as a TLD for domain names if passed by ICANN, the International Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers.

I last wrote about this matter when the TLD was first being discussed. Back then, an array of concerns swarmed our inbox and blog alike. Readers seemed to judge the blog entry simply by its title, without learning about the logic (and controversy) behind the subject, or PhireFast’s stance on the matter. I encourage you to continue reading, and to research the subject yourself as well. Educated people can help shape a better internet!

PROs: An Organized Internet & The Potential for Safe Browsing

There are some enourmous benefits when it comes to this matter, and each one has the potential to change the internet as we know it.

Many of you reading this are website owners or webmasters who have no doubt noticed the congestion behind the .com TLD. A .xxx shift would mean less .com congestion, and an array of new opportunities for internet capitalists.

A topic I’ve been asked about many times over the years is safe browsing. Though we are a web hosting and domain provider, we are concerned with internet-related matters and are happy to provide some advice when it comes to keeping folks safe on the web. Traditionally, we’ve recommended K9 Web Protection – a free web filter updated and maintained by a passionate non-profit organization.

Surprisingly, safe browsing is one thing that would thrive as a result of the .xxx TLD. If the proposed regulation passed, all the adult content on the web would be regulated and organized under one single TLD. The accuracy behind web filters would increase dramatically, maybe even by 100 times. It could keep your kids (or employees) safe and out of online trouble at the end of the day.

CONs: Freedom of Speech & A Free Internet

While reading the last two paragraphs you may have realized that a mandated shift to the .xxx TLD could violate multiple Freedom of Speech laws and various amendments. And you have here the controversy behind the TLD. Lets also shed light on the fact that companies which own thousands of adult-related domain names would be forced to invest tens of thousands more dollars in relocating their pieces of e-property.

When the TLD was first thought up, it was bundled together with the concept of regulating adult websites to that very TLD. As a result, what would otherwise be a simple, good idea, is being delayed because of the very regulation it’s become associated with.

From my understanding, ICANN has two decisions to make: a) Whether the TLD will become available for public registration, and b) if websites with adult content will be forced to relocate to the .xxx TLD.

PhireFast and .xxx Domains

PhireFast has strict policies when it comes to adult content. We simply don’t allow it on our network. As a result we have no plans to add the .xxx TLD to our arsenal of domain choices, though we are prepared to recommend domain registrars which will offer the TLD when it is available for registration.

A Little About ICANN & Their Pending Decision

Founded in 1998, ICANN is a non-profit organization appointed by various governments, including the US Government, to regulate the man-power behind various TLDs, including the globally popular .com.

As an internet enthusiast, I will keep you posted as news regarding this subject develops. Just keep an eye on the comments area on this entry if you’re interested!

Resources

Google News search for “ICANN xxx”