ICM allows companies to prevent their name from appearing on .XXX domain

This fall the new generic top level domain .XXX for adult websites will be opened by internet domain name registry ICM. Remarkably, in addition to a subscribtion procedure, ICM will also open a blocking register. Companies or owners of a trademark or trade name can sign up for an .XXX extension, but they can also indicate they want to prevent somebody from registering their name and use it as an .XXX domain.

Opponents of sex-specific domain names fear people will hijack a familiar name and start up a .XXX site with erotic content. Indeed, all possible names are still up for grabs on the new generic top level domain, so it is quite possible to profit from a famous name, for example when the new site appears in search results to a common search term. This may very very harm the honor and reputation of companies that want nothing to do with adult content.

ICM Registry, the organization that issues the new domain names on behalf of ICANN, opens both their registrations on September 7th. Companies have until 28 October to oppose a possible XXX site with their name, or to just sign up early.

The owners of trademarks and intellectual property that wish to block any registration of their names have to pay a fee. How much is still unclear. This has sparked a great deal of contreversy, as ICM is charging people for not engaging with the .XXX-domain. From the first moment the idea of ??a .XXX domain was suggested there has been word that plan was designed solely to make extra money from domain name registrations. The way the domain is being launched strengthens this suspicion.

After October 28, the providers of sex sites will be allowed to sign up for any available .XXX name. 18 days after that, anyone else can sign up for a name. ICM Registry claims that 900,000 people are interested in a .XXX website.

Aside from claiming names for speculative reasons, the display of adult material on an 'official'. XXX page can benefit producers of adult content. Consumers are less likely to encounter pirated movies containing viruses on this domain. You could also be pretty sure that the .XXX domain showes legal content free of child pornography or abuse.

Sources: Webwereld (Dutch), Infoworld (English)

Read more on the new .XXX top level domain on Future of Copyright:

- XXX domain will be censored in some countries

- ICANN approves new XXX top level domain

- Adult industry opposes introduction of XXX domain

- Top level domains could be trust mark for quality and legal content