.xxx

Internet top-level domain yes XXX (disambiguation) June 2026 .xxx Dotxxx.png .xxx TLD Logo from ICM Registry yes 2011 4 15 Sponsored top-level domain Generally available ICM Registry, LLC International Foundation for Online Responsibility Internet pornography Mainly as secondary domains for pornographic websites Applicants are pre-screened and their existing Web sites checked to ascertain they are part of the adult entertainment community; a post-registration challenge process exists also; standards such as not marketing to minors must be adhered to Direct second-level registrations allowed RFC 3675, ICANN New sTLD RFP Application UDRP, Charter Eligibility Dispute Resolution Procedure (CEDRP), Start-Up Trademark Opposition Procedure (STOP) ICM Registry No .xxx is a sponsored top-level domain (sTLD) intended as a voluntary option for pornographic websites on the Internet. This option enables website operators to establish a web address like example.xxx instead of example.com. The sponsoring organization for .xxx is the International Foundation for Online Responsibility (IFFOR).http://iffor.org/ International Foundation for Online Responsibility Iffor.org 21 March 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110325212454/http://www.iffor.org/ 25 March 2011 live The domain name registry for .xxx was initially operated by ICM Registry. The board of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the nonprofit that manages several technical aspects of the Internet including the list of top-level domains, approved the .xxx registry agreement with ICM Registry in March 2011.http://www.icann.org/en/minutes/resolutions-18mar11-en.htm#5 Adopted Board Resolutions 21 March 2011 18 March 2011 ICANN https://web.archive.org/web/20110423020356/http://icann.org/en/minutes/resolutions-18mar11-en.htm 23 April 2011 live The first .xxx websites went into operation in April 2011.https://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/04/17/xxx_goes_live/ XXX domain names go live Kevin Murphy 17 April 2011 The Register 17 May 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110819113443/http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/04/17/xxx_goes_live/ 19 August 2011 live Background A generic top-level domain (gTLD) for sexually explicit material was proposed as one tool for dealing with the conflict between those who wish to provide and access such material through the Internet, and those who wish to prevent access to it, such as preventing access by children and adolescents.Henry Cohen 2007-04-02 Constitutionality of Requiring Sexually Explicit Material on the Internet to be Under a Separate Domain Name https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc815768/ UNT Digital Library English https://web.archive.org/web/20250209152854/https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc815768/ 2025-02-09 For example, a report related to the U.S. Child Online Protection Act (1998) said "there are no technical barriers to creating an adult domain, and it would be very easy to block all websites within an adult domain".Eastlake Donald E. March 17, 2004 Adult-Related TLDs Considered Dangerous https://circleid.com/%20posts/adult_related_tlds_considered_dangerous 2026-06-23 CircleID en Advocates of the idea argued that it would be easier for parents and employers to block the entire TLD, rather than using more complex and error-prone content-based Internet filtering, without imposing any restrictions on those who wish to access it. Editors of explicit content sites, however, were afraid that the use of a single TLD like .xxx would also make it easier for search engines to block all of their content.http://blog.gadgethelpline.com/xxx-domains-live-world-wide-web-adult-sites-controlled/ .XXX domains go live on World Wide Web – Adult sites to become more controlled Blog Gadget Helpline/ Gadget Helpline.com 18 April 2011 19 April 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110626030909/http://blog.gadgethelpline.com/xxx-domains-live-world-wide-web-adult-sites-controlled/ 26 June 2011 live Critics of the idea argued that because there would be no requirement for providers of explicit content to use the TLD, sexually explicit material would still be commonplace in other domains, making it ineffectual at restricting access, and simply creating a new "landrush" as registrants of .com domains hosting explicit material attempted to duplicate their registrations in the .xxx domain, competing with operators who hoped to register desirable names unavailable in other TLDs. There was also concern that the existence of .xxx would lead to legislation making its use mandatory for sexually explicit material, leading to legal conflicts over the definition of "sexually explicit", free speech rights, and jurisdiction.http://www.ynot.com/content/106019-senators-baucus-pryor-author-bill-create-mandatory-adult-tld.html Senators Baucus and Pryor Author Bill to Create Mandatory Adult TLD YNOT 16 March 2006 21 March 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110718173259/http://www.ynot.com/content/106019-senators-baucus-pryor-author-bill-create-mandatory-adult-tld.html 18 July 2011 live http://seoblackhat.com/2006/03/16/mandatory-xxx-senate-bill-created/ Mandatory .XXX Senate Bill Created SEO BlackHat 16 March 2006 21 March 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20101127154528/http://seoblackhat.com/2006/03/16/mandatory-xxx-senate-bill-created/ 27 November 2010 dead There were early indications that .xxx domain names would be registered not with the intent to focus on pornographic content, but to use the adult connotations as a benefit to a marketing strategy.Lance Ulanoff http://mashable.com/2011/12/10/xxx-domains-an-obvious-failure/ XXX domains an obvious failure (user comments) Mashable 10 December 2011 29 December 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20120103112654/http://mashable.com/2011/12/10/xxx-domains-an-obvious-failure/ 3 January 2012 live An example is the registration of kite.xxx, which is aimed at the extreme sport of kitesurfing, thus benefiting from sexual connotations and innuendo for humor and promotional purposes. Another example of a .xxx domain name being registered without a focus on pornographic content was the registration of popebenedict.xxx, which contained pro-Islamic content despite being named after Pope Benedict XVI.Murphy Kevin Pope Benedict in .XXX pro-Islam cybersquat drama http://www.theregister.co.uk/2012/03/19/pope_benedict_cybersquatter/ theregister 19 March 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20170707155518/https://www.theregister.co.uk/2012/03/19/pope_benedict_cybersquatter/ 7 July 2017 History Proposal by ICM Registry The .XXX TLD was first proposed in 2000 by ICM Registry and resubmitted in 2004, but it faced strong opposition from politicians and conservative groups. Previous post Next post https://www.wired.com/epicenter/2011/03/icann-approves-xxx/ ICANN Approves .XXX Red-Light District for the Internet Epicenter Wired 19 March 2011 21 March 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110322164758/http://www.wired.com/epicenter/2011/03/icann-approves-xxx/ 22 March 2011 live ICANN announced on 1 June 2005 a preliminary approval of .xxx as an sTLD similar to .aero, .travel, etc. ICM said it would charge $60/year for domains. In August 2005, the Bush Administration pressured ICANN not to adopt a .xxx because of increasing concerns about the impact of pornography on families and children.http://news.cnet.com/Bush-administration-objects-to-.xxx-domains/2100-1028_3-5833764.html Bush administration objects to .xxx domains Declan McCullagh 15 Aug 2005 CNET https://web.archive.org/web/20160310165724/http://www.cnet.com/news/bush-administration-objects-to-xxx-domains/ 10 March 2016 dead In December 2005, discussions about the implementation of .xxx were taken off the agenda of ICANN Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC), placing its future in doubt. In its March 2006 meeting, the GAC formulated a letter of concern to the ICANN board about .xxx. On 10 May 2006, ICANN reversed the approval.Internet agency nixes '.xxx' Web addresses . On 6 January 2007, ICANN put up for public comment a revised proposalICANN Publishes Revision to Proposed ICM (.XXX) Registry Agreement for Public Comment http://www.icann.org/announcements/announcement-05jan07.htm https://web.archive.org/web/20090308063411/http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-05jan07.htm 8 March 2009 14 April 2009 live following changes to the policy of the ICM registry including the policing of any site that signs up to use the .xxx registry.http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/6240725.stm Proposal for porn domain revived BBC News 8 January 2007 2 November 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090111161443/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/6240725.stm 11 January 2009 live On 30 March 2007, the ICANN board again rejected the .xxx proposal for the third time.Agency votes against '.xxx' domain for porn https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna17868186 NBC News 30 March 2007 On 6 June 2008, in accordance with ICANN bylaws, ICM filed an application with the International Centre for Dispute Resolution for an independent review challenging ICANN's decision. The filing became ICDR Case No. 50 117 T 00224 08, and in September 2009, a live hearing was held in Washington, DC, where both sides submitted documentary evidence and witness testimony. On 19 February 2010, the ICDR's independent review panel – consisting of Stephen M. Schwebel, Jan Paulsson and Dickran Tevrizian – issued its declaration.http://www.icann.org/en/news/irp/icm-v-icann/news/irp/-panel-declaration-19feb10-en.pdf Independent Review Panel Declaration ICANN 19 March 2010 2 March 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140401194048/http://www.icann.org/en/news/irp/icm-v-icann/news/irp/-panel-declaration-19feb10-en.pdf 1 April 2014 live The panel found that the application for the ".XXX sTLD met the required sponsorship criteria", and that "the Board's reconsideration of that finding was not consistent with the application of neutral, objective and fair documented policy".http://www.icann.org/en/irp/icm-v-icann/draft-options-post-irp-declaration-26mar10-en.pdf ICANN Options Following the IRP Declaration on ICM's .XXX Application ICANN 26 March 2010 6 May 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100601104745/http://www.icann.org/en/irp/icm-v-icann/draft-options-post-irp-declaration-26mar10-en.pdf 1 June 2010 live At the ICANN meeting in Nairobi in March 2010 the board resolved to consider "process options". A 45-day public comment was opened on 26 March 2010.http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-2-26mar10-en.htm Public Comment: Report of Possible Process Options for Further Consideration of the ICM Application for the .XXX sTLD ICANN 26 March 2010 6 May 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100428064011/http://icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-2-26mar10-en.htm 28 April 2010 live At the Brussels ICANN meeting in June 2010, the ICANN board resolved to restart the process, including renewed due diligence and GAC consultations.Adopted Board Resolutions http://www.icann.org/en/minutes/resolutions-25jun10-en.htm#5 ICANN 25 June 2010 21 March 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110613123143/http://www.icann.org/en/minutes/resolutions-25jun10-en.htm 13 June 2011 live The Free Speech Coalition expressed opposition to .xxx in early March 2011, arguing it would "harm the adult entertainment business" by inviting censorship and blocking, while raising money for ICM without considering the "best interests of the industry".https://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/03/09/stars_demo_against_domains Pr0n stars to demo against .xxx The Register 9 March 2011 10 August 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170810172743/https://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/03/09/stars_demo_against_domains 10 August 2017 live On 18 March 2011, ICANN's board approved the execution of the registry agreement with ICM for the .xxx sponsored top level domain. The vote was nine in favor, four against, with three abstentions.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YidaDxIH_8I ICANN Board – dot xxx decision 21 March 2011 18 March 2011 Wwwhatsup https://web.archive.org/web/20120225183645/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YidaDxIH_8I 25 February 2012 live ICM was expected to make over $200 million a year, with 3 to 5 million domain registrations, as companies were anticipated to defensively register their domains.http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Cloud-Computing/ICANN-Approves-XXX-Domain-for-Adult-Web-Content-427485/ ICANN Approves .XXX Domain for Adult Web Content eweek.com Cloud Computing News 21 March 2011 11 November 2011June 2026 InternetArchiveBot Opening of registrations The TLD entered its sunrise period on 7 September 2011;Xdnet Web Services Xdnet. co. uk http://xdnet.co.uk/blog/2011/09/08/xxx-is-here-sunrise-period-has-began/ XDnet Web Hosting Blog » Blog Archive » .XXX is here – Sunrise period has began Xdnet.co.uk 8 September 2011 11 November 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111124055737/http://xdnet.co.uk/blog/2011/09/08/xxx-is-here-sunrise-period-has-began/ 24 November 2011 live the sunrise period ended 28 October 2011. Landrush period lasted from 8 November through 25 November, and general availability commenced on 6 December 2011.http://xdnet.co.uk/blog/2011/07/27/xxx-whats-it-all-about/ XDnet Web Hosting Blog » Blog Archive » .XXX – What's it all about? Xdnet.co.uk 27 July 2011 11 November 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111111011151/http://xdnet.co.uk/blog/2011/07/27/xxx-whats-it-all-about/ 11 November 2011 dead Manwin suits On 16 November 2011, Manwin International, a pornography company that operates a large number of popular adult websites including YouPorn, filed a request for a second ICANN Independent Review Proceeding. In the request, Manwin asked that the .xxx delegation be voided, or, if not, put up to competition on renewal.http://www.icann.org/en/irp/manwin-v-icann.htm Manwin Licensing International v. ICANN ICANN 18 November 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111119223310/http://www.icann.org/en/irp/manwin-v-icann.htm 19 November 2011 live On the same day, Manwin, together with adult film studio Digital Playground, filed a suit in the Central District of California against ICM alleging antitrust and competition violations.Complaint – Manwin Licensing International Sarl et al. v. ICM Registry LLC et al., 2:11-cv-09514, No. 1 (C.D.Cal. Nov. 16, 2011) https://www.docketalarm.com/cases/California_Central_District_Court/2--11-cv-09514/Manwin_Licensing_International_S_a_r_l_et_al_v_ICM_Registry_LLC_et_al/1/ Docket Alarmhttps://www.docketalarm.com/cases/California_Central_District_Court/2--11-cv-09514/Manwin_Licensing_International_S_a_r_l_et_al_v._ICM_Registry_LLC_et_al/ Manwin Licensing International S a r l et al v. ICM Registry LLC et al, 2:11-cv-09514 (C.D.Cal.) Docket Alarm Among the claims in the suit are that ICANN provided "no competitive process for the award of the .XXX registry contract" and that ICM CEO Stuart Lawley "has announced that he expects to be able (and intends) to prevent the establishment of any other (potentially competing) adult-content TLDs, including through a contractual promise by ICANN not to approve such TLDs".http://www.xbiz.com/news/news_piece.php?id=141106 Manwin, Digital Playground File Suit Against ICM, ICANN Rhett Pardon Xbiz 16 November 2011 18 November 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20120114005651/http://www.xbiz.com/news/news_piece.php?id=141106 14 January 2012 dead On 14 August 2012, Judge Philip S. Gutierrez granted in part and denied in part ICANN's motion to dismiss Manwin's claims and allowed the case against ICANN to move forward.Order Granting in Part and Denying in Part ICANN and ICM's Motion to Dismiss https://www.docketalarm.com/cases/California_Central_District_Court/2--11-cv-09514/Manwin_Licensing_International_S_a_r_l_et_al_v_ICM_Registry_LLC_et_al/40/ Docket Alarm, Inc. 19 July 2013 On 10 May 2013, the case was voluntarily dismissed by the parties, likely due to private settlement. Acquisition of ICM Registry ICM Registry was acquired by Minds + Machines Group Limited, another domain name registry company, in 2018.July 2018 ICM Registry Completes $30.6M Sale to MMX https://www.faegredrinker.com/en/services/experience/2018/7/icm-registry-completes-306m-sale-to-mmx 2026-06-23 Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP enMay 4, 2018 MMX Announces Acquisition of ICM Registry https://circleid.com/%20posts/20180504_mmx_announces_acquisition_of_icm_registry 2026-06-23 CircleID enZournas Konstantinos 2021-01-25 MMX settles with ICM Registry and gets a new CEO https://onlinedomain.com/2021/01/25/domain-name-news/mmx-settles-with-icm-registry-and-gets-a-new-ceo/ 2026-06-23 OnlineDomain.com en-US Minds + Machines Group Limited is listed on the London Stock Exchange. Alternative implementations Starting in 2005, there was an alternative implementation of .xxx by New.net, a private domain registration service unaffiliated with ICANN, via an alternative DNS root.https://www.new.net/search Domain Names New.net 21 March 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110710044750/https://www.new.net/search 10 July 2011 deadhttp://www.spotlightingnews.com/article.php?news=2268 XXX domain drop leads to having the US Government Sued Spotlighting News 21 March 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110521132215/http://spotlightingnews.com/article.php?news=2268 21 May 2011 deadhttp://www.netchain.com/Reference/New.net.asp The True About New.net Domain Names Netchain.com 21 March 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110212053501/http://www.netchain.com/Reference/New.Net.asp 12 February 2011 live Another unofficial .xxx TLD was previously available through the alternative DNS root system administered by the now-defunct AlterNIC.Chris Oakes https://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/news/1998/04/11604 AlterNIC to Reincarnate? Wired 10 April 1998 21 March 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110615102934/http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/news/1998/04/11604 15 June 2011 live See also Internet censorship Sociology of the Internet References http://www.xbiz.com/news/news_piece.php?id=141106 Manwin, Digital Playground File Suit Against ICM, ICANN Rhett Pardon Xbiz 16 November 2011 18 November 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20120114005651/http://www.xbiz.com/news/news_piece.php?id=141106 14 January 2012 dead External links IANA: .xxx whois information W3C: Why Using TLDs for Filtering is Ineffective, Harmful, and Unnecessary ICANN: ICM v. ICANN ICANN: 18 March 2011 Draft Rationale for Approving Registry Agreement with ICM's for .XXX sTLD ICANN: Chronological History of ICM's Involvement with ICANN Current Category:Internet properties established in 2011 Category:Erotica and pornography websites Category:Sponsored top-level domains Category:Top-level domains Category:Internet censorship in India