After 3 rejections, global Internet agency reopens discussion on ‘.xxx’ address for porn sites

Global agency reconsiders address for porn sites

NAIROBI, Kenya — A global Internet oversight agency is reopening discussions about whether to create a “.xxx” domain name. It would be an online red-light district where porn sites can set up shop away from the wandering eyes of children and teenagers.

Parents would be able to use the system to help block access to porn sites. Because its use would be voluntary, though, the “.xxx” suffix wouldn’t keep such content entirely away from minors. The proposal has already been rejected three times since 2000.

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, which oversees the allocation of Internet addresses, may revive the bid yet again.

ICANN is meeting this week in Nairobi, Kenya, and is looking at a review by an outside panel questioning ICANN’s grounds for the latest rejection.