Pressure mounts on Icann to approve .xxx domain

Icann approved the .xxx domain in 2004 but then reversed its decision

ICM Registry, which has applied for the .xxx internet domain, has called on the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (Icann) to approve its application without further delay.

The company has argued that the .xxx internet domain should be approved for porn site use, allowing parents and businesses to easily configure browsers or filters to automatically block sites that carry the domain.

However, the argument has met with opposition from church groups, which argue that the generic domain name will create a "worldwide red-light district for the internet".

Others have maintained that, if the .xxx domain is only voluntary, adult sites will still be able to use .com, which could give parents a false sense of security if Icann approves the domain.

ICM Registry first submitted its application for the .xxx domain six years ago. Icann approved the application in 2005, and entered into an agreement with ICM Registry regarding technical and commercial terms.

However, Icann reversed its decision in March 2007. An independent review panel was called to look into why Icann had changed its mind, and concluded that the body had been under pressure from the US government.

The panel said that Icann's reconsideration of the ICM Registry application was a violation of its own bylaws as well as international law. Yet, Icann did not have to abide by the panel's decision.

"Only one course of action is now available to Icann to correct that error: enter into a registry agreement with ICM with no further delay," said ICM Registry in its response (PDF) to Icann's reply to the panel's decision.

"Despite Icann staff's attempts to confuse the issue, there is no reason why the delay between the submission and approval of ICM's application and the approval of the registry agreement requires the imposition of additional processes, especially as the delay was entirely the result of Icann's own actions."

The registry said it is open to negotiations with Icann over the specific terms
of that agreement, "so long as the final terms are consistent with the terms in
the agreements negotiated with other registry operators from the 2004 round".