The Global Domain Market in 2011: Key Events. The .XXX Domain
In 2011, the first websites in the .XXX domain zone, a special domain for pornographic resources, began appearing in the global domain name system. Even during the priority registration phase for the .XXX domain, all trademark owners were asked to block domains with their names to protect themselves from other companies or users using their trademarks.
Free registration in .XXXstartedIn early December, the .XXX domain name priority registration period lasted from September 7 to October 28, 2011. During this period, applications were accepted for domains from adult industry representatives who held exclusive rights to trademarks registered before September 1, 2011. In addition, during this period, adult industry representatives who wished to obtain a .XXX domain name confusingly similar to their second- or third-level domain name in other top-level domains could obtain their domains. The Landrush period for .XXX domains, which began on November 8, accepted applications from adult industry representatives who were not eligible to apply during the first priority registration period.
Domains in .XXX will cost registrantsmore expensiveregular – from $60 to $100 per year.
The introduction of this domain extension has sparked significant protests both in society and within the pornography industry. Pornography industry representatives believe that moving all pornographic sites to a single domain extension will significantly reduce traffic to existing erotic content sites. This is due to the ease with which such resources can be blocked.
The Free Speech Coalition, an organization representing the interests of pornographic content producers, even prepared to challenge the creation of the .XXX domain.
It's worth remembering that the first attempts to create the .XXX domain appeared back in 2001, but the final decision to create the domain only came in 2011.
The domain administrator, ICM Registry, announced its readinessblockdomains that do not comply with the rules for the functioning of the domain zone.
Many celebrities—actors, performers, and musicians—have decided to block .XXX domains associated with their names. Domain blocking is permanent, and those whose domains are blocked include Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Donald Trump, Barack Obama, David Cameron, Jimi Hendrix, Marilyn Monroe, and Justin Bieber.
Domain market analysts estimate that 80% of .XXX domains will have no connection to the porn industry, and will be registered to protect their brands.
