In a move that has surprised many Internet observers, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), has approved the creation of a new ‘xxx’ suffix for use by Internet pornography sites.
A spokesman for the non-profit body, which is responsible for assigning domain names and IP addresses, said the .xxx category would be dedicated to adult-oriented and sexual content sites applying for it, and would route Internet users more specifically and directly, in addition to making it easier for regulators and other interested parties to isolate such sites.
Industry experts have pointed out that an online gambling-specific domain might be a good idea for reputable and legal operators, more closely embracing the concept of transparency and possibly appealing to regulators and Internet users alike as a clear indication of the site content and purpose.